Booking Flights Through Non-UK Website / Agent

roy265

I had found what appears to be a US-based travel agent that sells flight tickets. They appear to have very competitive prices but I am concerned if my consumer rights are protected if I purchase from them. I read about the UK's Section 75 law which protect consumers when paid for something on credit card.
Does Section 75 still apply if I bought tickets from a foreign website (paid in USD)? I assume it won't be ATOL protected etc as the agent operates in a different country?
Thinking of the worst case scenario, what if there's a dispute / flight cancellation, does the UK law protects me?

The website is called Smart Fares, which reading Trust Pilot reviews, I am not too convinced it is reliable. will be glad to hear from anyone who had direct experiences with them who are happy to share here.
Thanks!

Caz3121

roy265 said:

They appear to have very competitive prices 

there is a big difference between advertising cheap fares and being able to provide a ticket for that price
third parties like this do not have live availability or pricing, you make a booking request, they take your money and then they will (usually within 48 hours) see if they can buy the ticket from the airline for that price or they need to ask you for more money.
there are also fees for everything. You book a flight direct with the airline and the airline cancels, you get your money back, you book with a third party and the airline cancels and you have to pay the fees in the t&cs to get some money back
These third party floggers are best avoided...have a search for the SmartFares on the Air Travel board on TripAdvisor, there are 100's of threads/warnings
re TrustPilot - if you drill down into the detail you will see that of the organic reviews for the last 12 months, 91% are Bad
In current times with cancellations and reschedules, look to book direct with the airline

eskbanker

roy265 said:

I had found what appears to be a US-based travel agent that sells flight tickets. They appear to have very competitive prices but I am concerned if my consumer rights are protected if I purchase from them. I read about the UK's Section 75 law which protect consumers when paid for something on credit card.
Does Section 75 still apply if I bought tickets from a foreign website (paid in USD)? I assume it won't be ATOL protected etc as the agent operates in a different country?
Thinking of the worst case scenario, what if there's a dispute / flight cancellation, does the UK law protects me?

Section 75 doesn't apply to flights booked through agents, so if you want that protection then you need to book directly with the airline.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/section75-protect-your-purchases/#exceptions

Westin

All of the above warnings, plus to answer your other point it will have no ATOL protection either.

I wouldn’t do what you are thinking of doing.

Voyager2002

I endorse the points made above. In addition, the fares you see probably do not include the taxes that UK-based websites must include.