READER'S VIEW: Buyer beware when it comes to web purchases

I KNOW I am a computer dummy but usually I can book my flights. On Thursday I decided to find cheap seats through a website that specialises in this.

I KNOW I am a computer dummy but usually I can book my flights. On Thursday I decided to find cheap seats through a website that specialises in this.

What an experience. I booked return tickets for $180 which I thought good. When the tickets came through as an email, they were for pm not am. I sent numerous emails to no avail.

My husband found a telephone number so I spoke to a foreign gentleman who quoted me $70 to cancel tickets and $184 for a one-way ticket, then he mentioned in passing the price was USD.

On inquiry it turned out that all prices were USD (United States Dollars) so the $70 cancellation fee became $97 and the $184 fare one-way became $220. So much for cheap flights.

I cancelled and then booked with Qantas return for $260. Buyer beware. How can the prices be quoted in USD here in Australia?

I contacted my local member who told me on investigation that the fine print said USD and all disputes must be settled in San Diego.

I am now planning to go to computer classes.

Helen M Wyland

The Range

Originally published as READER'S VIEW: Buyer beware when it comes to web purchases