Q: I have noticed a few travel agents advertising Umrah packages with such and such hotel, and the words "or similar", next to that. The price is then stated below.
In a recent incident, a package was booked for and paid for about 50 days prior to departure. At the time of booking, it was confirmed that the hotels stated on the advert were available. About ten days prior to departure, the agent sent out a travel voucher for a different hotel (this was supposedly one of the "similar hotels"). The reason given was that the hotel advertised initially was not available or fully booked. However, on arrival in Madinah Munawwarah, the agent then informed that the hotel was changed again.
In some cases, some travelers were told by the agent that they would be staying one night in a certain hotel and thereafter moving to another hotel for the rest of the stay. (This changing of hotels for one night has happened with more than one agent) None of these hotels were mentioned or spoken about before departure.
In another instance, after payment, the agent advised that the airline changed the flight and hence the 12 night package now became an 11 night package.
Is this type of advertising permissible? Is this type of transaction permissible?
A: When the agent is not sure as to the product that he is going to offer then this is not right. The product that he is advertising must be clear.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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