123 miles: understanding the case and what the consumer can do

The company will not issue tickets for the ‘Promo123’ line with shipments expected between September and December 2023

The company 123 miles announced, last Friday (18th), the suspension of parcels and air tickets in the “Promo123” category with shipments expected between September and December 2023. See some questions and answers on the case.

html[data-range=”xlarge”] figure image img.img-2c1220dacdf9bc1f5e859cd6f50a5059bundpfo0 { width: 774px; height: 516px; }HTML[data-range=”large”] figure image img.img-2c1220dacdf9bc1f5e859cd6f50a5059bundpfo0 { width: 548px; height: 365px; }HTML[data-range=”small”] figure image img.img-2c1220dacdf9bc1f5e859cd6f50a5059bundpfo0, html[data-range=”medium”] figure figure img.img-2c1220dacdf9bc1f5e859cd6f50a5059bundpfo0 { width: 564px; height: 376px; }HTML[data-range=”small”] .article__image-embed, html[data-range=”medium”] .article__image-embed { width: 564px; margin: 0 auto 30px; }

What is “Promo123”?

With very low prices, the promotional packages reserve the startup the right to issue the ticket with boarding up to 24 hours before or up to 24 hours after the chosen date. Furthermore, all other flight data, such as airport name, airline, time, duration, number and duration of stopovers cannot be chosen and will only be communicated after purchase, up to ten days before the trip. It is for this reason that the 123 miles it is customary to call the product a “flexible ticket” – and here it is already understood that this flexibility is required above all from the passenger, as compensation for such low prices.

+ Discover the advantages and disadvantages of “flexible” airline tickets.

Why was “Promo123” suspended?

In a note posted on social media, the 123 miles stated that: ” due to ongoing adverse market circumstances, beyond our control, the Promo line has been temporarily suspended and we will not be issuing tickets with delivery expected from September to December 2023. We deeply regret this situation and have outlined a plan to reduce minimize the impact of this action.“

Look at this photo on Instagram

A post shared by 123miles (@123miles)

Who will lose the trip?

No orders from the “Promo” line will be issued with shipments scheduled for the months of September, October, November and December 2023. However, according to the company, ” if you have already received your ticket, locator or e-ticket, your journey is confirmed.”

How will the refund work?

A 123 miles inform that ” will fully reimburse the amounts paid by the customers, in vouchers plus monetary correction of 150% of the CDI, above inflation and market interest, for the purchase of any tickets, hotels and packages at 123milhas.”

How to request the voucher?

Vouchers must be requested via the 123 Miles website or via WhatsApp (31) 99397-0210. They can be used in other business services that do not fall under the “Promo” category (such as flight tickets with specific dates, car rental and hotel reservation) within 36 months from the date of application.

Is it worth using the voucher?

The voucher will correspond to the amount paid in the “Promo 123” rate, which is inevitably much lower than the other services offered by the company. For example: In April 2023, the page advertised a flight to Orlando for BRL 3,664 and also another flight to the same destination, in the promotional category, for BRL 728 including taxes. That is, the refund amount offered by the “Promo” category will not fully cover the value of a ticket to the same destination.

Furthermore 123 miles is dividing the value of the vouchers in a non-cumulative way: the coupons are issued separately for passengers, return and hotel reservations. According to the company” Coupons have been split to allow customers to purchase different types of purchases. This gives the customer more flexibility and freedom of choice than with a single voucher for the entire amount.“

But that’s not what is happening in practice, as one of the reports on Reclame Aqui demonstrates: “I made two purchases at 123 Milhas with Promo123. One for January 2024 and another for January 2025, two adults and two children for United States. I paid via PIX and bank receipt. I have already booked a hotel, rented a car, paid for tours, etc. I was surprised to learn that flights were suspended and I would have to ask for a refund. So I did. When I received the refund, each purchase was split into five vouchers with small amounts. I went to try to buy new tickets, knowing that I would have to pay more. It was then that I was surprised again by the information that I could only use ONE VOUCHER at a time. The point is that we are two adults and two children and I can’t buy the children’s tickets separately.The company does not refund the amount you paid with the same type of payment you paid, they force you to buy with again; does not agree to use the amount you have credit; and forces you to get frustrated with such a problem. What would have been a vacation trip turned into a nightmare. I want and need to buy new tickets using ALL MY VOUCHERS and not just one. I paid immediately, I demand that they return it to me in the same way». 123 miles has not yet responded to the complaint.

What does justice say?

In a press release, the Ministry of Tourism says that ” has already contacted the Ministry of Justice and Public Security so that, through the National Secretariat of Consumers (Senacon), it evaluates the establishment of an investigative procedure that clarifies the reasons for these cancellations, identifies all the people affected and promotes the reparation of the damages to all affected customers.”

Wadih Damous, national consumer secretary, says ” the company cannot, for example, offer only the voucher option to reimburse customers, who have the right to opt for the reimbursement in cash. Consumers who feel offended can file a complaint via the http://consumor.gov.br.“

For example, the company cannot offer only the voucher option to reimburse customers, who have the right to opt for cash reimbursement.

Consumers who feel offended can file a complaint via the https://t.co/SdQeKkTX2j.

— Wadih Damous (@wadih_damous) August 19, 2023

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.