CheapOair Wins Top Digital Honors for its Website and Latest TV Commercial

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CheapOair website recognized as Platinum and “Perks” TV commercial recognized as Gold winner in AVA Digital Awards

March 25, 2015 – CheapOair, a leading hybrid (online/traditional) travel agency, announced today that it was recognized with two top industry honors for its website and latest TV commercial.

CheapOair website was named as Platinum winner in the Website (Travel) category and CheapOair’s latest TV commercial entitled “Perks” won Gold in the Commercials (Travel) category in AVA Digital Awards. Only 15 percent of this year’s more than 2,500 entrants were recognized with the Platinum award and another 18 percent received the Gold award.

“CheapOair aims to make travel effortless, affordable and enjoyable, and the speed and usability of our website are critical as we strive to make our online booking experience as easy and smooth as possible,” said Harsh Sood, chief technology officer at Fareportal, the parent company of CheapOair. “Our new award-winning “Perks” TV commercial addresses those user benefits as well.”

Organized by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, AVA Digital Awards is an international competition that recognizes outstanding work by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design and production of digital communication media. More than 2,500 entries were received in the competition this year, from U.S., Canada and 17 other countries, with winners ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.

About CheapOair
CheapOair is the first hybrid (online/traditional) travel agency that enables consumers to book travel online, on mobile apps, by phone or live chat. CheapOair (http://www.cheapoair.com, 1-646-738-4820) bridges the gap between an online and traditional travel agency with certified travel agents available to help find deals and offers to destinations worldwide on over 450 airlines, 150,000 hotels, and hundreds of car rentals. Partner airlines benefit from access to CheapOair’s broad customer base that books high yield international travel and add-on ancillaries at above the industry average. Follow CheapOair on Facebook and Twitter to learn how to travel the world for less.

Air Canada Awards Fareportal 2014 Top Sales Achiever Award

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Fareportal recognized as an achiever of excellence, consistently producing at the highest levels

March 17, 2015 – Fareportal, one of the fastest-growing travel technology companies, announced today that it received the 2014 Top Sales Achiever Award from Air Canada, Canada’s largest domestic and international airline serving more than 190 destinations on five continents.

“I am thrilled that this award is being presented to an organization that Air Canada considers a long-standing distribution partner,” said Duncan Bureau, vice president of global sales. “Fareportal continues to find innovative ways to display and merchandise the Air Canada product, showcasing the value of our various fare products. We look forward to working with Werner and his entire team, continuing to build on the partnership between the two organizations. On behalf of 27,000 employees – we thank Fareportal for their continued support.”

The 2014 Top Sales Achiever Award recognizes Fareportal for consistently producing at the highest levels, clearly marking the company as an achiever of excellence. In April 2014, CheapOair became the first U.S. travel agency to offer a variety of Air Canada’s ancillary products to customers in Canada. These include seats, meals, lounge access, baggage and travel services.

“Fareportal is proud to receive the 2014 Top Sales Achiever Award from Air Canada. We strive every day to make travel effortless, affordable and enjoyable for our travelers, providing the best value and unmatched choice,” said Werner Kunz, chief operating officer at Fareportal, the parent company of CheapOair and OneTravel. “To be recognized by Air Canada further validates our commitment to both our airline partners and our consumers.”

About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline serving more than 190 destinations on five continents. Canada’s flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2014 served more than 38 million customers. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 64 Canadian cities, 52 destinations in the United States and 78 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,321 airports in 193 countries. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax that ranked Air Canada in a worldwide survey of more than 18 million airline passengers as Best Airline in North America in 2014 for the fifth consecutive year.

About Fareportal
Fareportal is a travel technology company that powers hybrid (online/traditional) travel agencies. Utilizing its innovative technology and company owned and operated contact centers, Fareportal has forged strong industry partnerships with over 450 airlines, 150,000 hotels and 100s of car rental companies to serve millions of customers every year. With a portfolio of consumer travel brands including CheapOair and OneTravel, Fareportal’s airline partners benefit from access to a broad customer base that books high-yield international travel and add-on ancillaries at a rate higher than the industry average. To learn more, visit www.Fareportal.com.

Fareportal Crowned #5 Most Awarded Company at 9th Annual Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service

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Leading hybrid travel agencies CheapOair and OneTravel win a total of two gold, six silver and six bronze awards

March 13, 2015 – Fareportal, the parent company of leading hybrid (online/traditional) travel agencies CheapOair and OneTravel, announced today that it won a total of two gold, six silver and six bronze awards in the 9th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. As a result of the company’s multiple recognition, as selected in independent judging by more than 200 business judges, Fareportal was also named #5 most awarded company during this year’s competition, among such industry leaders as DHL, Delta, John Hancock, Marriott and Vizio.

“It is an impressive achievement for Fareportal to be the #5 most awarded company from among a record-breaking 1,900 entries in this year’s competition,” said Michael Gallagher, president and founder of the Stevie Awards. “This year’s Stevie Award winners are the highest rated in the history of the awards, and we congratulate Fareportal and all of the winners on their commitment to excellence and innovation in customer service.”

CheapOair’s customer service department won gold in the Innovation in Customer Service category and Ruben Bello, VP of international operations, won gold in the Customer Service Leader of the Year category. The company’s silver winners included customer service department, contact center and best use of technology categories, as well as individual silver recognition for customer service agents Devindra Seenarain and Carmen Jimenez. Bronze winners included Roy Sneharthi, SVP of operations, as well as customer service agents Nitin Verma, Yatendri Sahai and Fiona Sailo. OneTravel accolades included silver award for Belinda Bishop, senior director of operations and bronze award for Tony Pham, associate director of operations. All winners are published at: http://www.stevieawards.com/pubs/sales/awards/426_2281_25576.cfm.

“The Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service is the second global award body in the past two months to recognize CheapOair’ vision and strategy of offering our customers superior customer service to make their travel booking experience effortless, affordable and enjoyable,” said Werner Kunz, chief operating officer at Fareportal, the parent company of CheapOair. “Following the recognition from the International Service Excellence Awards in January, this award further underscores CheapOair’s exemplary standards of customer service – and our unique focus on our customers.”

The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service are the world’s top sales awards, business development awards, contact center awards, and customer service awards. More than 1,900 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were evaluated in this year’s competition. Finalists were determined by the average scores of 139 professionals worldwide, acting as preliminary judges; and more than 100 members of several specialized judging committees determined the winner placements from among the finalists during final judging in February. The awards were presented to honorees during a gala banquet on Friday, February 27 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, with more than 500 executives from the U.S.A. and several other nations in attendance.

About Fareportal
Fareportal is a travel technology company that powers hybrid (online/traditional) travel agencies. Utilizing its innovative technology and company owned and operated contact centers, Fareportal has forged strong industry partnerships with over 450 airlines, 150,000 hotels and 100s of car rental companies to serve millions of customers every year. With a portfolio of consumer travel brands including CheapOair and OneTravel, Fareportal’s airline partners benefit from access to a broad customer base that books high-yield international travel and add-on ancillaries at a rate higher than the industry average. To learn more, visit www.Fareportal.com.

CheapOair Announces Top Spring Break Destinations for 2015

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Leading Online Travel Agency’s Data Shows Significantly Lower Airfares Across the Globe

March 11, 2015 – CheapOair, the first flights-focused hybrid travel agency, announced today the top ten international and domestic destinations its consumers are traveling to for spring break, between March 1st and April 11th. This year, spring has proven to be an ideal time for travel, as airfares have significantly decreased for the top destinations, with domestic prices averaging $293 and international prices averaging $734.

“As we predicted earlier in the year, due to the declining costs of fuel and the strengthening global economy, airfares are continuing to decrease across the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean,” said Tom Spagnola, CheapOair’s Senior Vice President of Supplier Relations. “Our data shows that travelers are finding relief from the brutal winter by taking advantage of the incredible deals that are available for warm weather destinations.”

Roundtrip airfare to San Juan is averaging $410, which is around 44 percent less than 2014’s prices, while roundtrip airfare to Cancun is down 9 percent, averaging $469. For travelers looking to stay within the U.S., airfare to Miami is down 16 percent, averaging $294 roundtrip, and Las Vegas is also down 10 percent, at $271.

Top Booked Spring Break Destinations according to CheapOair:
1. Orlando, Florida ($265)
2. Las Vegas, Nevada ($271)
3. Ft. Lauderdale, Florida ($254)
4. Los Angeles, California ($296)
5. Phoenix, Arizona ($289)
6. Miami, Florida ($294)
7. Cancun, Mexico ($469)
8. San Juan, Puerto Rico ($410)
9. Mexico City, Mexico ($393)
10. Montego Bay, Jamaica ($411)

Travelers can sign up to receive daily travel deals to various destinations, including the top spring break locations for 2015, by making a CheapOair profile at CheapOair.com. For more information, please visit CheapOair.com, CheapOair.com/mobile, or check out CheapOair’s Miles Away Blog for travel tips and trends.

About CheapOair
CheapOair is the first hybrid (online/traditional) travel agency that enables consumers to book travel online, on mobile apps, by phone or live chat. CheapOair (http://www.cheapoair.com, 1-646-738-4820) bridges the gap between an online and traditional travel agency with certified travel agents available to help find deals and offers to destinations worldwide on over 450 airlines, 150,000 hotels, and hundreds of car rentals. Partner airlines benefit from access to CheapOair’s broad customer base that books high yield international travel and add-on ancillaries at above the industry average. Follow CheapOair on Facebook and Twitter to learn how to travel the world for less.

CheapOair Named High Flyers Winner by Trustpilot

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Leading independent review site chooses CheapOair for its dedication and superior customer service

March 10, 2015 – CheapOair, a leading hybrid (online/traditional) travel agency, announced today that it was recognized with the High Flyers Award by Trustpilot in February. Only a handful of Trustpilot’s more than 10,000 review partners earn this elite title.

“CheapOAir demonstrates excellence in all of the values a High Flyers award recipient should. Reading through just a few of their over 1,300 reviews, it is obvious that customers are thrilled at CheapOAir’s commitment to delivering every customer a truly outstanding experience. Through their near-perfect TrustScore and their history of industry recognition, it is clear that their team is 100% dedicated to providing a personalized, attentive, and overall standout customer experience from top to bottom. By engaging directly with their customers, their team has built a reputation of delivering fast, simple, friendly, and exceptional service, setting a high standard for other members of the travel services and online review communities,” said Jordan Garner, director of customer success at Trustpilot.

In more than 1,200 online reviews, CheapOair has received consistently high praise and an overall ranking of 9 out of 10, underscoring its unshakeable commitment to delivering top-notch customer experience.

“We appreciate Trustpilot for recognizing our efforts to provide our customers with the best customer service experience,” said Brijen Rajput, senior vice president of online marketing at Fareportal, the parent company of CheapOair. “To make our customers’ travel effortless, affordable and enjoyable has always been our motto and we are particularly grateful for this objective recognition, based on independent, anonymous reviews from our global users.”

CheapOair’s excellent customer service was recognized with two other awards from top-tier global awards programs in the past two months alone, winning the top accolade in the Customer-Focused Innovations category in the 7th annual International Service Excellence Awards and gold award in the Innovation in Customer Service category in the 9th annual Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service.

About Trustpilot
Trustpilot offers a global, multi-language online open review community that builds trust and transparency between consumers and businesses. Launched in 2007 and boasting more than 100,000 businesses and 12 million consumer reviews, Trustpilot produces a TrustScore for businesses based on recent reviews. Every day, more than 10,000 consumers join Trustpilot and every five seconds a new review is posted. The platform helps businesses generate actionable insight through real-time analytics of customer review data, which can be used to improve business operations, increase customer satisfaction and drive innovation. Trustpilot has customers in 65 countries and offices in Copenhagen, London, New York and Melbourne. Trustpilot was selected as one of Crain’s 2014 Best Places to Work in New York City with 300 employees representing 40 nationalities.

About CheapOair
CheapOair is the first hybrid (online/traditional) travel agency that enables consumers to book travel online, on mobile apps, by phone or live chat. CheapOair (http://www.cheapoair.com, 1-646-738-4820) bridges the gap between an online and traditional travel agency with certified travel agents available to help find deals and offers to destinations worldwide on over 450 airlines, 150,000 hotels, and hundreds of car rentals. Partner airlines benefit from access to CheapOair’s broad customer base that books high yield international travel and add-on ancillaries at above the industry average. Follow CheapOair on Facebook and Twitter to learn how to travel the world for less.