Deceptive "Book Again" UI on Booking.com cost me £500
Hi everyone, I just got trapped by what looks like a classic Dark Pattern on the Booking.com app.
I used the "Book Again" feature, assuming it would copy my previous "Free Cancellation" terms. Instead, the app defaulted to Non-refundable and hid the free option behind a non-intuitive swipe-right gesture.
I cancelled within minutes, but they refused to refund my £500. To make things even worse, while trying to navigate their confusing app to find a solution, the booking was cancelled—still with zero refund.
While Booking.com claims my £500 is 'non-refundable' due to their UI trick, the same hotel is currently re-listing MY EXACT ROOM for only £400—and with FREE CANCELLATION included! 🤡
Has anyone successfully challenged a "Non-refundable" booking based on Deceptive Interface Design? Any advice on how to speed up the HSBC chargeback?
Location: Leeds, UK.
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