When a woman booked a lavish $7,976 European tour for two, she was lured in by the promise of a "complimentary" trip to Dubai. However, reality hit hard when she discovered the trip came with hidden costs!

The traveler, known as Stomper Ang, shared photos of the redemption letters from EU Holidays, boldly claiming a "Complimentary return air ticket to Dubai by Gulf Air for one person." But a deeper dive into the fine print revealed a shocking twist: airport taxes and fuel surcharges weren’t included, adding an estimated S$500 per person to her expenses!

"Why is 'complimentary' not truly complimentary?" she questioned, expressing her frustration after receiving the letters post-purchase at the Natas Holidays 2025 Travel Fair in Singapore.

Stomper Ang recounted that she was assured of the complimentary Dubai trip if she booked a tour for two. Excited by the promotion, she paid the deposit but was left baffled when she received the letters without a proper explanation. When she sought clarity from the cashier, they directed her to another location.

Upon visiting the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre to redeem her letters, she was alarmed to learn that tickets to Dubai would actually set her back by S$540 each!

"I checked Gulf Air's website and found that I could book a trip to Dubai for just $1,081 for both of us without this 'gift.' Clearly, this so-called freebie isn’t a gift at all!" Stomper lamented.

When contacted about the situation, a spokeswoman from EU Holidays defended the company, stating, "Recipients will be briefed on applicable terms and conditions upon redeeming their gifts. However, airline promotions can vary, and prices online may reflect better offers directly managed by airlines—something beyond our control."

This tale serves as a cautionary reminder: always read the fine print before getting swept away by enticing travel deals!