I tried to book 2 business class tickets online on 14 Nov 23 for £8863. After authorising payment with my bank, the Emirates system froze and i was told by their website to call the sales centre by clicking on a red button. I thought i was dealing directly with Emirates. Instead a rep at Flights Journey/Times Travel, Emirates' sales partner, who said he was from Emirates, booked me seats at £9,500 as he said there were no flights left at the lower price. Then the next day he charged me another £375 to add our middle names to the booking (which I was not asked for at the time of booking). On 16 Nov 23, £8863 came out of my account resulting on me having 2 bookings (4 tickets). I have tried to cancel the booking as the error was with Emirates booking system, but was told in the online chat with Emirates that it would cost me £1,200!! This is for an error with Emirates system, which froze and directed me to rip off merchants. This was not my fault and I am currently out of pocket by £18,738 rather than £8,863. The agent rep said he would try to get me a refund directly from Emirates for the £8,863 which i have not yet received. He then tried to bill me again for £400 to select seats on the flight. I told him seat selection is free in Business Class so he then asked me to send him £100 to his personal bank account for helping me, which I refused to do. I have subsequently checked Emirates online prices and I still could have had tickets at £8,863! I am appalled that an airline with a good reputation like Emirates is dealing with unscrupulous partners, who are fleecing customers. If your online booking does not go through, wait! And check your bank account. Be very careful if you call their call centre.
