With last night’s win over Notre Dame, the North Carolina Tarheels are going to Houston for the Final Four. If you want to go, BBB warns you to carefully research tour operators and travel agencies that are selling Final Four packages.

“There are dozens of companies offering trips to the Final Four,” said BBB President Tom Bartholomy. “So, you need to fully understand what is included, what is not included, and what the terms and conditions of the trip are.”

The two most difficult elements of a Final Four trip to fulfill are game tickets and hotel rooms. “BBB urges you to buy your Final Four package from a travel agent or tour operator that has a successful track record,” Bartholomy added, “or your dream trip could turn into a nightmare.”

BBB has these tips for buying tickets or a travel package to the Final Four.

1)      If you are buying tickets only, buy from a reputable seller that guarantees their tickets or you will get your money back.

• Vivid Seats – Based in Chicago, Vivid Seats has an A+ rating with BBB and has earned BBB Accreditation. Tickets only.
• StubHub, Inc. – StubHub has an A rating with BBB. Tickets only.

2)      Ability to fulfill the trip: Select a reputable travel agency or tour company that is experienced in booking travel packages to major sporting events.  Ask them for the source of their game tickets and the source of their hotel rooms. Then, research the company and call the hotel to see if your travel agency or tour operator does in fact have a block of rooms for the Final Four weekend. You can check the tour operator’s BBB review at www.bbb.org.

• PrimeSport, Inc. – Based in Atlanta, PrimeSport has an A+ rating with BBB. Tickets and travel packages with or without tickets.

3)      Written contract: Be sure to read the fine print and the terms and conditions before you purchase a travel package. Make sure you understand what the tour operator’s cancellation and refund policies are in case you have to cancel your trip.

4)      Payment: Pay by credit card. Credit cards offer you buyer protections that debit cards and checks do not have.

“Going to the Final Four is a major purchase,” added Bartholomy, “and BBB urges you to do your homework.”

If you need additional information, visit www.bbb.org/charlotte or call toll-free at 1-877-317-7236.