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United Vacations

Is This Your Business?
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2.0

Overall Score

Author: Kalicia Bateman

LAST UPDATED: April 3rd, 2022

Those who use United for their airfare needs can take advantage of the United Vacations service which pulls the best fares, and often times, other booking accommodations. United Vacations has partnerships with over 50,000 resorts and 10,000 activities in over 400 destinations. Destinations range from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. United Vacations is the leisure vacation product aligned with United Airlines and operated by The Mark Travel Corporation. 

Keep reading for United Vacations pros and cons. 

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The Good

  • Accommodations
  • Tools & Resources
  • Rewards Program

Accommodations

As part of United Airlines, United Vacations works to provide the best value vacation at the lowest cost (at least for the actual flight portion of the trip). In addition to booking a flight with United, United Vacations allows individual or parties to book hotels, rental cars, and other vacation activities all on one platform. These accommodations can be bundled for additional savings as well. Travelers can use United Vacations for domestic or international traveling purposes and save with their booking strategy. The platform is designed to provide a one-stop service for users conducting travel research.

Tools & Resources

While United Vacations may specialize on the flights side of booking travel, they also offer a number of tools and resources to prospective travelers to provide the best possible booking experience. These tools and resources include:

  • MileagePlus - this is the loyalty program affiliated with United Airlines which offers exclusive ways to earn bonus award miles
  • Vacation Protection - travelers can cancel for any reason prior to departure. This comes with price protection and during-travel insurance including travel assistance, baggage protection, trip interruption/delay reimbursement, medical coverage, etc.
  • Groups Your Way Feature - offers flexible options for those planning on traveling in groups. This feature will allow travelers to book the entire vacation together.

Rewards Program

One of the more financially-based benefits of using United Vacations is their unique reward/bonus system. Whether it is for leisure or business, the MileagePlus program allows travelers to rake up bonus rewards and save on future expeditions. Exclusives associated with the MileagePlus program for those that book through the platform include:

  • Add Up The Miles - Earn up to 2,000 miles when booking with United First or United Business (on any international or Hawaii vacation package)
  • Domestic and Canadian Destinations - travelers can earn 500 miles booking to these destinations
  • Promotional Offers - book promotional offers to earn additional miles

All of the rewards programs/credit cards are not necessarily equal in terms or earning or redeeming points. Furthermore, travelers who decide to enroll and use the MileagePlus Explorer card can also expound on the original rewards system for additional bonuses. These include:

  • Earnings - United MileagePlus Explorer cardmembers earn 2 miles for each $1 spent on United Vacation purchases
  • Baggage Bonuses - cardmembers and one companion will receive the first standard checked bag free

Customers who are incentivized based on rewards programs may want to look further into the United Vacations platform. The United Vacations rewards program through MileagePlus offers one of the most complete and comprehensive rewards programs available through a travel agency. Those who find themselves on United flights often could benefit from utilizing the United Vacations rewards program for additional discounts and mileage bonuses.

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The Bad

  • No Comparison Feature
  • Restrictions
  • Exceptions & Exclusions

No Comparison Feature

Since United Vacations is a branch of the United Airlines service, their goal is to ensure travelers use their airline when traveling. There is no comparison feature that allows users to look at other airlines to see if there are better rates to their desired location. So while a user may get the best deal on United, they are not necessarily guaranteed the best rate available.

Restrictions

Restrictions associated with destinations is something international travelers should take note of. Compared to other online travel booking sites, United Vacations is somewhat limited in terms of the destinations available for booking. While there are a number of countries and regions travelers available, there are some limitations and steep prices associated with a number of those international destinations. Even the most comprehensive rewards programs have downfalls.

Exceptions & Exclusions

Whether booking for leisure or business purposes, there will be some exceptions and exclusions. While United Vacations boasts of their "specialty vacation" packages, they do not allow travelers to book cruises. The specialty vacations United Vacations does book include:

  • Family
  • Honeymoon
  • Luxury
  • Escorted Tours
  • Ski and Dive
  • Group Travel
  • Disney Vacations
  • Sustainable Travel

All of these options make up a solid vacation platform, but they are missing the ever-popular cruise option which a number of travelers using a travel agency are interested in. It is important to note that the speciality vacations option does allow for a payment plan, requiring travelers to put $200 down and then pay for the rest of the vacation at a later time.

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The Bottom Line

Regularly United customers will likely appreciate the United Vacation branch of their service. United Vacations is an excellent option for those who already use United as part of their regular travel plan, but not necessarily designed for those who are not traditionally United customers. Between the rewards program and other savings associated with using United, travelers can maximize their earnings and save on travel reservations. Those who use United Travel to book their business or leisurely travel can expect the following from the platform:

  • Travel Management - Book and manage entire trip itinerary
  • Rewards Program - MileagePlus program to earn more miles
  • Scarce Destinations - Limited travel destinations/vacation types
  • Additional Savings - Bundle booking to save money

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Star Rating

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1.1

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38 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

3%

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1 grade

97%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Wlodek Zawadzki Waukesha, WI

Our vacation was cut one day short. We paid for 7 ended up with 6 nights no refund due to the incompetent service of United Airlines. on Sunday 2/27/22 flight # 1270 from Chicago to Punta Cana, No stuff to help, we wait for 2 hours in lines, I asked a supervisor for help with 0 support. Complete nightmare, We were rebooked for the next day's flight 2/28/22. Never received a refund for one day state at Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana. At first, UA blamed us, then on the resort, We found out later that the flight was overbooked. We found it from our resort when we came on the next day, Also resort told us that the resort was overbooked also, and on 2/27/22 they sent some people to different resorts. I would advise staying away from this company. They do not care about us, customers Wlodek Zawadzki

4 years ago

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Jen Lyndhurst, NJ

We booked a trip to Jamaica in April 2020. We were forced to cancel bc all flights were barred into the island due to covid. We did not purchase travel protection because the person I was going with did not want to and I couldn't afford to pay for 2. When we canceled they refunded the resort portion and we were given a flight credit totaling almost $1500. We were told several times we had 2 years to use said flight credit. Multiple times of going back and forth with United Airlines and them saying we had no credit with them. And months of trying to get to the bottom of it with United Vacations with no success. This passed week I sat on the phone for 2.5 hours just to then be disconnected by the rep. Back and forth with emails getting different answers or cut and pasted bs from their reps, we are basically screwed out of almost $1500. DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY. They are unwilling to work with you. But more importantly did not honor what they said when we booked and canceled.

4 years ago

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MadAlice Me Winchester, VA

NEVER-EVER-EVER book a package deal with United Airlines! Worst experience I have EVER had with ANY company. It's comparable to a scam-if there is a problem United refuses to help you because it's handled by their "package department," and the "customer service" for their package company (Priceline I guess it is) is completely useless, rude, incompetent, and THEY LIE. Short version: United Airlines blames United packages, & United Packages blames United Airlines, both saying they "can't do anything because of the other company." They tell you that you can make changes & you'll only pay for the "DIFFERENCE in price" but what they really do is charge you in full for a brand new airline ticket. And forget about upgrades. Long version: I chose 2 non-stops because I have severe spine problems and it's easier for me to just get on a plane & ride it out until the end. Somehow after I paid and received the itinerary I was given a connecting return flight. It made my return flight 9.5 hours instead of 4.5! I called immediately and was told that I could not change the flight until 24 hours had passed. Mind you I could cancel the whole thing inside that 24 hours but I decided not to cancel because their process was a huge ordeal & I was led to believe I could easily change the flight the next day. The price difference showing at that time for the flight I wanted was only $2.00. So I called back 24 hours later, I get told it's not really 24 hours-I have to wait about 30 hours. I call back 30 hours later, the flight is now listed as $20 higher. During this entire process I have made probably 30 calls to these people and spoken to two supposed "supervisors," I have been hung up on 4 times. Been transferred around several times-after one transfer the rep pretended he couldn't hear me & he hung up! I have been told everything from; 1. you can't change the flight for 24...no wait 30 hours, 2. you can't change the flight because the one you want leaves 4 minutes earlier than the one you're booked on (WHAT?!), 3. you can't change the flight because there are absolutely zero seats left WHAT?!...that's a complete lie. Then they basically called me a liar as well. I finally get a rep on the line that I think will help me out. She tells me there is actually no price difference & she can change it! I'm almost in tears of gratitude. Then she says she was confused on the date of travel and it will actually be $300 a person to change the flight! I am sitting there looking at the package--looking at the flight that I actually chose and the only change would be $20pp. The girl tries to then tell me that I must be looking at the United site & that's why it's showing only $20. I tell her no I am looking at the package website. Then she flips the script & says well, the airline price difference must be $300 & they have to go by what the airline lists the price as because if I change the flights it is actually no longer a package at all. Then they offer to cancel it all for fees of course. Except they can't even cancel it all- they can only cancel the flight & I'd have to be transferred to someone to try to cancel the hotel & who knows what those fees would be-then I would have to rebook the whole thing. Confused by this review? Yeah, you should try dealing with "United Packages" if you want real confusion. I honestly do not even trust that I will have the room I chose or even any room at all when I show up at my destination. Tomorrow I will call the hotel directly to see if I can get proof from them directly that I have an actual room. As a final pour of salt in the wound, as I sat here writing this a rep from United Airlines called me to see if I had gotten it resolved They explained that when you book through their "United packages" United cannot see any prices & that is why they they cannot make any changes (they can't upgrade you either--even that has to go through the package people!) But if you book a package on a site like Expedia you can make upgrades directly through United Airlines. This United rep also looked up the round trip ticket price for the ticket I wanted...it was $300! So in case you're no longer paying attention what that means is the package department was NOT "changing" my ticket--they were going to make me buy an entirely NEW ticket on top of the "package" and just call it a "change." If that's not a scam I don't know what is. I'll never book with United Packages ever again- in fact I don't ever want to fly with United again either!! Don't put your name on something if you refuse to stand by it.

4 years ago

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Kamaryn Long Grove City, OH

IF "0 " was available that is what they would deserve! I booked a vacations package on united vacations - and then tried to change my flight time- of course they said it was booked through THRID party... how ??I booked on United vacations website. Then it said I had option to cancel and would receive travel credits- then upon talking with chat agent they advised me I had forfeited my entire deposit of $500. Wow united I will never have any dealings with a company that does their customers in that manner. It is terrible they could not have even provided a travel credit. seems like they are just stealing customers money.

5 years ago

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Peter Spall Freehold, NJ

If I could give United Vacations 0 stars I would!! Wrote an initial email complaining about a HORRIFIC vacation I had at the RIU Palace Antillas in Aruba. The 1st email I wrote them was on July 27th. After 7 days and not even an email back from United Vacations acknowledging that it was received, I wrote a second email on August 4th. Called their customer post-travel complaint number yesterday morning. When I was connected I was told I had a 47 minute hold time. 3 hours and 20 minutes later I was still being told my hold time was 47 minutes. I gave up!! Book your vacations on your own!!!! Use anyone else but United Vacations!!! Lotza Luck!!

5 years ago

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James Springfield, VA

The worse company I have ever dealt with in US--- This company is part of Apple travel and is not related t United Airlines Please--- please never deal with them - I have purchased a vacation package and within a few hours I cancelled it (based on their rules if I cancel within 24 hours, the refund whole amount)- after a week, they reduced my refund by hundreds and I did not accept it- customer service said we refund your whole money in less than a week- NOW after 30 days they have not refund my money and do not let me o talk to a supervisor- every time I asked to talk to a supervisor they put me on hold for over one hour and then they cut me off.

5 years ago

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Frog Rapid City, SD

This is not in anyway, from what I can see affiliated with "United." They are unaccommodating and you will be unable to deal directly with the Airline if you need to make any type of change. I will never do business with this company and find it unfathomable that they use the name and logo for a company that they are not!!! I was unable to get my issues resolved with customer service and while they said changes were related to "policy," three different customer service reps gave me differing amounts for cancelation fees. One would think these fees for the same reservation would not vary by 100.00's of dollars depending on which representative you spoke with?? I will never deal with this company again and would never refer a friend.

5 years ago

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Tellis Austin, TX

I have previously used United Vacations for all of my travel. I usually take at least two trips a year. My wife and I take a trip and then we'll take a trip with the children. This last experience was absolutely horrible. I don't normally write reviews and definitely wouldn't write a negative review off of just one bad experience. We traveled in June '21 to Punta Cana for our anniversary vacation. We booked in August 2020 for Chic Punta Cana. Chic is an adults only property. We paid $600 ($300 per person) for the Diamond Club Ocean View Junior Suite upgrade. About a month before we traveled, United Vacations emailed saying that they were relocating us to Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana because of an issue with Chic but assured us that we were getting a "similar room category". Upon arrival at the resort, I see children. Im already upset. Get to the room, its not a junior suite and definitely no ocean view. It's on the first floor looking out to some bushes. Not even a pool view. I go talk to the resort and they tell me to call the travel agency. Apparently everyone that booked at Chic were relocated. They also told me that they told United Vacations that they had no ocean view or junior suites available for our stay there. I call United Vacations and sit on hold for over an hour. Someone picks up and hangs up. I call back at wait another hour. Same thing. Call again finally get someone on the line. I express my frustrations. We consider changing resorts. She tells me that I would be responsible for any additional costs and that she could only tell me what those costs were after she heard from the resort as to what they would penalize me. She said she'd call when she heard back. I get a call the next day with price estimates ranging from $500-$900 more. I told her that was ridiculous because there was not that much of a difference when booked. She explained that rates changed between when we booked in August 2020 to now. Makes sense but that really isn't my problem especially if we're not getting what we initially paid for. Asked what happened to the extra $600 we paid for the upgrade. She basically said that we forfeit any additional monies in the switch. So when you downgrade me, United Vacations keeps my extra money but we have to pay extra to get what we already paid extra for? It was our anniversary and we only wanted to enjoy the trip. Figured we'd pay whatever to move. Now we had to wait for the resort to tell us how much we would be penalized for the day because checkout time was at 11am. The rep didn't call me until 1045. She said she would call back to set up the move for (hopefully) today but tomorrow for sure. She didn't call back. I call again a couple times on day 3 before finally giving up. I spent a total of 6hrs+ of INTERNATIONAL MINUTES trying to get this resolve. It was never resolved. Filed a post travel claim when I got home. I was told that they would reach out to the resort to see what the resort was willing to offer as compensation. I expressed to them that my issue is not so much with the resort as it is with United Vacations. I paid United Vacations to book my travel. I didn't get the resort requested and none of the amenities we paid extra for. Fast forward to TWO WEEKS later....I call United Vacations for an update. They offer me $152 (total) as compensation. I clarify as to whether or not that comes from the resort or United Vacations. She says that is from the resort. And what about United Vacations. They were not willing to offer anything. Only saying that they were forced to move me to that resort. When I reminded the rep that they book for several properties in Punta Cana and could've chosen any one of those. It is United Vacations responsibility to confirm amenities and contact me to see if I am willing to accept a downgrade AND refund me any additional monies. The rep took that as a personal attack against her and proceeded to yell and argue with me. At one point saying that it is an "adult only" resort and that she books it all the time and everyone else loves it. After waiting for her to stop yelling, I tell that Im not going to argue with her first of all. I ask if she has ever been to this property. She answers NO! I explain that the Hideaway at Royalton is cluster of rooms where children are not allowed but it sits in the center of a family resort. All common areas, children. The restaurants, children. The beach, children. The pools, children. I tell her that not allowing children to sleep in certain rooms does not make it an adults only property. And that all she had to do was read the reviews on the property and she will see that others have complained about the same exact thing. Will be making another complaint on the rep and NEVER using United Vacations again. Which sucks because I had just received my Gateway Mileage Plus card a few days before this trip.

5 years ago

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Meg Wamsley Tucson, AZ

I am an experienced Travel Agent, and I have to say that my experience with United Vacations/Apple Leisure Group over the last year and a half has been the worst I have ever encountered. I could go on and on, but let me just sum it up by saying the information they give you on the phone and by email is inconsistent and incorrect. They make false promises that they don't live up to. It is IMPOSSIBLE to speak to a supervisor when you have a problem. When you email customer service, don't expect them to actually read it. You will just get their ridiculously insulting canned response. They go out of their way to not help in any way. If their agent tells you they will email you back with a resolution, they won't. My advice is simply do not book with them or with any other company that Apple Leisure Group represents. Their call center agents are not knowledgeable or helpful and each time you speak with someone different, you get a different answer. If you have already booked something and are fighting with them (like I am) to get them to honor what they've promised in the past, whether a refund or a credit, record your call (be sure to tell them you are doing this because it's illegal to not disclose). Try disputing with your credit card company if you can, and as a last resort seek the help of an attorney. Last of all, please remember that United Vacations is not the same as United Airlines. They are just the company that books vacation packages that include United flights.

5 years ago

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INFINITE_15 Bastrop, LA

Booked in April 2021 - for a June trip- paid in full - got an email May 28th from United stating they had cancelled our flights and had no transfer options avail- left a number for me to call and get a refund - held for 2 hours only to be told that they recommended cancelling the entire trip and getting back on line and trying again- and that I’d have a refund in 7-10 days because they cancelled the flights- that didn’t happen and now I’m being told that my refund may take up to 60 days- so now we have no vacation and no money to book something else for our vacation because they won’t even give me my money back for two months - almost sounds like a scam- I am now finding out that Apple leisure group services United vacations and they have an F rating with the better business bureau- sad for a family trying to finally take a family vacation after this pandemic crisis to find all this out now- I’m generally not a review writer but this experience needs to be shared- there is a big difference in issuing my $7k refund in 7-10 days or 30-60 days - at this point I’m not sure whose responsible for my refund - Apple leisure group or united? United Vacations charged my card back in April so they should be issuing the refund and not in two months - they cancelled these flights not me- they need to give me my money back so I can figure out where we can go from here- families are all trying to get some sort of life back and family travel/vacations are huge for essential worker families - i couldn’t be more disappointed - there are other travel companies and other airlines- choose them

5 years ago

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Mike P Highland Mills, NY

Last year, my family of 5 booked a vacation (airline and hotel) to Orlando but due to Covid, the trip was canceled. United Vacations said I could lose $200/ person ($1,000) on a $2,300 trip or wait until 2022 to rebook another trip. Now that things have eased with Covid and we are vaccinated, my wife and I were planning a get away for the two of us to celebrate a milestone birthday. We call United to rebook, using our $2,300 and we’re told that we lose $600 if our 3 children did not join us on the trip. The agent could not explain why we couldn’t use all our money and refused to connect us with a supervisor. We said we would consider our options. Then, unprompted, we received a trip cancellation and were told we lost $1,000!!! They are criminals...stole our money, plain and simple. DO NOT USE UNTIED VACATIONS!!!!!

5 years ago

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JV Carthage, NC

We booked a Caribbean vacation on line initially with the intent of using the united chase charge card. Complications started almost immediately over a holiday weekend not getting an immediate card approval we had to charge 250 for down payment to hold on another card. Approval came the next day and trying to contact united vacations is almost impossible average wait on my attempts 1+30. The hours information on the web site is not correct, the policy broadcast during hold apparently does not apply to united vacations, they are not associated with united airlines, also their supervisors are not taking calls. We rebooked and payed for entire trip a second time to get the united card benefits, ual vacations didn't assist and would not return initial deposit not their policy regardless what the message says. Oh yah after i cancelled original trip they also decided to cancel our paid trip without notification. I found out by accident 3 weeks before our departure and after receiving their email preparing for my upcoming trip same day. Oh ya still waiting for email response to several messages over a month ago. Just saying really a poor experience and no UAL back up...

5 years ago

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Lori Castellani New City, NY

If I could give a zero I would. I am not sure where to begin.  My friend and I had to cancel our trip originally planned for February due to covid.  I have tried 5 times to call and rebook.  Every time I have called I have waited in an excess of 3 hours each time.  The last time I called someone answered after 3 hours and 8 minutes and they went to transfer me and I was disconnected.  The last time someone answered after waiting 4 hours on hold and she told me that she was going to look into flights and she has not put me on hold for an additional hour and she never returned.  Then she sent me an email that she was disconnected and would work on sending me options through email.  Again that did not happen.  I have also spoken to 3 different people that have given me 3 different answers to how long I have to rebook and every time I speak to someone I get a different answer. I am speechless and I dont know what I am supposed to do at this point.  I have a limited time to rebook and I can not get anyone to rebook this trip for me.  I am going to put in a complaint with my credit card company at this point and ask them to investigate the charge for this vacation and tell them that it is fraudulent because nobody will speak to me to rebook this trip.  

5 years ago

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Stephen W Coupland, TX

Worst customer service!! I booked an all inclusive to Mexico paying for flight and resort. I chose a room category from their website and when I called the resort to ask questions non room related. The reservation person at the resort said our rooms are located at the old runned down side of the resort. On my reservations email it says I'm on the new side and a rep from United Vacations sent two emails saying that my rooms are on the new side which shows on my reservations. After calling United and staying on the phone forever(2hrs), a 800 agent looked into the details on the computer and he said it says your room is on the older side. I asked to speak to his supervisor and he was very unprofessional on his response and left me on hold to talk to his supervisor for one and a half hours. Never the less, I received a phone call for my work that I had to pick up. I will never use United for anything in my future plans!!

5 years ago

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LW Wayne, NJ

On December 31, 2019 my husband and I booked a trip with United Vacations to Sarasota Fl, for dates April 7 -10, 2020. The total cost of the trip was $1996.83. That included car, hotel and airfare. When news of the coronavirus broke out we decided to cancel the trip. I don't remember the date of my first phone call to United Vacations, but it was when United Airlines first stated that they would waive change fees, but would allow a credit for future travel. The agent for United Vacations said that we were only allowed to rebook the package and we would have to pay any difference in price if it were to change as a result of the new reservation. However, if the price were to decrease, we would not be able to get a credit nor refund. We decided to leave the package in tack as a result of this first phone call. On March 16 as the news of the coronavirus escalated we decided to cancel our trip. I spoke to Marissa 3/16/20. She said that we could cancel our hotel and car reservation and receive a $1115.23 credit issued back to our credit card within 14-21 business days. She informed us that we would get an airline credit of $881.60 and a change fee would be waived by United Airlines. In order to use that credit, we would need to use our flight number to access our credit for a future flight on the United.com website. When I went onto United Airlines to check on that information, I had no credit for a future flight. The information on the website said I would need to contact the travel company if my tickets were issued through them. By the way Marissa never gave me an email, which I asked for, explaining what she had said. She said they don't send out emails, but the conversations are recorded and notes are taken so other representatives could see what the correspondence has been between the parties involved. My reservation number would be my cancellation number. She reassured me I would still be able to use my flight number for future airline tickets. I was able to go onto United Vacations and screen shot an image saying my reservation was cancelled. On April 2, 2020 I contacted United Vacations again and spoke to Nancy who now told me information that was different from the first 2 phone calls I made to United Vacations. Nancy informed me that I was entitled to a credit of $1396.83, but United Vacations policy was to charge each person in the package a $300 cancellation fee, which in my case would total $600. However, I could rebook by trip and travel by December 31, 2020. I explained to her that this information was totally different from what Marissa had told me. I told her that there should be notes that she could look up about the conversation I had with Marissa. I asked to speak to a supervisor. Her name was Whitney. She reiterated what Nancy had told me however, she said that travel could take place up to December 2021. Again, another discrepancy. I asked if United Vacations was being flexible as a result of the crisis that not only our country, but the world is facing. She said it was not their policy. I explained to her that there is a worldwide pandemic. That the president of the United States is urging all to forgo all non-essential travel, airlines are cancelling flights, that Florida is requiring all travelers from the NY, NJ, Conn area coming into Florida be put in 14 day quarantine. I told her these are extraordinary times and I couldn't believe that United Vacations is not making any exceptions. I even asked if the cancellation penalty could be reduced as a result of the crisis and she said no. I also pointed out that every person I spoke to at United Vacations gave me different information. All she was able to do was apology. She also informed me that my refund in the amount of $1396.83 would now take 90 days to appear on my credit card. This is contradicts what I was originally told about how long refunds would take when I called on 3/16. I am in utter shock as a result of my dealing with United Vacations. Their policy during a national emergency is unacceptable and their miscommunication is horrendous. Everyone had something different to say. These are difficult times for everyone. United Airlines has made amendments to their change fee policies, however, United Vacations has not. I understand they are not affiliated with United Airlines, but most companies within the United States are trying to accommodate American citizens as a result of this pandemic. United Vacations is being unreasonable and inflexible. These are troubling times for everyone and has caused financial hardships. United Vacations expectations are unreasonable since we don't know when life will be normal again, especially when experts are predication another wave of the virus in the fall or winter. Never book with them again!!!

6 years ago

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Alex L. Union City, CA

As the customer I feel completely ripped off from this fake “United” company. It Is not actually opened by united airlines and is just a scammy travel agency that they partner with. I booked a US air/hotel together. It is March 2020 and the event I was traveling to was canceled because of the corona virus. “United Travel” charges $600 to cancel more that 8 days before the departure dates. Both the airline (United) and hotel (Holiday Inn) would change or cancel the reservation for no fee at this time. Because I booked through this scam of a business they charge insane fees to cancel during a worldwIde health crisis. Wish I would’ve read reviews before I made the mistake of booking through them. Take your business elsewhere.

6 years ago

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Angry Boulder, CO

This is the worst service I’ve ever dealt with. I called to book a $12K vacation in Cancun thinking they were associated with united airlines. They are not! I booked a trip and was told I had 24 hours to cancel. When I called 20 hours later, I was told that there was only a refund for the united airlines plane tickets and the hotel was non-refundable. That is NOT what the agent told me on the phone. Also my confirmation email did not mention the separate hotel policy. When I explained that the agent assured me of a 100% refund, a new agent put me on hold for 40 minutes while she “chatted” with her supervisor. Then she told me her supervisor was busy and she would send an email to customer service and call them right away. Then they told me it would be an hour wait for customer service. So I waited. Then they told me I needed to wait for them to resolve it with the hotel. They are liars and frauds. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY. I will be speaking with my attorney to manage the expense I incurred and have not been refunded.

6 years ago

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Anthony Staten Island, NY

Worst website in the world. Biggest scam ever seen. Basically a regular travel agency that works from home! 90 min to 120 min waiting time on the phone! Hopefully you never have a death in the family after you book through them. If I just booked from the actuall United airline it would of cost me 500 for two people and get money back after showing a death certificate. Instead since I booked through United vacation they wanted 1,800 with no money back and trying to make me just cancel my trip and rebook another time! This was the worst experience in traveling I have ever had. One last thing my group of 20 people switched vacations because they did not want to go to punta Cana after all the deaths switched to Bahamas. Didn’t seem that difficult until after talking to everyone and realizing everyone paid a different price to change ranging from 200 to 500 dollars a person. This once again is the biggest scam and so unhelpful. First and last time I will write a review on anything but for a family death is unbelievable!

7 years ago

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EVELINA TENG El Cerrito, CA

I want to give a "0" rating for United Vacation. I booked flight from United Airlines website and joined United Vacation package through the same website on May 27, 2019 and paid Vacation Protection for $201.98. They booked hotel but didn't pay when I arrived at the hotel. I called several phone numbers to contact and hotel stuff did so, but just asked us to hold over one hour. I was so tired, so I paid the deposit and 3 days hotel fee. I found the vacation package price is not cheaper. I sent an email to them for what was happening. Hotel received the money when I check out on Monday. United Vacation didn't give a call, text or email at all. They didn't even say "Sorry!". I never book United Vacation again!

7 years ago

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C Mango Brielle, NJ

If I could give them 0 stars or negative that would be a gift! The worst worst customer service ever! You call and speak to agents in Mexico working out of their home, they tell you they are transferring you to a manager and nothing happens on hold hours, multiple calls and nothing! I’m filing a small claims suit against them for my $$$ and never dealing with them again. United Airlines should be ashamed of themselves for being affiliated with this scam operation

4 years ago

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Dabney Leon Houston, TX

Worst in everything, they don't refund your money. They don't have a supervisor or manager who can help you or to be transfer. They said that they will call you or email you and then you don't receive nothing. If you want to add some features like excurtions and you already paid your vacations you cannot do it. Worst customer service.Worst expirience. I don't recommend them.

4 years ago

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Unhappy Colorado Springs, CO

Don't trust the online system to actually cancel your reservation! I followed the rules and canceled properly on time and even received a cancelation code. Lo and behold, they did not actually cancel my reservation. I'm in a cycle of phone calls trying to get this straightened out and get my refund. The customer service keeps putting me on hold to contact the property even though the error is on their end not the property's. It's ridiculous!

4 years ago

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AC Carmel, IN

Absolutely the worst experience I’ve ever had in planning a vacation. They have over $6500 of my money for the past two years and I still cannot get my refund. I have spent hours on the phone and sent at least 10 messages. I’ve acknowledged that there will be an $800 deductible for cancelling flights but now they want to take an additional 25% off the refund. I will never ever use them again. Absolute scam and nobody in the refund division will speak to me just canned email messages. Disgraceful service

4 years ago

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Chris Costantino Rittman, OH

Horrible customer service!!!! Refusing to provide a refund or travel credit even though Tahiti is under a level 4 Covid advisory which states US citizens should not travel there. Tahiti is also under a curfew, which does not allow tourist to leave the resort!!! Unbelievable!!!! This company should not be in business!!! 96 percent negative reviews and travel agencies are still using them??? Criminal!!!!

5 years ago

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Ian Milefchik Cypress, TX

Absolutely terrible experience and I haven't even traveled yet. IMPOSSIBLE to get thru to customer service line. I've been on hold for no less than 6 HOURS today!! Attempting to change a return flight due to a family emergency and there's literally nobody to help. United Airlines says any changes must be made thru United Vacation even though the confirmation number and flight are UNITED, I have been a long time United customer, flown several times this year (its really the only airline I fly) and will never ever again. Disappointing is more than an understatement. Stay away

5 years ago

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Greg Hampton Spring, TX

I booked a vacation to Florida on United vacations thru a travel agent. Two days after we booked we saw that a hurricane was headed right toward Florida. So we canceled the trip. United refuses to give our money back. They said because we used a travel agent we can only get a credit . We were sold insurance, but they claim it was for a credit. Now we are out of our money. My family really could use that money. We might go hungry now. Don’t use United Vacations.

5 years ago

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Brian Wiggs Portland, OR

Recieved a credit for a trip planned in 2020 tried to use it recently and there is no way to use it on line. Spent over 2.Hrs. on hold so far . paid a deposit on a trip as the deals and resorts change by the min. now trying to use the credit and get the deposit refunded that is holding the only spot at the resort we want to dive at. This will be the last time I ever fly united for anything. i would rather drive or walk. The customer service at united Vacations is below sub par more like non existant.

5 years ago

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Harry VA

DO NOT USE! United Vacations is NOT a part of United Airlines. United will not help in any fashion with anything booked with United Vacations. United Vacations' customer service is terrible. I have spoken to 9 different agents to get my deposits moved from my pre-COVID July 2020 reservations (12 for entire family) to post-COVID July 2021 updated reservations. This process has been going on for 3 months. My flights on United have been changed because I have been unable to make payments on the reservations because the deposits haven't been transferred. Do not use this company!

5 years ago

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Natasha Walker Friendswood, TX

I am a travel agent and I have booked a ton of vacations through this provider only to learn that they are the armpit of vacation providers. HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE who literally avoids to take calls at all cost. They will pick up and hang up on you just to act like they are doing their job. Of all of the vacation providers I work with this provider is THE WORST! Furthermore they are usually rude and short with you on the phone and talk over you. I literally HATE this vacation provider.

5 years ago

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Jeanne Furman Carson City, MI

We booked with United Vacations thinking they were a reliable company since a link to their site is directly on United Airlines. We were wrong! Due to COVID19, we had to cancel our trip. United Vacations refused to refund our money. I had to file a dispute with our credit card company to finally get their attention. They still kept $300 a person ($1200) for our family. This company is a scam! Avoid doing any business with them!

6 years ago

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GAIL S PICKETT Windsor, CO

Do I really have to give this one star, they don't even deserve that. thisis the worst. I booked a vacation to Hawaii. I booked at a hotel they recommended and highly rated. It was so awful I can't describ it adequately. It looked like the kind of place you would rent by the hour. the carpets were filthy. United Vacations said they were going to "investigate" my claims. Never heard from them again. Do not use this agency. When there are so many good travel agencies why would anyone ever use this awful company?

6 years ago

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Tomas J. Rochester, NY

worst experience in my entire life, customer service is very very bad, gotta be waiting for someone to pick up phone literally for hours. every single employee at united is unhappy and and bad customer service skills. i would give united zero!

4 years ago

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DEE Arvada, CO

They are unethical and dishonest. Constantly changing their rules regarding future travel credits owed to customers from last year. Their idea of customer service is to ignore you. The hold time at the Helpless desk is hours long and the agents there are so confused they cant give accurate info. Buyer beware!

4 years ago

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Brandon Light Austin, TX

Short and sweet, right? DO NOT USE THIS PHONY TRAVEL AGENCY! We booked a vacation and arrived to NOT what we booked. Absolutely no help from United in any way. No email response, no nothing. United Vacations and Apple Leisure Group will be reported to the BBB.

5 years ago

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StringedUp Conroe, TX

Did not get good service from United Vacaions / United Packages. Almost impossible to make changes to your itineraries. Do not recommend.... buy through United or any other airline without using the package deals.

5 years ago Edited September 20, 2021

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MARTY Pleasanton, CA

Nearly impossible to get in touch! Wait times are over 60min. And no one calls back. My travel is coming up and can't get travel docs ....

5 years ago

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CMB New Rochelle, NY

Over a year later still waiting on refund

5 years ago