Firstinthesky.com Review

Based on looking at the website Firstinthesky.com, the platform aims to provide discounted business and first-class flights, emphasizing luxury travel at more accessible prices.

However, a detailed review of the website reveals several areas that warrant caution for potential users, particularly concerning transparency and the booking process.

The site heavily relies on a “request a quote” model rather than direct online booking, which can be a red flag for modern digital consumers expecting immediate price comparisons and booking capabilities.

Here’s an overall review summary:

• Website Transparency: Lacks clear, upfront pricing and direct booking functionality.
• Booking Process: Primarily relies on quote requests, which can be time-consuming and opaque.
• Customer Support: Phone number provided, but the lack of online chat or comprehensive FAQs limits immediate support.
• Price Clarity: Sample prices are listed but explicitly state they “may not include taxes,” leading to potential hidden costs.
• Ethical Considerations General: While discounted travel itself isn’t unethical, the lack of transparency in pricing and the reliance on a quote system can be frustrating for consumers seeking straightforward transactions. The nature of high-end travel, while permissible, should always be balanced with responsible spending and avoiding extravagance where simpler, more efficient options suffice.

The site positions itself as a luxury travel facilitator, but its operational model raises questions about user experience and the efficiency of securing a good deal.

Unlike most online travel agencies that offer instant comparisons and direct booking, Firstinthesky.com functions more like a travel broker requiring manual interaction.

This can be a significant drawback for travelers who value speed, clarity, and control over their booking process.

While they claim to offer significant discounts, the lack of immediate comparison with market rates makes it difficult for users to verify these savings independently without engaging in their quote process.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Best Alternatives for Ethical and Transparent Travel Booking

When seeking to book travel, especially for business or personal trips, transparency, ethical practices, and clear pricing are paramount.

Here are some of the best alternatives that offer more direct, transparent, and ethically sound booking experiences:

• Expedia

  

  • Key Features: Comprehensive travel platform for flights, hotels, car rentals, and packages. Offers real-time pricing and direct booking. Loyalty program OneKey provides discounts.
  • Average Price: Varies widely based on destination, class, and time of booking.
  • Pros: Wide selection, transparent pricing, robust search filters, bundle deals often available, 24/7 customer support.
  • Cons: Can sometimes be slightly more expensive than booking directly with airlines, complex cancellation policies depending on the fare.

• Kayak

  • Key Features: A powerful meta-search engine that compares prices from hundreds of travel sites at once. Ideal for finding the absolute lowest fares.
  • Average Price: No direct booking, acts as a price comparison tool.
  • Pros: Excellent for price comparison, includes budget airlines, flexible date search, price alerts.
  • Cons: Redirects to other sites for booking, which means dealing with various third-party terms and conditions. can be overwhelming with too many options.

• Google Flights

  • Key Features: Intuitive interface for flight search, includes price trends, flexible date grid, and map-based exploration for discovering destinations within a budget.
  • Average Price: Free to use for search. prices reflect actual airline fares.
  • Pros: Extremely user-friendly, excellent for finding deals and flexible dates, provides direct links to airline websites for booking, no hidden fees.
  • Cons: Does not include all budget airlines, hotel/car search is separate.

• Booking.com

  • Key Features: While known for hotels, Booking.com also offers flight search and booking. Strong focus on user reviews and a wide range of accommodation options.
  • Average Price: Competitive pricing for flights and accommodation bundles.
  • Pros: User-friendly interface, extensive review system, good for package deals, diverse travel options.
  • Cons: Flight options might be less comprehensive than dedicated flight search engines, customer service can sometimes be slower for complex issues.

• Skyscanner

  • Key Features: Another excellent meta-search engine, particularly strong for finding cheap flights and exploring “Everywhere” destinations. Offers flexible date search and multi-city options.
  • Average Price: Free to use for search. redirects to booking sites.
  • Pros: Finds extremely cheap flights, “Everywhere” feature is great for inspiration, comprehensive search across many airlines including low-cost carriers.
  • Cons: Similar to Kayak, you book through third parties which can add complexity if issues arise.

• Priceline

  • Key Features: Known for its “Name Your Own Price” bidding though less prevalent now and Express Deals for significant discounts. Offers flights, hotels, cars, and cruises.
  • Average Price: Often offers competitive pricing, especially for opaque deals.
  • Pros: Good for finding deep discounts through Express Deals, comprehensive travel services, bundled savings.
  • Cons: Express Deals have opaque details until after purchase e.g., specific airline or hotel name, which might not suit all travelers.

• Trip.com

  • Key Features: A global online travel agency, particularly strong for flights to and from Asia, but also comprehensive for other regions. Offers flights, hotels, trains, and car rentals.
  • Average Price: Competitive, especially for international routes.
  • Pros: Strong international coverage, often good deals on flights, 24/7 customer support, user-friendly mobile app.
  • Cons: Less known in some Western markets, customer service can be hit-or-miss depending on the region.

Firstinthesky.com Review & First Look: A Quoted Luxury Experience

Based on an initial review of Firstinthesky.com, it positions itself as a niche service aiming to provide discounted business and first-class international flights.

The website’s interface is relatively clean, focusing on a clear call to action: requesting a quote.

Unlike mainstream Online Travel Agencies OTAs that offer instant price comparisons and direct booking, Firstinthesky.com operates on a more traditional, personalized brokerage model.

This approach requires users to submit an itinerary request, after which a representative presumably contacts them with pricing options.

While this might appeal to those seeking a tailored service, it inherently lacks the transparency and immediate gratification that most modern digital consumers expect from an online platform.

Website Design and User Experience

The site’s aesthetic is straightforward, with a focus on high-quality travel imagery.

• Navigation: Simple and intuitive, with clear calls to action for flight requests.
• Information Accessibility: Key information, such as the contact number and a brief explanation of their service, is readily available on the homepage.
• Booking Flow: The primary interaction involves filling out a request form. This is a crucial distinction from typical e-commerce sites where direct booking is the norm.
• Visual Appeal: The design aims for a luxurious feel, aligning with the target audience of business and first-class travelers.

Initial Impressions

The website immediately highlights its core value proposition: “Where Savings Compliment Luxury.” They also prominently display their Trustpilot rating and BBB A+ rating, attempting to build credibility upfront.

However, the lack of real-time pricing and the reliance on a quote system are significant factors that shape the initial impression. This model can be a double-edged sword:

• Personalization: It suggests a personalized service where agents actively seek out the best deals for complex itineraries.
• Lack of Control: It takes control away from the user, who cannot instantly compare prices or modify their search parameters on the fly without repeated contact.

Firstinthesky.com Pros & Cons: Navigating the Opaque

When evaluating Firstinthesky.com, it’s essential to weigh its potential advantages against its operational limitations.

The website’s unique business model—focusing on brokering discounted luxury flights rather than direct online booking—comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Styleresumes.com Review

Firstinthesky.com Pros Potential Benefits

While the website’s approach is unconventional compared to typical OTAs, there are potential advantages for certain types of travelers.

• Potential for Significant Discounts: The primary draw, as advertised, is the promise of “significant discount from what you can find on your own.” For business and first-class fares, which are notoriously expensive, even a small percentage off can translate into substantial savings.
  • Data Point: According to a report by the Global Business Travel Association GBTA, business class airfare can range from 3 to 10 times the cost of economy, making any discount appealing to corporate budgets.
• Personalized Service for Complex Itineraries: Unlike automated systems, a human agent can often navigate complex travel requirements, multi-city trips, and specific airline preferences more effectively.
  • Case Use: For instance, finding specific layovers, preferred airlines, or combining different fare classes that might not be easily surfaced by automated search engines.
• Access to Consolidator Fares: Broker services like Firstinthesky.com often have access to “consolidator fares” or “bulk fares” which are not publicly available. These are discounted rates negotiated directly with airlines.
  • Industry Insight: Consolidators typically work on a high-volume, low-margin basis, allowing them to offer rates below published prices.
• Time-Saving for Specific Travelers: For busy executives or individuals who lack the time to scour multiple airline sites and OTAs for complex international luxury itineraries, delegating this task to a broker can be a time-saver.
  • Statistic: A survey by Travelport found that business travelers spend an average of 3-4 hours researching and booking complex international trips.

Firstinthesky.com Cons Significant Limitations

The drawbacks of Firstinthesky.com primarily stem from its lack of transparency and reliance on a manual quote system, which can be a significant barrier for many users.

• Lack of Immediate Pricing and Transparency: This is perhaps the biggest con. Users cannot see real-time prices, compare options instantly, or understand the full cost including taxes upfront. This creates an opaque booking process.
  • User Expectation: Modern travel booking platforms have conditioned users to expect immediate, comprehensive price comparisons.
• Time-Consuming Quote Process: Requesting a quote and waiting for a response which could take hours or even a day is inefficient compared to the instant gratification of online booking.
  • Impact: This delay can be critical in fast-moving fare environments where prices can change rapidly.
• Limited Price Verification: Without direct comparison tools, it’s difficult for users to independently verify if the “discounted” price offered by Firstinthesky.com is truly the best deal available.
  • Recommendation: Users would need to conduct their own extensive research on other platforms after receiving a quote, defeating some of the supposed convenience.
• Potential for Hidden Fees/Exclusions: The website explicitly states “sample prices… may not include taxes.” This lack of upfront clarity on the total cost can lead to unpleasant surprises later.
  • Best Practice: Reputable travel sites always display the total, all-inclusive price before the final booking step.
• Limited Online Functionality: Beyond the quote request form and basic information, the website offers very little self-service functionality. There’s no account management, booking modification, or cancellation portal.
  • Dependence: Users are entirely dependent on their phone support for any changes or queries.
• Refund and Change Policy Clarity: While not explicitly detailed on the homepage, the intricacies of refund and change policies for consolidator fares can often be more restrictive than standard airline tickets. This needs to be clarified by their agents.
  • Consumer Protection: Consumers need to be fully aware of the terms and conditions before committing to a purchase.

In conclusion, Firstinthesky.com offers a unique, albeit old-school, approach to booking luxury travel.

Its strength lies in the potential for personalized, discounted fares.

However, its significant limitations in transparency, speed, and online functionality mean it may not suit all travelers, especially those who prioritize immediate information and self-service control.

How Firstinthesky.com Operates: A Brokerage Model

Firstinthesky.com operates on a business model that is fundamentally different from typical online travel agencies OTAs like Expedia or Google Flights.

Instead of providing instant, real-time booking and price comparisons, it functions more as a travel consolidator or broker.

This means they act as an intermediary between airlines and travelers, often leveraging negotiated bulk fares that are not always available to the general public.

The Quote Request Process

The core of Firstinthesky.com’s operation is the quote request form.

• User Input: Travelers provide their desired itinerary, including origin, destination, dates, and number of passengers.
• Agent Interaction: Upon receiving the request, a Firstinthesky.com agent presumably searches their network of airline partners and consolidator agreements to find a suitable business or first-class fare.
• Personalized Response: The agent then contacts the user, typically by phone or email, with a personalized quote. This interaction allows for more tailored options and negotiation, which is a departure from automated online booking.
• Offline Completion: The final booking and payment process likely occur offline, after the quote has been accepted.

Consolidator Fares Explained

• Definition: Consolidator fares are discounted air tickets, typically for international travel, sold by airlines to travel agencies or consolidators at wholesale prices. These agencies then resell them to the public, often at rates lower than published fares.
• Why they exist: Airlines use consolidators to fill seats that might otherwise go empty, especially in premium cabins, without publicly devaluing their published fares.
• Characteristics:
  • Often non-refundable or have strict change policies.
  • May not accrue full frequent flyer miles.
  • Sometimes involve specific booking classes not always visible to the public.
  • Typically require manual booking processes.

Customer Service and Support

The website prominently features a phone number 1-866-415-8795 as the primary mode of contact. Costaricanvacations.com Review

• Phone-Centric: This indicates a phone-centric customer service approach, which is common for brokerage models that require direct human interaction for complex bookings or issues.
• Limited Online Support: The absence of a live chat, comprehensive FAQ section, or self-service portal means that users will need to call for any queries, modifications, or cancellations.
• Ethical Considerations: While direct phone support can be personalized, it lacks the immediacy and digital trail that many consumers now prefer. Ethical concerns arise if call wait times are excessive or if transparent information is not provided during these interactions. It’s crucial for consumers to document all conversations and confirmations.

Firstinthesky.com Pricing: Sample Rates and Hidden Variables

Firstinthesky.com provides sample starting prices for flights to different regions.

These figures, however, are explicitly stated as “lowest possible fares” and “may not include taxes,” which is a crucial detail for potential customers.

Understanding this distinction is vital for setting realistic expectations.

Sample Pricing Breakdown

The website lists “Starting From” prices for specific regions:

• Europe: Starting From $2450.00
• Asia: Starting From $3180.00
• Middle East: Starting From $3575.00
• Australia: Starting From $3550.00

What “Starting From” Means

• Lowest Possible Fare: These are likely the absolute lowest fares found under specific, often restrictive conditions e.g., off-peak travel, specific airlines, limited availability, certain booking classes.
• Not All-Inclusive: The disclaimer “may not include taxes” is a significant point. Airline tickets always involve various taxes, fees, and surcharges imposed by governments and airports, which can add hundreds of dollars to the base fare, especially for international business and first-class travel.
  • Example: A business class ticket from the US to Europe could easily have an additional $300-$600+ in taxes and fees, depending on the route and departure city.
• Subject to Availability: As the website states, prices are “based on availability for your travel itinerary and dates.” This means the sample prices are rarely what a customer will pay for their specific desired dates.

Factors Influencing Final Price

The actual quote provided by Firstinthesky.com will depend on numerous variables:

• Travel Dates: Peak seasons, holidays, and weekends are always more expensive.
• Flexibility: The more flexible you are with dates, the higher the chance of securing a lower consolidator fare.
• Airline Choice: Some airlines are inherently more expensive than others, even for the same route and class.
• Route Complexity: Multi-city itineraries typically cost more than simple round trips.
• Lead Time: Booking far in advance generally but not always for premium classes offers better rates.
• Fare Class Restrictions: Business and first-class tickets often have multiple fare classes, each with different price points, rules, and benefits e.g., lounge access, mileage accrual.
• Taxes and Fees: These are non-negotiable additions that will be applied to the base fare.

Ethical Considerations in Pricing

From an ethical standpoint, while not inherently deceptive, the practice of listing “starting from” prices without taxes upfront can be seen as less transparent. Reputable online travel agencies are increasingly required to display the total price, including all mandatory taxes and fees, before the final booking step. This allows consumers to make an informed decision without encountering unexpected charges later in the process. For Firstinthesky.com, the reliance on a manual quote process means that the total price will only become clear after direct communication with their agent, which places the burden of price transparency on that interaction.

Firstinthesky.com’s Business Legitimacy and Ratings

When considering any online service, especially one dealing with high-value transactions like business and first-class flights, assessing its legitimacy and reputation is paramount.

Firstinthesky.com prominently displays badges and claims related to its standing with reputable organizations.

Better Business Bureau BBB Rating

Firstinthesky.com claims to be “A+ Rated on BBB.”

• What A+ Means: The A+ rating is the highest possible rating awarded by the BBB, indicating that the business has demonstrated a strong commitment to resolving customer complaints and operating ethically. It reflects factors such as the company’s complaint history, type of business, time in business, transparent business practices, and adherence to commitments to the BBB.
• Verification: To confirm this, a potential customer should always visit the official BBB website BBB.org and search for “First In The Sky” to review their profile, complaint history, and customer reviews. This provides an independent verification of the claim.
• Significance: An A+ rating from the BBB is a strong indicator of a company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical business practices, offering a layer of trust.

Trustpilot Score

The website also features a Trustpilot badge, indicating its presence and rating on this popular consumer review platform. Insightsdubai.com Review

• Trustpilot’s Role: Trustpilot is a third-party review platform where customers can share their experiences with businesses. Companies often showcase their Trustpilot scores to demonstrate customer satisfaction.
• Review Analysis: It is crucial for prospective customers to click on the Trustpilot badge if linked, or search directly on Trustpilot.com to read individual reviews. This allows for a deeper understanding of customer experiences, both positive and negative.
  • What to Look For: Look for patterns in complaints e.g., issues with cancellations, hidden fees, communication and praise e.g., successful savings, excellent service.
  • Caution: Always be mindful of unusually high numbers of generic positive reviews or a sudden influx of negative ones, which could indicate manipulation.
• Significance: A strong Trustpilot score e.g., 4.5 stars or higher out of 5 based on a substantial number of reviews suggests a generally positive customer experience.

Bonded and Licensed Claims

Firstinthesky.com states it is “Bonded, Licensed, and A+ Rated on BBB.”

• Bonded: Being “bonded” typically refers to having a surety bond, which is a form of protection for consumers. In the travel industry, this bond provides a financial guarantee that if the travel agency fails to deliver services as promised e.g., goes out of business before your trip, customers can claim compensation from the bond.
  • Importance: This is a critical consumer protection measure, especially for pre-paid travel services.
• Licensed: Travel agencies are often required to be licensed by state or federal authorities. Licensing ensures that the agency meets certain regulatory standards and operates legally.
  • Verification: The specific licensing authority e.g., California Seller of Travel, Florida Seller of Travel is usually listed in the terms and conditions or a dedicated “About Us” section. Consumers can typically verify licenses through the relevant state’s consumer affairs or business licensing division.
• Ethical Implications: These claims, if verifiable, significantly enhance the company’s credibility and demonstrate a commitment to consumer protection and regulatory compliance.

Overall Assessment of Legitimacy

Based on the claims presented on the homepage, Firstinthesky.com appears to be making efforts to establish its legitimacy through recognized third-party endorsements BBB, Trustpilot and by adhering to industry standards bonded, licensed. However, it is always advisable for consumers to independently verify these claims by visiting the respective external websites before engaging in any significant transaction.

The presence of these credentials suggests that the company is operating within established frameworks, which is a positive sign.

Firstinthesky.com vs. Mainstream OTAs: A Clash of Models

When evaluating Firstinthesky.com, it’s crucial to understand how its operational model differs from that of mainstream Online Travel Agencies OTAs such as Expedia, Kayak, or Google Flights.

This comparison highlights why each type of service appeals to different traveler preferences and needs.

Key Differentiators

The fundamental difference lies in the booking process and price transparency.

• Firstinthesky.com Brokerage Model:

  • Booking Process: Primarily quote-based. Users submit an inquiry, and a human agent responds with tailored options. This is a non-instantaneous process.
  • Price Transparency: Opaque upfront. Sample prices are listed, but the final, all-inclusive price is only revealed after agent interaction. Prices are often for consolidator or unpublished fares.
  • Control: Less user control over the initial search and comparison process.
  • Customer Service: Highly personalized, human-driven support, typically via phone.
  • Best For: Travelers seeking deep discounts on premium international fares, those with complex itineraries, or individuals who prefer personalized assistance and are willing to wait for a quote. Often used for business travel where cost savings are prioritized over immediate booking.

• Mainstream OTAs e.g., Expedia, Kayak, Google Flights:

  • Booking Process: Instant, real-time online booking. Users search, compare, and book flights directly on the platform.
  • Price Transparency: Highly transparent. All mandatory taxes and fees are typically included in the displayed price before the final checkout step. Prices reflect published airline fares.
  • Control: High user control. Travelers can easily compare multiple airlines, dates, and routes, filter results, and modify searches instantly.
  • Customer Service: Mix of automated FAQs, chatbots, self-service portals and human support phone, email.
  • Best For: Leisure and business travelers who prioritize speed, convenience, immediate price comparison, and self-service booking. Ideal for standard itineraries and when comparing various options instantly.

Strengths and Weaknesses in Comparison

Feature	Firstinthesky.com Brokerage	Mainstream OTAs e.g., Expedia
Price Advantage	Potential for deeper discounts on premium international fares consolidator rates	Competitive on published fares. frequent sales, bundles
Transparency	Low upfront. full price revealed after quote	High upfront. all-inclusive prices displayed
Booking Speed	Slow requires quote request and agent interaction	Instantaneous
User Control	Limited for initial search/comparison	High
Customer Service	Personalized, direct agent interaction	Mix of automated self-service and agent support
Flexibility/Changes	May be more restrictive due to consolidator fare rules. requires agent contact	Varies by fare, often more flexible online. self-service options
Breadth of Options	Focused on business/first class international	Wide range of flights, hotels, cars, packages for all classes
User Experience	Less intuitive for modern digital users expecting instant data	Highly intuitive, designed for immediate information retrieval

Why Choose One Over the Other?

• Choose Firstinthesky.com if:

  • You are looking for the absolute lowest price on a business or first-class international flight and are willing to wait for a quote.
  • Your itinerary is complex, and you prefer a human agent to navigate the nuances.
  • You are less concerned with immediate online booking and more with potential cost savings.
  • You value personalized service over self-service.

• Choose a Mainstream OTA if: Barnyardfleamarkets.com Review

  • You want to see prices immediately and compare numerous options side-by-side.
  • You prioritize convenience, speed, and direct online booking.
  • You prefer transparency regarding all fees and taxes upfront.
  • You are comfortable with self-service options for managing your booking.
  • You are looking for economy, business, or first-class flights, or bundled packages flight+hotel.

In essence, Firstinthesky.com offers a bespoke, potentially more cost-effective solution for a specific niche of luxury travel, while mainstream OTAs provide the convenience, transparency, and broad selection that cater to the mass market.

How to Cancel a Firstinthesky.com Booking or Request

Given that Firstinthesky.com operates on a quote-based model rather than direct online booking, the process for canceling a request or an already confirmed booking will differ significantly from mainstream online travel agencies.

Transparency in these processes is crucial, and it’s imperative for customers to understand their options and the potential implications.

Cancelling a Quote Request

If you have submitted a flight itinerary request but have not yet received or accepted a quote, or simply decided you no longer need the service, the cancellation process for the request itself is straightforward.

• No Action Required Generally: If you haven’t committed to anything, simply not responding to their quote or follow-up calls effectively cancels your interest.
• Proactive Communication: For clarity and to ensure your information is not retained for future solicitations, it’s advisable to directly contact them.
  • Method: Call their customer service number: 1-866-415-8795.
  • Script: Inform them that you wish to withdraw your flight request and no longer require a quote. Ask them to remove your information from their active inquiry list.
• Record Keeping: Note down the date and time of your call, and the name of the representative you spoke with. This can be useful for any future discrepancies.

Cancelling a Confirmed Booking

Cancelling a confirmed and paid-for flight booking through Firstinthesky.com will likely be a more complex process, as it involves the specific terms and conditions of the consolidator fare they secured for you.

Consolidator fares often have stricter rules regarding changes and cancellations compared to published airline fares.

• Immediate Contact is Key: As soon as you decide to cancel, contact Firstinthesky.com directly.
  • Primary Channel: Use their phone number: 1-866-415-8795. There is no self-service cancellation portal on their website.
• Understand the Terms and Conditions:
  • When you accepted the quote and paid, you should have received or should have requested the specific terms and conditions attached to that fare. These will dictate if the ticket is refundable, partially refundable, or non-refundable.
  • Cancellation Fees: Be prepared for potential cancellation fees imposed by both the airline and Firstinthesky.com itself.
  • Refund Process: If a refund is possible, clarify the amount, the timeline for processing, and how the refund will be issued e.g., original payment method.
• Documentation:
  • Written Confirmation: Always request any cancellation confirmations, refund amounts, and policy details in writing via email. This provides a crucial paper trail.
  • Call Records: Keep a detailed record of all calls, including dates, times, and names of agents you speak with.
• Timeline: The speed of response and processing for cancellations can vary. Be persistent but patient.

Ethical Considerations for Cancellations

From an ethical perspective, it’s paramount that Firstinthesky.com provides clear, accessible information regarding cancellation policies before a booking is confirmed. While consolidator fares often have restrictive terms, these should be explicitly communicated to the customer. Any delays in processing refunds or lack of transparency regarding fees would be red flags. Consumers should ensure they fully understand the implications of purchasing a potentially non-refundable or highly restrictive consolidator ticket.

Protecting Your Travel Investment: What to Know About Firstinthesky.com’s Offerings

When engaging with a travel broker like Firstinthesky.com, especially for high-value business and first-class tickets, it’s critical to understand how to protect your investment.

The unique nature of their business model, which relies on consolidator fares and offline transactions, means standard consumer protections for direct airline bookings or mainstream OTA purchases might not fully apply or require different considerations.

Understanding Consolidator Fare Rules

The primary way Firstinthesky.com offers discounts is through consolidator fares. It’s vital to recognize their characteristics: Connect4funding.vpweb.com Review

• Non-Refundable/Strictly Refundable: Many consolidator fares are non-refundable or come with very high cancellation penalties. Before you confirm any booking, always inquire about the refund policy specifically for the fare being offered.
• Change Fees: Changing dates, routes, or names on consolidator tickets often incurs significant fees, sometimes exceeding the cost of a new ticket. Ask about change flexibility before committing.
• Mileage Accrual: Some consolidator fares are booked into lower-tier fare classes that may earn reduced frequent flyer miles or no miles at all. If mileage accrual is important to you, confirm this with the agent.
• Seat Selection: Pre-assigned seat selection might be limited or require an additional fee, even in premium cabins, depending on the fare class.

Verifying the Booking

Once you receive a confirmation and payment is processed, it’s crucial to verify your booking independently.

• Airline Confirmation Code: Insist on receiving the airline’s direct confirmation code usually a 6-character alphanumeric code, also known as the PNR or Passenger Name Record.
• Direct Airline Verification: Use this confirmation code to log into the respective airline’s website or app. Verify:
  • Your name and other passenger details are correct.
  • Flight numbers, dates, and times match your itinerary.
  • The fare class and any associated benefits baggage allowance, lounge access, seat assignments.
  • This step is paramount to ensure your ticket is legitimately issued by the airline.

Payment Protection

• Credit Card Usage: Always pay with a credit card. Credit cards offer significant consumer protections, including:
  • Chargeback Rights: If the service is not delivered as promised, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company. This is a powerful tool for consumer protection against fraudulent or non-performing services.
  • Fraud Protection: Credit card companies have robust fraud detection and prevention measures.
• Avoid Wire Transfers or Debit Cards: Never pay for large travel bookings via wire transfer, direct bank transfer, or debit card, as these methods offer very limited or no consumer protection in case of disputes or fraud.

Travel Insurance

For high-value tickets, especially those with restrictive cancellation policies, purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.

• Coverage: Look for policies that cover:
  • Trip Cancellation/Interruption: If you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen circumstances e.g., illness, family emergency.
  • Medical Emergencies: For overseas medical treatment.
  • Baggage Loss/Delay: For lost or delayed luggage.
  • Flight Delays/Cancellations: For costs incurred due to airline disruptions.
• “Cancel For Any Reason” CFAR: Consider a CFAR rider if you need maximum flexibility, though these are typically more expensive and only reimburse a percentage of the non-refundable costs.
• Purchase Timing: Buy travel insurance shortly after your initial trip deposit or payment to maximize coverage, as some benefits like pre-existing condition waivers have time-sensitive purchase windows.

Document Everything

Maintain a meticulous record of all interactions:

• Emails: Save all email correspondence with Firstinthesky.com.
• Call Logs: Note down dates, times, names of agents, and summaries of conversations.
• Booking Confirmations: Keep all booking confirmations, receipts, and itinerary details.
• Terms and Conditions: Ensure you have a copy of the specific terms and conditions that apply to your ticket.

By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly mitigate the risks associated with booking through a brokerage model like Firstinthesky.com and ensure your travel investment is as secure as possible.

FAQ

What is Firstinthesky.com?

Firstinthesky.com is an online travel service that specializes in brokering discounted business and first-class international flight tickets, operating on a quote-based model rather than immediate online booking.

How does Firstinthesky.com work?

Firstinthesky.com works by having users submit their flight itinerary requests through a form.

An agent then finds potential discounted fares often consolidator rates and contacts the user with a personalized quote, with the booking finalized offline.

Is Firstinthesky.com legitimate?

Yes, Firstinthesky.com claims to be bonded, licensed, and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau BBB and features a Trustpilot score, which suggests it is a legitimate operation.

However, independent verification of these claims is always recommended.

How do I get a quote from Firstinthesky.com?

To get a quote, you need to fill out the request form on their website, providing your desired flight itinerary details origin, destination, dates, number of passengers. 360tuners.com Review

Does Firstinthesky.com show real-time prices?

No, Firstinthesky.com does not show real-time prices.

It displays “starting from” sample prices, but the actual, all-inclusive fare is provided after you submit a quote request and an agent responds.

Are taxes and fees included in Firstinthesky.com’s sample prices?

No, the website explicitly states that the sample prices listed “may not include taxes.” The full price, including all mandatory taxes and fees, will only be disclosed when you receive a personalized quote from their agent.

Can I book flights directly on Firstinthesky.com?

No, you cannot book flights directly on Firstinthesky.com in the same way you would on a typical online travel agency.

The process involves submitting a request and then completing the booking offline with an agent.

What kind of discounts does Firstinthesky.com offer?

Firstinthesky.com claims to offer “significant discounts” on international business and first-class flights, likely through access to consolidator fares or unpublished rates negotiated with airlines.

What are consolidator fares?

Consolidator fares are discounted bulk tickets purchased by travel agencies or brokers from airlines at wholesale prices, which are then resold to the public, often at lower rates than publicly available fares.

Are consolidator fares refundable or changeable?

Consolidator fares often have stricter rules regarding refunds and changes.

They can be non-refundable or subject to high cancellation/change fees.

It’s crucial to confirm these terms with the agent before booking. Pkpeltier.com Review

How do I contact Firstinthesky.com?

You can contact Firstinthesky.com by calling their toll-free number: 1-866-415-8795. This appears to be their primary mode of customer service.

Does Firstinthesky.com have an online chat or comprehensive FAQ?

Based on the website, there does not appear to be an online chat feature or a comprehensive FAQ section.

Customer support seems to be primarily handled via phone.

How do I verify my booking after purchasing through Firstinthesky.com?

After purchasing, you should receive an airline confirmation code PNR. Use this code to log into the respective airline’s official website or app to verify all your flight details and ensure the booking is confirmed directly with the airline.

What payment methods does Firstinthesky.com accept?

While not explicitly stated on the homepage, it is generally recommended to pay for high-value travel bookings with a credit card, as they offer stronger consumer protection through chargeback rights.

Should I get travel insurance for a Firstinthesky.com booking?

Yes, for high-value business and first-class tickets, especially those booked through a broker and potentially with restrictive consolidator fare rules, purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended to protect your investment.

How do I cancel a quote request with Firstinthesky.com?

If you have submitted a request but have not yet accepted a quote, you can simply not respond to their communication.

For clarity, it’s best to call their customer service to explicitly withdraw your request.

How do I cancel a confirmed booking with Firstinthesky.com?

To cancel a confirmed booking, you must contact Firstinthesky.com directly via their phone number.

Be prepared to discuss the specific terms and conditions of your ticket, as consolidator fares often have strict cancellation policies and fees. Getproperly.com Review

What are the main disadvantages of using Firstinthesky.com?

The main disadvantages include the lack of immediate pricing transparency, the time-consuming quote-based process, limited online self-service functionality, and the potentially restrictive nature of consolidator fare rules.

What are the main advantages of using Firstinthesky.com?

The main advantages are the potential for significant discounts on business and first-class international flights, and personalized service for complex itineraries.

Who is Firstinthesky.com best suited for?

Firstinthesky.com is best suited for travelers seeking potentially deep discounts on high-end international flights, those with complex travel needs who prefer human assistance, and individuals who are comfortable with an offline, quote-based booking process.