A LoyaltyLobby reader sent us a question about Pluto World Class membership and whether this product is real or fraud.
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Reader’s Email:
I have recently been having trouble with a service called PLUTO World Class.
Here is their website. https://www.plutoglobaltravel.com/
Were you aware of this service? I am wondering because no one has picked up on it.
Around May 21, they were offering membership with the mention of 12 months free, so I signed up for a Platinum membership.
Normally it costs £435 per year. They have recently raised the price to £485. They are still offering the 12 month free trial. However, they charged £2980 to my card.
I rushed to contact them.
Their reply was
- The £2980 charge is due to an error.
- I will be refunded by June 10.
I think it is too early to make a fuss as it is only June 4 now.
I have shared the situation with my credit card company every step of the way.
I am hoping that everything will be okay and I will get my refund.
However, I am thinking that this service could be very valuable if it is provided as they say it will be.
As you can see from their website, they have a lot of attractive benefits.
While I think this is a scam, I also hope that the service will be launched.
I would love to know your assessment in an article.
I have never come across this product before, but there are many paid membership products out there for various travel benefits. There is also a cottage industry, especially in China, that can sign members up for various status tiers and fast tracks for a fee.
So, I decided to have a look:
They offer three membership tiers, Gold, Diamond, and Platinum, and the order of the last two “tiers” is a bit off.
The website lists some benefits for the Platinum tier:
PRIORITY CHECK-IN
Regardless of which class you are flying, your PLUTO membership card will allow you to check in using the first class/Business class lane when flying with our chosen airline partners.
DISCOUNTED FLIGHTS
As a PLUTO member, you get 25% on return flights with our trusted airline partners.
Simply request the 25% discount code through your PLUTO membership portal and use it when booking online.
FLIGHT CABIN SEAT UPGRADE
The PLUTO World Class membership card gives you access to two complimentary seat upgrades on flights for you and another person flying on the same booking.
** Upgrade from Premium Economy to Business Class**
There is a 12-month-long free trial:
WHAT IS THE 12 MONTH FREE TRIAL OFFER?
As our way of creating brand awareness to new members, we are offering a whole years membership for free.
This works in both our favour as well as yours, we gain new loyal members and you gain a free year of PLUTO benefits, simple.
But there is a joining fee:
WHY IS THERE A JOINING FEE?
Depending on which membership tier you choose, we may ask for a one off joining fee, this is a small one time payment which goes towards the set up of your membership, the delivery of your welcome pack and the production of your 18g Titanium PLUTO membership card.
We also credit this back to you upon your 6 month membership with us, this is our way of saying thank you for your commitment.
There are logos of various travel sector companies on their website.
Conclusion
So, the company promises status upgrades, premium economy to business upgrades, 25% off return fares, lounge access, priority security, travel insurance, and other benefits. It also promises the first 12 months for free, but with a joining fee that is not disclosed on its website.
The reader joined for a 12 month free trial and got charged £2980 that is supposedly refunded.
If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is not.
There is no way that the company could provide 25% discounts on return fares on several airlines, and provide two Premium Economy to Business upgrade vouchers per membership year + other benefits.
What is your take? Real or scam? Please comment below.
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