Question 1

Is Costco Travel cheaper than CheapoTrav for all-inclusives?

Accepted Answer

On the specific Hawaii, Mexico, and Caribbean resorts Costco bundles, the total package value is often very close once you include the Costco Shop Card, free room upgrades, and resort credits. On routes Costco doesn't serve, or trips where you'd rather not pay an annual membership, CheapoTrav typically wins on cash price with $0 fees and a broader gateway network.

Question 2

Do you need a Costco membership to book Costco Travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Costco Travel is gated behind a paid Costco membership (Gold Star or Executive). CheapoTrav has no membership and no annual fee; $0 booking fees apply on every reservation.

Question 3

Why are Costco Travel departure airports so limited?

Accepted Answer

Costco bundles charter and consolidator air contracts that originate from a narrow set of US gateways. If your home airport isn't on the list, you either drive to a gateway or position with a separate flight — which usually eats the package savings. CheapoTrav prices packages from every US airport in the same search.

Question 4

Do CheapoTrav and Costco Travel both charge booking fees?

Accepted Answer

CheapoTrav charges $0 booking fees on every flight, hotel, car, and package reservation. Costco Travel's fee structure depends on the channel — final fees may appear at checkout or be added by the third-party partner that completes the booking. Always compare the final total at checkout, not just the headline price.

Question 5

Can I get phone support from CheapoTrav and Costco Travel?

Accepted Answer

CheapoTrav runs a 24/7 phone travel desk with access to unpublished agent-only fares that never appear on any public website. Costco Travel routes most support through self-service help articles and the partner site that processed your booking.

Question 6

Which is better for last-minute trips: CheapoTrav or Costco Travel?

Accepted Answer

For last-minute flights and hotel rates, CheapoTrav's phone deal channel typically beats public OTA prices because agents can access fares released only through agent GDS channels. Costco Travel's public search shows the same fares everyone else sees online.

Feature	CheapoTrav	Costco Travel	Winner
Booking fees	$0 on every booking	$0 — but Costco membership required	CheapoTrav
Inventory breadth	1,200+ providers, worldwide	Curated — narrow destination list	CheapoTrav
All-inclusive value (Mexico/Hawaii)	Strong — wholesale bundle rates + agent fares	Industry-leading on its supported resorts	Tie / Costco Travel
Departure airport network	Every US gateway	Limited — fewer cities served	CheapoTrav
Membership required	No — open to anyone	Yes — paid Costco membership	CheapoTrav
Extras included	Surfaced in result (resort credits, transfers)	Costco Shop Card, room upgrades, resort credits	Tie / Costco Travel
Phone deal channel	24/7 — unpublished agent rates	Phone agents available, member-only	Tie / Costco Travel

CheapoTrav vs Costco Travel

Short answer

Side-by-side: CheapoTrav vs Costco Travel

When Costco Travel wins

When CheapoTrav wins

No booking fees, no surprises at checkout

Frequently asked questions