Abela Sleeper Train Reservation Scam Corrupt

Boston...
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Abela Sleeper Train Reservation Scam Corrupt
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I have been attempting to make a reservation with Abela http://www.sleepingtrains.com/ for the sleeper train roundtrip from Cairo to Luxor during New Years week for almost 2 months now. Multiple emails and faxes had gone unanswered.

I then retained a travel agent who informed me that Abela does not take reservations longer than 2 weeks from departure. 14 days prior to departure they were told that reservations were not being taken yet, then finally 12 days before departure they were informed that the trains were are sold out. They found out that all tickets had been sold to a group of travel agents a month prior to departure.These other travel agents are not willing to part with the tickets for "any" price.

Does anyone have any ideas for getting to Luxor since Egypt Air flights are sold out/very expensive?

Liverpool, United...
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1. Re: Abela Sleeper Train Reservation Scam Corrupt
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Sorry am not really knowledgable about getting to Luxor, believe there are buses.

It is very stupid of course but tickets are only available for sale about two weeks before departure, and that applies to Travel Agents and walking into the station too, so travel agents know this and it normally works out, but Chritmas / New Year is high season.

Since I joined Trip Advisor I have only heard bad things about Abela and booking on line.

Hope other members will come up with options for you.

Regards

Wendy

Liverpool, United...
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Sorry another point, if you can get a plane ticket (even if expensive) then go for it. You could try looking at the Egyptair website ?? do not know if you have done this or not, you put your county as Egypt and the price will be lower.

I just tried it on their website two random dates before Christmas and after New Year and it was 1500 LE which is 272 USD.

Hope that helps

Wendy

Liverpool, United...
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The site is www.egyptair.com

Wendy

Kuala Lumpur...
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Wendy, I think Dave is upset (as I would be) because the tickets were sold one month prior to departure although technically they should only be sold 2 weeks before.

Dave, I was placed in the same predicament and was told by my travel agent that the tickets had been sold out more than a month ago. Now I know why.

I had no choice but to fly as I am due to travel very soon. Have you tried asking your travel agent to make alternative arrangements for you? Good luck.

Melbourne
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5. Re: Abela Sleeper Train Reservation Scam Corrupt
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Hi, we are taking the Abela train in January with our kids. I am using Amani from continental tours to book it. I have send US dollars over via western union and she will organise and deliver the rest. The beauty of taking the train is that it leaves at 9pm so you can have longer in Cairo.

Boston...
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Thanks for all your replies. Good news. Our agent was able to book overnight express train tickets. Of course this will not be as comfortable as the sleeper, but at least we're getting there and saving some money too.

Unfortunately, the fact remains that the management of the Arbela Railroad company is dishonest, corrupt and under-handed. To force the public to wait until 12-14 days before departure to purchase tickets that had already been sold to insiders a month earlier is unconscionable. I am very upset with this company and want to make sure that others are warned about their unscrupulous practices.

Boston...
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This is a response to GGGGGG: If I were you, I would definitely make alternative plans for the sleeper train. I definitely would not be transacting this business without a credit card and you should not rely upon actually getting the tickets you are paying in advance for.

Liverpool, United...
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Sorry I have to disagree with the above post I know several members who have used the services of Continental Tours for getting their train tickets and other services/tours as well. They are excellent and know what they are doing.

Regards

Wendy

Boston...
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I agree that I should not provide advise on what another traveler should do because I don't know what their circumstances are.

I'm sure the tour company is very good, so is mine. It's really not their fault that Abela does business in a disreputable way.

It won't be Continental's fault if they can't get the tickets and the customer is left with money that needs to be refunded and very few options for arranging alternative transportation.

On the other hand maybe Continental is one of the insider agencies and will get tickets before they are available to the public.If this is the case the traveler's risk is reduced significantly.

The fact remains that Abela is corrupt.

Melbourne
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Hi, Amani at continental has been wonderful to deal with thus far. If she can't get tickets, I doubt it will be her fault and yes will be a real pain and we will take the overnight train as you are doing. I will cross my fingers. I am also going later in Jan, it may not be as busy. I guess watch this space. Lisa

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