family5

Okay, I finally am ready to go forward with booking the trip to Tanzania and I check with the state comptroller where the office is here in the US and I find that they are not in good standing.
As I write this I guess I realize what we need to do which is to not go through with it. I'm trying to think if there is any other way. To start all over will put us beyond our price range since the airline tickets have ballooned since we saved our seats.
If anyone has worked through a road block like this before, please share.

Leely

I'm afraid I don't understand. Couldn't you go to one of the other operators you've been dealing with and book with them instead? And thus hang on to your airline seats?

I tend to bite the bullet and "go for it" once I have my heart set on something, so I'd probably just scramble for another operator even if it meant slightly less desirable accommodations.

Which itinerary did you decide on?

lorib1

To which tour operator are you referring? Thanks.

matnikstym

i don't understand how the airline tickets could baloon if you already paid for them. contact a tanzanian company & give them your details, where the u.s. co. had you conditionally booked and see if they can "take over" your bookings. what do you mean, not in good standing? as in what? there are variations of not in good standing and could mean anything to anyone. try the bbb also

family5

You're right. I do still have the air seats saved. The air company makes me a little nervous, though too. They have two names and their other name is listed favorably with the better business bureau. They are holding our seats for a month without a deposit.

Patty

So it's the company that's issuing your airline tickets which is not in good standing, and not the safari operator, is my understanding correct?

What's the cost difference if you book your air through the airline itself? Would you mind posting the name of the airline consolidator that's holding your seats? Perhaps others here have dealt with them and can comment.

family5

No. It is the safari company and I'd rather not name them at least until I ask them directly what's up.

sandi

family5 -

You mention Naipenda Safaris in another thread... is this the company? If so, how did you find them? And did you get clarification for "not in good standing" and from whom? A US-based Better Business Bureau (BBB) - with items such as # or complaints? # of complaints satisfied and cleared? Are they US based, or in-country? Even the "big guys" (well-known A&K or Micato or CCA) have complaints submitted about services not received or whatever, but these are almost always settled in one way or another.

If something just doesn't sit well with you - and gut feelings have to be taken seriously, why not as another post above suggested - try to work with one of the well-known and recommended providers found here on Fodor's try to match the itinerary and as close to your budget. You may even luck out and do better.