Is BookIt Travel worth it

Deciding on the right travel booking platform can feel like navigating a maze. With countless options promising the best deals, how do you know which one truly delivers? One name that often surfaces in travel discussions is BookIt Travel. But with a history that might cause some confusion, the question remains: Is BookIt Travel worth it for your next adventure?

This comprehensive guide will cut through the noise, providing clarity on BookIt Travel's past reputation and its recent transformation. We'll explore what the "new" BookIt.com aims to offer, its potential benefits, and crucial considerations to help you determine if it aligns with your travel needs.

The Evolution of BookIt Travel: From Past Challenges to a New Beginning

For many years, the name BookIt.com carried a mixed, often negative, reputation within the online travel agency (OTA) landscape. Customer reviews frequently highlighted significant issues, particularly concerning cancellations, refunds, and unresponsive customer service. Travelers reported instances of lost funds, reservations not being honored, and extreme difficulty in resolving problems, especially during periods like the pandemic. This led to widespread dissatisfaction and a general sentiment of distrust among many former users.

However, the landscape for BookIt.com has recently undergone a dramatic shift. In May 2025, BookIt.com officially relaunched under entirely new ownership and management, positioning itself as a "Super App" platform. This new iteration aims to redefine the booking experience by integrating travel, shopping, and unique experiences with a focus on substantial rewards.

What the "New" BookIt.com Promises for Travelers

The relaunched BookIt.com is attempting to carve out a new niche in the competitive travel market. It operates under a premium membership model, claiming to negotiate directly with suppliers to secure deeper wholesale discounts. These savings are then passed on to members in the form of "Spree Points," a universal rewards currency that can reportedly be earned and spent across over 2 million brands and merchants on the platform.

So, what exactly does this new model mean for you, the traveler?

Unprecedented Value and Rewards

The core promise of the new BookIt.com revolves around delivering "unprecedented value" and "significantly higher cash-back rewards," with claims of up to 70% in rewards. Examples cited include:

Luxury Stays: Up to 71% rewards back on luxury resort stays.
Cruises: Up to 40% rewards back on sailings from major cruise lines.
Luxury Products: Rewards back on high-end retail items like watches.
Experiences: Rewards on unique experiences, such as private chauffeur tours.

This focus on high reward rates through a membership model is a distinct departure from traditional OTAs, which often rely on lower prices or standard loyalty points.

Diverse Offerings Beyond Just Travel

Unlike many travel-specific OTAs, the new BookIt.com is designed as a "Super App" that extends beyond just flights, hotels, and cruises. It integrates shopping and unique experiences, suggesting a broader lifestyle platform. This could appeal to users who prefer a single platform for various purchasing needs.

Flexible Payment Options

The platform also highlights its versatility in payment methods, supporting not only traditional credit and debit cards but also points and over 3,000 cryptocurrencies. This could be a significant draw for users looking for alternative payment solutions or those engaged in the crypto economy.

Is BookIt Travel Worth It: Key Considerations and Cautions

While the promises of the new BookIt.com sound appealing, it's crucial to approach any new travel platform with informed caution. Given the historical issues associated with the name, and the very recent nature of the relaunch, several factors warrant careful consideration.

1. The Importance of Customer Service

Historically, BookIt.com faced severe criticism regarding its customer service, with reports of unresponsiveness and difficulty in resolving issues. While the new management implies a fresh start, the true test of any travel company lies in its ability to support customers when things don't go as planned. When evaluating if BookIt Travel is worth it, consider:

Responsiveness: How quickly and effectively do they address inquiries?
Problem Resolution: Can they efficiently resolve booking errors, cancellations, or other travel disruptions?
Accessibility: Are their support channels (phone, email, chat) easily accessible and staffed adequately? BookIt.com previously listed a 24/7 customer service line, but user experiences varied widely.

2. Understanding the Membership Model

The new BookIt.com operates on a "premium membership model". Before committing, thoroughly understand:

Membership Fees: What are the costs associated with the premium membership? Is there a free trial or a limited-time offer (e.g., a free Gold-tier membership mentioned for a limited time)?
Value Proposition: Do the advertised rewards and discounts truly offset the membership cost for your typical travel habits?
Terms and Conditions: Pay close attention to the fine print regarding how rewards are earned, redeemed, and any limitations or expiry dates.

3. Verifying Deals and Availability

While the promise of up to 70% rewards is enticing, always cross-reference prices and availability with other reputable sources. This is a general best practice for any OTA booking, as prices can vary and sometimes direct bookings with hotels or airlines offer different perks or flexibility.

4. Refund and Cancellation Policies

Online travel agencies, in general, can sometimes make it harder to change or cancel bookings compared to booking directly with the travel provider. Given the previous BookIt.com's issues with refunds and cancellations, it's paramount to:

Review Policies Carefully: Before finalizing any booking, understand the specific cancellation and refund policies for each component of your trip (flight, hotel, car, experience).
Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially for complex or high-value trips, to protect against unforeseen circumstances.

5. New Company, Limited Track Record

The relaunch in May 2025 means the "new" BookIt.com has a very limited operational history under its current management and model. While a fresh start can be positive, it also means:

Limited User Reviews (for the new entity): Most existing reviews online will pertain to the old BookIt.com. New, relevant reviews will take time to accumulate.
Unproven Consistency: The ability of the new platform to consistently deliver on its promises and handle customer issues over the long term remains to be seen.

Who Might the "New" BookIt.com Be For?

Given its new direction, the relaunched BookIt.com might appeal to:

Early Adopters: Travelers willing to explore new platforms and potentially reap high rewards if the system works as advertised.
Reward Maximizers: Individuals who frequently travel and shop, and can leverage the "Spree Points" system effectively across various categories.
Luxury Travelers: If the high reward percentages on luxury stays and experiences prove consistent, it could be attractive for those seeking premium travel at a better value.
Crypto Enthusiasts: Those who prefer or are comfortable using cryptocurrencies for transactions.

Conclusion: Proceed with Informed Optimism and Due Diligence

Is BookIt Travel worth it in its new incarnation? The answer is nuanced. The historical issues of BookIt.com are well-documented, marked by significant customer dissatisfaction. However, the recent relaunch under new ownership and a completely new "Super App" model presents a different proposition entirely. The promises of high rewards, diverse offerings, and flexible payment options are certainly intriguing.

As with any new or significantly rebranded service, informed caution is your best travel companion. We recommend:

Start Small: Consider testing the new BookIt.com with a smaller, less critical booking to gauge your experience with their customer service and reward fulfillment.
Read New Reviews: Keep an eye out for fresh, post-May 2025 reviews from users experiencing the new platform.
Compare Diligently: Always compare prices and terms with other reputable booking sites and direct providers.
Understand the Membership: Ensure you fully grasp the premium membership model and whether its benefits align with your travel frequency and preferences.

The new BookIt.com has an opportunity to build a fresh reputation. Whether it's "worth it" for you will depend on your individual travel style, risk tolerance, and how well the new platform delivers on its ambitious promises.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is BookIt.com the same company it used to be?

No, according to a May 2025 press release, BookIt.com has officially relaunched under "entirely new ownership and management" and is completely separate from any prior iterations. It is now positioned as a "Super App" platform for travel, shopping, and experiences.

Q2: What kind of deals does the new BookIt.com offer?

The new BookIt.com focuses on a rewards-based model, claiming to offer "unprecedented value" and "up to 70% in rewards" through its universal "Spree Points" system. These rewards are applicable across hotels, cruises, flights, luxury products, and unique experiences.

Q3: What are the general risks of using online travel agencies (OTAs) like BookIt.com?

Common risks associated with OTAs include potential difficulties in changing or canceling bookings, as hotels and airlines often prefer direct contact for modifications. There can also be issues with customer service, and occasionally, hotels may prioritize direct bookings over OTA reservations, especially during oversold situations. It's always wise to thoroughly review the specific terms and conditions of any booking.

Q4: How can I check the legitimacy of a travel booking site?

To check the legitimacy of a travel booking site, look for consistent, positive, and recent customer reviews (especially for newer entities). Verify their contact information, check if they are accredited by relevant travel organizations, and compare their prices and policies with other well-known sites and direct providers. Be wary of deals that seem "too good to be true" without clear terms.