Is SnapTravel Legit? Unveiling the Truth for Travelers

SnapTravel is one of the popular names you’d come across when planning a trip. Now rebranded to Super, this online accommodation booking site enticizes with lowest possible rates on hotels. They claim to use modern chatbot technology in finding the best deals for customers.

As a regular traveler, I always take caution when a deal looks too good. Undoubtedly, people often lose a lot of money and personal information to online scams. In this guide,  I’ll explain my honest experience with SnapTravel, how they operate and what other travelers say about them.

Is SnapTravel legit?

Super, previously known as Snaptravel is a registered online booking platform for hotels worldwide. If you look at Better Business Bureau, Super has 7 years in business with an A+ rating and customer reviews averaging 4.54 out of 5. This means, SnapTravel is a legitimate online travel agency.

However, there are several complaints you’ll want to know about before entrusting Super with your travel plans. A good number of travelers have expressed dissatisfaction in services offered, including unnotified cancellation of their hotel bookings, lack of refunds, poor customer service and more.

I tend to believe that quite a number of Travelers make their bookings with Super without understanding the agency’s reservation policies. This can typically create some misunderstandings. But to say the least, their customer service is below the par.

In response to some of the negative customer reviews across the internet, SnapTravel claims that being a third party player, some of the complaints are completely beyond their control. So, if you feel unfamiliar with their booking process, its best to book directly or find an alternative.

How does SnapTravel work?

SnapTravel uses modern chatbot technology in finding the best deals for customers. Their AI-powered chatbot can provide assistance in finding suitable hotel options based on your input. Their communication is over platforms like SMS, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp.

Once you provide your preference, their systems will search through its inventory of hotels to find suitable matches. Subscribers also get real time alerts on exclusive deals. In most cases, discounts on hotels goes up to 50 percent off. This can make anyone wonder if SnapTravel is legit.

While much of the interaction is through the chatbot, Snaptravel also has human agents. They often step in to handle issues that might arise before, during, or after the user’s stay. However, most customers are not happy how this department handle issues. Sometimes complains goes unanswered.

How to use Snaptravel

Using Super to book accommodation is a straightforward process.

1. Once you’re on the Super website or app, enter your travel details in the search form. This should includes your destination, travel dates, number of guests, and any other preferences you have for your accommodation.
2. Next, a pop-up window will ask you to link your WhatsApp, Messenger or SMS text message account. 
3. Based on the information you provide, Snaptravel will instantly search and send hotel deals to your phone. You can browse through these recommendations and filter the results as you wish before selecting the one that best suits your needs.
4. Once you’ve found a hotel you’re interested in, you just review the details and click on the “Reserve” button. 

Make sure to read and understand the reservation policies before making any payment.

If you run into a problem and a Snaptravel agent is not responding, file a complaint at Better Business Bureau and for sure, you’ll get an appropriate response.

How to avoid falling victim to fraudulent online booking

Fraudulent hotel reservation websites are increasingly becoming a common online scams. They tend to target popular destinations and times of the year when demand is high. Many victims realize that they have been conned when they arrive at their hotel only to find its not reserved.

Here are tips to avoid falling for this trap.

• Always use reputable websites or apps for your hotel or flight reservations. Fake websites can also mimic the appearance of legitimate ones. So make sure the one you are using has the right suffix and the domain is registered and has a history of business.
• Make sure the website or app uses secure connections (HTTPS). Look for the padlock icon in the address bar of your browser, which indicates a secure connection.
• Take time to read reviews and ratings from other users about the booking platform you are about to use. This can provide valuable insights into the quality and reliability of the service.
• Avoid super low hotel reservation rates. Scammers commonly use enticing offers to lure unsuspecting users into making bookings.
• Be wary of any booking platform that requests payment via wire transfer, debit card or other unsecured methods. Legitimate booking platforms typically offer secure payment options, such as credit cards.
• Before confirming your booking, review all the details carefully, including dates, prices, cancellation policies, and any additional fees. Ensure that everything matches your expectations and that there are no hidden charges.
• Keep records of your booking confirmation, payment receipts, and any communication with the booking platform or accommodation provider. This can be helpful in case you need to dispute any charges or resolve issues later on.
• Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages before your trip. Scammers may include links and ask you to click on them. 
• If something feels off or suspicious during the booking process, trust your instincts and consider looking for alternative options. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your personal and financial information online.

Final thought

SnapTravel is a legit online booking platform with lowest rates on hotels. It is a free online service that relies on commissions from customers’ bookings. However, many customers are not very satisfied with how they handle critical issues like refunds.