Home Review Byojet Review 2025 : Is It Legit or Worth Booking Flights With?

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Byojet Review 2025 : Is It Legit or Worth Booking Flights With?

Jessica SmithOctober 23, 202516 Mins read55

Company Overview & Background

Byojet is an online travel agency (OTA) that offers a streamlined platform for booking flights, hotels, and vacation packages across global destinations. Operating under the motto “Book Your Own Travel,” Byojet empowers users to find and secure competitive deals without unnecessary markups or booking fees. The company emphasizes affordability, ease of use, and transparency, particularly appealing to travelers looking to maximize value.

Founded in Australia, Byojet gained traction as a reliable platform among budget-conscious flyers, students, and frequent travelers. Over time, it has expanded its global footprint by leveraging technology, strategic airline partnerships, and the backing of a major industry player.

Ownership (Owned by Flight Centre Travel Group)

Byojet is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Flight Centre Travel Group Limited (FCTG)—one of the world’s largest travel companies headquartered in Brisbane, Australia. FCTG is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: FLT) and owns numerous retail and corporate travel brands including Flight Centre, StudentUniverse, Travel Associates, and Corporate Traveller.

This affiliation with Flight Centre enhances Byojet’s legitimacy, giving it access to negotiated fares, airline networks, and the operational infrastructure of a travel giant.

Services Offered (Flights, Hotels, Packages)

Byojet’s core offerings include:

Flight Bookings: Access to competitive fares from over 900 airlines including Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Etihad, and China Southern.
Hotel Reservations: Though not as extensive as other platforms like Booking.com, Byojet integrates hotel options into its package deals for convenience.
Holiday Packages: Users can bundle flights and hotels to save more—especially useful for holiday-goers planning trips to destinations such as Vancouver, London, Tokyo, Delhi, or New York.

The platform occasionally highlights deals specifically for students and young travelers in partnership with StudentUniverse, another FCTG brand.

Target Audience (Budget Travelers, Deal Seekers, etc.)

Byojet is especially appealing to:

Budget Travelers seeking low-cost flights without hidden fees.
Students and Youth Travelers looking for flexible, discounted travel options.
Deal Seekers and Frequent Flyers who value simplicity and access to aggregated airline deals.
Independent Travelers who prefer DIY booking without relying on agents.

The platform’s clean user interface and regular flight deals (especially for long-haul international flights) make it a compelling alternative to Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights for comparison shopping.

Is Byojet Legit and Safe to Use?

Domain Authority & Who Owns Byojet?

From an SEO and online authority perspective, Byojet operates under a high-authority domain connected to the Flight Centre network. As mentioned, its parent company, Flight Centre Travel Group, is a publicly listed corporation with over 40 years of travel industry experience and more than 20 brands in its portfolio.

This backing significantly boosts Byojet’s trustworthiness and operational credibility in a landscape often crowded with less reputable third-party booking platforms.

HTTPS, Data Encryption, and Payment Safety

Byojet’s website (https://www.byojet.com/) is fully encrypted with SSL certification, ensuring that user data, including personal information and payment details, is securely transmitted. The platform supports multiple secure payment methods, including:

Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
Debit cards
Third-party payment processors, depending on region

Moreover, transactions are PCI DSS compliant, aligning with global payment security standards. This minimizes risks of data breaches, phishing, or unauthorized payment activities—common concerns with lesser-known OTAs.

Customer Service Accessibility

Byojet provides customer support via:

Email and Web Forms
Help Centre / FAQ Section
Phone support (limited hours based on location)
Social Media Channels (primarily Facebook & Twitter)

However, like many budget-focused travel platforms, response times can vary depending on the nature of the request and booking volume. While customers report successful resolutions to most issues, there are occasional complaints on Trustpilot and ProductReview.com.au regarding delayed responses during high-traffic periods (e.g., peak travel seasons, COVID-19 disruptions).

Tip: Booking through platforms with responsive customer service is crucial for complex itineraries or international travel. If customer support is a priority, consider comparing Byojet to other FCTG brands or calling in for urgent changes.

Affiliate & Third-Party Partnerships (e.g., with major airlines)

Byojet works with an impressive lineup of global airline partners, including:

Qantas
Virgin Australia
Singapore Airlines
Emirates
Cathay Pacific
China Southern
Etihad
Air New Zealand
Malaysia Airlines

These partnerships allow Byojet to offer consolidator fares, last-minute deals, and region-specific promotions that aren’t always available on general search engines. Additionally, being part of the Flight Centre group means Byojet can tap into group deals and negotiated rates usually reserved for larger travel agencies.

While Byojet does operate using a third-party booking engine (similar to many OTAs), it clearly discloses fare rules and provider details, enhancing transparency.

Byojet is a legitimate and secure travel booking platform backed by the Flight Centre Travel Group, with a strong track record in the budget and independent travel market. It’s well-suited for travelers who value affordability, self-service booking, and access to a wide range of international airlines.

However, like all OTAs, it’s important to read the fine print, especially regarding cancellations, refund policies, and fare conditions. For maximum peace of mind, always cross-check with the airline and retain your confirmation emails.

User Experience – Booking Process Walkthrough

Booking a flight through Byojet is designed to be straightforward, but like any OTA (Online Travel Agency), the user experience varies depending on the device and depth of your search. Here’s a complete walkthrough covering UX/UI, search and filtering, checkout, and mobile usability.

Website UX/UI Analysis

Byojet’s interface is clean, modern, and visually minimalistic — prioritizing search speed over flash. The homepage invites you to “Book your own unforgettable travel experiences” with a large, central search bar that includes dropdowns for origin, destination, passenger count (adults, children, infants), and travel dates.

However, compared to platforms like Skyscanner or Google Flights, the UI is less feature-rich. While essential functions are covered, power users may find the experience slightly underwhelming in terms of advanced filters and interactive visuals.

Notable UI Features:

One click selection for popular destinations (e.g., New York, Auckland, Tokyo)
Partnership badges with airlines like Qantas, Cathay Pacific, and Emirates
Limited homepage distractions, ideal for quick searches

How to Search & Filter Flights on Byojet

Searching for flights is intuitive: you enter your desired route and dates, and Byojet pulls in results from major airline partners including Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, and Etihad.

Filtering Capabilities:

Stops: Direct, 1-stop, 2+ stops
Airlines: Filter by partner airlines like China Southern, Malaysia Airlines, etc.
Price Sorting: Lowest to highest or by recommended flights
Time Preferences: Departure and arrival windows

One missing feature is multi-city or open-jaw routing, which is available on competitors like Expedia and Kiwi.com.

Checkout & Payment Options

Once you select your flight, the checkout page displays a detailed summary with base fare, taxes, and surcharges — but optional extras are subtly added later.

Payment Methods Include:

Visa, MasterCard, American Express
PayPal (in some regions)
Afterpay or Klarna not currently supported

Watch for: Service fees and credit card surcharges, which appear right before final confirmation. These can range from $14.95 to $29.95, depending on your card type and flight provider.

Mobile Experience / App Availability

Currently, Byojet does not have a dedicated mobile app — a notable downside in an increasingly app-first market. However, the mobile site is responsive and loads reasonably fast.

Mobile UX Insights:

Search and booking workflows are optimized for touch interfaces
No app-only discounts or notifications like competitors (Trip.com, Hopper)
You’ll need to manage bookings via browser, which could be less convenient for frequent travelers

Pricing, Hidden Fees & Transparency

Price competitiveness is one reason users turn to OTAs like Byojet — but it’s essential to understand what’s included and what’s not. Here’s what we found when analyzing their pricing structure and policies.

Are Byojet Prices Lower Than Airlines?

In many cases, yes — Byojet offers lower upfront prices than direct airline booking. Deals with carriers like Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, and Emirates are frequently promoted under their “Airline Discounts” section.

But there’s a caveat: these prices often don’t include extras like baggage, seat selection, or cancellation protection. When comparing final costs, the gap between Byojet and airlines like Qantas or Singapore Airlines may close significantly.

Example: A flight from Sydney to Tokyo may be $40 cheaper on Byojet, but once you add checked baggage and service fees, it might match the fare on the airline’s own site.

Credit Card Fees / Service Fees

Byojet’s service fees can feel opaque unless you’re paying close attention.

Fee Breakdown:

Service Fee: $14.95–$29.95 per passenger (varies by fare type and route)
Credit Card Fee: Around 1.4%–2.5% of the transaction total
PayPal Fee: Typically lower, but still present

These fees are only disclosed at the final payment screen, which has led to criticism from users comparing it to more transparent OTAs like Skyscanner or Kayak.

Baggage Policy Confusion

This is one of the most common user complaints.

Byojet often sells basic economy or light fares that do not include checked baggage, especially on routes operated by low-cost carriers or even full-service airlines offering tiered pricing (e.g., Lufthansa Light, Qantas Red e-Deal).

Tip: Always check the fare rules before purchase. You may need to purchase baggage directly from the airline after booking, which can cost more post-booking.

Refund and Cancellation Charges

Byojet’s refund and cancellation terms depend on both the fare class and the airline’s own rules.

Common Issues:

Even if an airline offers refunds, Byojet may charge an additional handling fee
Most basic fares are non-refundable
Canceling via customer service may take up to 15 business days for processing
“Flex” options or travel insurance are often add-ons at checkout

Pro Tip: Use the airline’s PNR (Passenger Name Record) to manage your booking directly for changes or cancellations if you’re facing delays with Byojet.

Customer Reviews & Complaints (What Real Users Say)

Booking with an online travel agency like BYOjet, a subsidiary of Flight Centre Travel Group, can be a cost-saving option—but how do real customers rate the experience? Let’s dive into verified reviews, highlight recurring feedback themes, and give you the full picture so you can book with confidence.

Aggregated Rating from Review Sites

To gauge overall satisfaction, we looked at major review platforms:

Trustpilot: 4.2 / 5 – based on 15,000+ reviews
ProductReview.com.au: (N/A – not enough fresh data)
SiteJabber: Not currently hosting recent reviews for BYOjet.

The Trustpilot TrustScore is quite solid, with 62% of users leaving 5-star reviews. The top praises highlight competitive prices, real-time booking confirmations, and ease of navigation.

Common Complaints (Customer Support, Refund Delays)

Despite a generally favorable reputation, some common frustrations do appear:

Slow refund processing: Several users reported waiting months for refunds. One reviewer said it took over 40 weeks to receive a refund for a canceled ticket.
Poor customer service follow-up: Customers shared stories of unanswered emails and being passed between airline and agent without resolution.
Hidden charges or unclear baggage policies: A few users mentioned surprises like seat selection fees, merchant surcharges, or luggage exclusions on “deal” fares.

Common Praise (Cheaper Tickets, Ease of Use)

What BYOjet does right is just as important:

Consistently lower prices: Several users compared BYOjet fares to Trip.com, Aunt Betty, and Skyscanner and found them cheaper by $100+, especially for business class fares via Singapore Airlines, Hainan Airlines, and Qantas.
Smooth booking process: Users love the transparent payment flow, absence of extra card fees, and fast confirmation emails—often within 5 minutes.
Real ticket availability: Unlike some aggregators that show ghost inventory, users noted that tickets shown on BYOjet were actually bookable.

Real quote: “They actually had the tickets they advertised—unlike some sites.”

Real User Testimonials (with CTA to leave a comment)

Here are a few unfiltered quotes from recent customers:

“Perfect and easy booking. Much simpler than the airline’s own website.”
“Got a business class ticket for under AUD 4400 to London. That’s unbeatable.”
“BYOjet helped me get home to my sick dad with zero issues. Thank you!”

Want to share your experience with BYOjet? Scroll down and leave your honest review in the comments below to help other travelers make informed choices.

Customer Support – Is Help Available When You Need It?

When booking flights online, knowing you can reach someone if plans go sideways is crucial. Let’s explore how BYOjet handles support and what customers actually experience.

How to Contact BYOjet (Phone, Email, Online Form)

BYOjet offers the following support channels:

Phone: +61 2 8357 1165 (Australia-based)
Email: assist@byojet.com
Online Form: Available through their Help Center

They also operate under Flight Centre Travel Group, which boosts trust but doesn’t always speed up the process.

Responsiveness and Support Hours

Based on user feedback:

Response time for urgent requests (like ticket re-issue) is often within 1–2 hours.
Email responses and refund queries can take 2–12 weeks depending on complexity.
Users report that customer service is helpful when reached, but getting a timely response is inconsistent.

Typical hours are business hours (AEST), and no live chat is currently available.

Note: BYOjet replied to 52% of negative reviews on Trustpilot, usually within 2 weeks.

Help Center / FAQ Quality

The Help Center is accessible through the site, but:

It’s fairly basic, mostly redirecting to booking management and airline contact info.
No chatbot or real-time support tools available.
FAQs lack in-depth troubleshooting steps (e.g., no walkthroughs for multi-city bookings, airline changes, etc.).

For more technical travel questions, travelers often rely on forums or contact airlines directly.

Real Case Studies of Support Experience

Case 1 – Flight Cancellation by Airline

A customer booked a flight with China Southern Airlines. After a 1-hour schedule change, they sought a refund. BYOjet confirmed the airline allows such refunds—but never processed it, claiming “uncontactable airline.” The issue escalated to New Zealand’s Disputes Tribunal.

Case 2 – e-Ticket Urgency Solved Instantly

One user needed their ticket urgently and called support. The ticket was emailed instantly after the call. “Great service,” they noted.

Case 3 – Delayed Refund Followed by Full Payment

A flight canceled in January led to a 7-month wait. After numerous follow-ups, the refund was eventually completed, but not without frustration.

BYOjet clearly delivers value for travelers who prioritize cost over concierge-style service. Its partnerships with major airlines like Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, and Virgin Australia offer solid fare options, and its platform is easy to navigate.

However, if you’re someone who values responsive, proactive support, especially in complex travel scenarios, keep in mind the potential for slow resolution times.

Tell us below: Have you used BYOjet before? How was your experience?

Refund & Cancellation Policy – What You Need to Know

When booking flights through third-party travel agencies like Byojet, understanding how refunds and cancellations work can help you avoid unexpected costs and delays. This section outlines the roles of Byojet and the airlines, how refund requests are handled, realistic timelines based on user reports, and whether travel insurance is available.

Airline vs Byojet Responsibility

When it comes to cancellations and changes, responsibility is split between the airline and Byojet:

Airline-Initiated Cancellations: If your flight is canceled or rescheduled by the airline (e.g., Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific), they typically provide a refund or a travel credit. However, the refund is processed via Byojet, as they are your booking agent.
User-Initiated Cancellations: If you decide to cancel voluntarily, Byojet applies the airline’s fare rules and may charge additional service fees (non-refundable) for handling the cancellation. This is common across OTAs (Online Travel Agencies).

How Refund Requests Work

The refund process through Byojet follows a step-by-step model:

Submit a Refund Request via your Byojet account or the customer support portal.
Byojet forwards your request to the airline for approval.
Upon approval, the airline sends the refund back to Byojet, which then credits your original payment method.
Note: If your ticket is non-refundable, you may still get a refund of taxes and airport charges, minus any fees.

Byojet’s T&Cs state they do not guarantee a refund timeline, as this depends entirely on the airline’s policies.

Real Refund Timelines (User-reported)

Here’s what users are reporting on forums like ProductReview, Trustpilot, and Reddit:

Scenario	Reported Refund Time	Notes
Airline cancellation	4–12 weeks	Varies by airline
COVID-related refund	8–20 weeks	Longer due to backlog
User cancellation	6–10 weeks	Less priority, plus service fee
Chargeback initiated	1–2 months	Depends on bank or PayPal

Pro Tip: Some users reported faster resolution after contacting airlines directly and forwarding responses to Byojet.

Travel Insurance Offered?

Yes, Byojet offers optional travel insurance through third-party providers during checkout. However:

Policies may exclude pandemic-related events or pre-existing conditions.
You must read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing.
For high-risk travel or frequent cancellations, external insurance from providers like Cover-More or Allianz may offer better flexibility.

If you’re booking complex itineraries (e.g., multi-airline journeys), consider comprehensive insurance to cover change fees, delays, or medical issues.

Comparisons – Byojet vs Other Flight Booking Sites

Choosing a booking platform isn’t just about the cheapest price—it’s also about support, refund reliability, and ease of managing bookings. Here’s how Byojet stacks up against major platforms like Skyscanner, Expedia, Kiwi.com, and CheapOair.

Byojet vs Skyscanner

Feature	Byojet	Skyscanner
Booking type	Direct OTA	Meta-search engine
Who processes the booking?	Byojet	Airline or partner OTA
Refund Handling	Byojet customer service	Depends on seller
Extra Services	Optional insurance	None
Pros	Single checkout, flight deals	Price comparison, flexible search tools
Cons	Service fees, slow refund	You may land on low-rated third-party sites

Best for: If you want to book and manage everything in one place, Byojet is preferable. For comparing fares, Skyscanner is king.

Byojet vs Expedia

Feature	Byojet	Expedia
Loyalty Program	❌ None	✅ Expedia Rewards
Support Channels	Limited	24/7 customer service
Hotel/Car Add-ons	No	Yes (packages available)
Trust Factor	Moderate	High (established in 1996)
Refund speed	Slower (user-reported)	Generally faster

Verdict: Expedia is more suitable for bundled travel and travelers seeking better post-booking support. Byojet may offer cheaper base fares, but support comes at a cost.

Byojet vs Kiwi / CheapOair

Feature	Byojet	Kiwi.com	CheapOair
Self-Transfer Protection	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Limited
Fees Transparency	⚠️ Mixed reviews	❌ Hidden fees common	⚠️ Mixed reviews
App Experience	Web-focused	Robust app	Basic app
Refund Reliability	Slower	Often criticized	Hit-or-miss
Unique Offers	Airline discounts	Custom itineraries	Deals on US-based routes

Caution: Kiwi and CheapOair have high volumes of refund-related complaints on Trustpilot and BBB, often worse than Byojet.

When is Byojet the Better Choice?

Byojet may be your best bet if:

You find a significantly cheaper fare than on airline sites.
You’re booking with well-known airlines like Emirates or Qantas via Byojet.
You’re comfortable managing support via email or online forms rather than phone calls.
You’re using a credit card with travel protections or booking simple, one-way routes.

Pros and Cons of Using Byojet

Byojet, part of Flight Centre Travel Group, is an online travel agency (OTA) that specializes in discounted international flights. Like most third-party booking platforms, it offers both benefits and pitfalls that travelers should consider before booking.

Pros

Competitive Pricing

One of Byojet’s standout advantages is its low-cost international fares, especially for long-haul flights. The platform often undercuts prices found on airline websites or other OTAs by bundling deals across carriers. This makes it attractive for price-sensitive travelers looking to stretch their budgets.

Global Flight Options

Byojet partners with major international carriers such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and British Airways. This wide network allows users to book multi-airline itineraries or complex international routes that are often hard to find elsewhere.

Simple Booking Interface

Users often praise the clean and user-friendly website, which shows transparent pricing, baggage allowances, and fee breakdowns upfront. This reduces the risk of hidden costs—an issue prevalent on many OTA platforms.

Cons

Poor Customer Service

One of the most commonly reported issues with Byojet is its unreliable and unresponsive customer support. Numerous Trustpilot and ProductReview users cite long wait times, unresolved queries, and lack of follow-up, especially during flight disruptions or cancellations.

Refund Delays

While Byojet does offer refunds on eligible bookings, they are notoriously slow. Multiple customers on Reddit and review platforms report refund processing times of 6–12 weeks, often with no proactive communication from the company. This delay is worsened if the airline itself takes time to release the funds.

Extra Fees

Changes and cancellations can come with hefty amendment fees, sometimes as high as AUD $175 per person, in addition to any airline penalties. These fees are outlined in the fine print but can catch travelers off guard—especially during emergencies or itinerary changes.

Final Verdict – Should You Use BYOjet?

BYOjet, owned by Flight Centre Travel Group (USA) Inc., positions itself as a user-friendly, low-cost flight booking platform. With access to major global airlines like Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qantas, and Air New Zealand, BYOjet offers competitive rates without the usual booking fees that many other OTAs charge.

But the real question is: is it the right choice for your travel needs?

Let’s break it down.

Who Should Use It?

BYOjet is best suited for:

Budget-Conscious Travelers
BYOjet consistently offers competitive pricing on international flights with no hidden booking fees. If you’re hunting for the best deals, particularly for major international routes, this is a strong contender.
Students and Young Travelers
BYOjet caters well to students through dedicated student flight deals, especially useful for those flying between the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Their partnerships with airlines like Cathay Pacific, China Southern, and Singapore Airlines also ensure reliable student-friendly fares.
Frequent Flyers with Flexible Schedules
If you’re someone who can afford to shift travel dates slightly, BYOjet’s interface lets you explore alternative travel dates to find the lowest fares across multiple carriers.
Travelers Focused on Simplicity Over Perks
Unlike sites that overwhelm users with upsells, BYOjet offers a minimalist, clean booking experience. It’s great for people who want to book a flight fast, without endless pop-ups or bundles.

Who Should Avoid It?

BYOjet might not be ideal for:

Travelers Requiring Full-Service Support
Since BYOjet is primarily an OTA, customer support is not 24/7 and is sometimes outsourced. If something goes wrong with your booking, you may need to deal with both the airline and BYOjet, which can be frustrating in urgent situations.
Luxury Travelers Seeking Custom Packages
If you’re booking multi-leg itineraries, business class upgrades, or want a personalized service experience, platforms like Expedia, Travelocity, or direct airline booking portals may serve you better.
Those Booking Last-Minute Domestic Flights
For last-minute domestic travel, especially within regions like the U.S., Australia, or New Zealand, deals are often better when booked directly with airlines or through specialized apps like Hopper or Skyscanner.
Users Expecting Rewards Programs
BYOjet doesn’t offer its own loyalty program, unlike Expedia Rewards or Booking.com Genius. If you’re a mileage collector, direct airline bookings may help you accumulate points more efficiently.

Alternatives to Consider

Here are some well-established alternatives you might explore:

Platform	Best For	Key Features
Skyscanner	Price comparison across dozens of OTAs	Price alerts, flexible date search, hotel and car rental options
Google Flights	Research and route planning	Real-time fare tracking, excellent UX, booking via partner sites
Expedia	All-in-one travel booking	Bundled deals (flight + hotel), Expedia Rewards
Kayak	Price transparency	Filters by bag fees, travel class, flight duration
Hopper	Predicting future flight prices	AI-based predictions, freeze fare options
StudentUniverse	Student deals	Verified student fares, educational traveler perks
Momondo	Deep fare digging	Meta-search engine with lesser-known OTA results

Pro Tip: Use BYOjet to compare deals against these platforms—sometimes it lists exclusive deals with partner airlines not shown elsewhere.

Summary Table: Features / Ratings / Verdict

Feature	Description	Rating (Out of 5)
Pricing	Often cheaper than competitors; no booking fee	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5)
Flight Options	Global coverage with top-tier airlines like Emirates, Qantas, Etihad, and more	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2)
Ease of Use	Clean interface; no upsell clutter	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0)
Customer Support	Limited availability; slower response compared to Expedia or direct airline help	⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.0)
Additional Services	No hotel, car, or tour booking options	⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2.5)
Mobile Experience	Functional, but not as robust as competitors like Hopper or Skyscanner	⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.5)

Final Verdict:
BYOjet is a solid option for budget-conscious, international travelers, particularly students or those looking for a clean, fee-free flight booking experience. However, if you’re looking for more robust travel packages or responsive customer service, you may want to keep exploring.

Written by

Jessica Smith -

A mindful content writer driven by a passion for storytelling and audience connection. Specializes in crafting content that blends creativity with strategy, turning ideas into impactful articles, blogs, and campaigns that inform, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.