Booking Errors and Troubleshooting

Encountering issues while booking? Here's how to resolve common booking problems and error messages on GoBusly.

Payment Errors

"Payment Failed - Card Declined"

Possible Causes:

• Insufficient funds on card
• Card expired or blocked
• Incorrect card details entered
• Bank security restrictions

Solutions:

1. Check card balance and available credit
2. Verify card details (number, expiry, CVV)
3. Contact your bank to authorize international transactions
4. Try a different payment method
5. Use a different card if available

"Payment Processing Error"

Possible Causes:

• Temporary payment gateway issues
• Network connectivity problems
• Browser compatibility issues
• Session timeout

Solutions:

1. Refresh the page and try again
2. Clear browser cache and cookies
3. Try a different browser or device
4. Check internet connection stability
5. Wait 5-10 minutes and retry

"3D Secure Authentication Failed"

Possible Causes:

• Incorrect security code entered
• SMS not received for verification
• Bank authentication system issues
• Pop-up blockers preventing authentication

Solutions:

1. Check for SMS from your bank
2. Disable pop-up blockers temporarily
3. Contact your bank for 3D Secure issues
4. Try alternative payment method
5. Use mobile banking app for authentication

Booking Availability Errors

"No Seats Available"

Possible Causes:

• Route fully booked for selected date
• High demand during peak season
• Technical sync issues with operator
• Seats held by other customers

Solutions:

1. Try different departure times on same day
2. Check nearby dates for availability
3. Consider alternative routes with connections
4. Set up price alerts for when seats become available
5. Book return trip separately if round-trip unavailable

"Route Not Available"

Possible Causes:

• Seasonal route not currently operating
• Operator temporarily suspended service
• New route not yet in system
• Incorrect city names entered

Solutions:

1. Check spelling of departure and destination cities
2. Try nearby cities or alternative airports
3. Contact customer support for route information
4. Check operator websites directly
5. Consider multi-leg journeys with connections

Technical Errors

"Session Expired"

Possible Causes:

• Inactive for too long during booking
• Browser security settings
• Multiple tabs open with same booking
• System maintenance in progress

Solutions:

1. Start booking process again from search
2. Complete booking quickly once started
3. Use only one browser tab for booking
4. Check for system maintenance notifications
5. Try incognito/private browsing mode

"Server Error - Please Try Again"

Possible Causes:

• High website traffic
• Temporary server issues
• Database connectivity problems
• System updates in progress

Solutions:

1. Wait 5-10 minutes and try again
2. Try during off-peak hours (early morning/late evening)
3. Use mobile app instead of website
4. Contact customer support if persistent
5. Check social media for system status updates

Passenger Information Errors

"Invalid Name Format"

Requirements:

• Use only letters and spaces
• No numbers or special characters
• Match name on ID/passport exactly
• Minimum 2 characters per name field

Solutions:

1. Remove numbers and special characters
2. Use full legal name as on ID
3. Check for extra spaces or hidden characters
4. Use English alphabet if possible
5. Contact support for non-Latin names

"Invalid Email Address"

Common Issues:

• Missing @ symbol
• Incorrect domain format
• Spaces in email address
• Special characters not allowed

Solutions:

1. Double-check email format (user@domain.com)
2. Remove spaces before and after
3. Use common email providers (Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook)
4. Avoid special characters except . and _
5. Test email by sending yourself a message

"Phone Number Invalid"

Requirements:

• Include country code
• Use only numbers and + symbol
• Minimum 10 digits
• Valid format for selected country

Solutions:

1. Add country code (+389 for Macedonia)
2. Remove spaces and dashes
3. Use international format (+country code + number)
4. Check number length for your country
5. Verify number is active and can receive SMS

Date and Time Errors

"Invalid Travel Date"

Possible Issues:

• Date in the past
• Date too far in future
• Invalid date format
• Departure after return date

Solutions:

1. Select future date only
2. Check date format (DD/MM/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY)
3. Ensure departure before return date
4. Book within 6 months advance limit
5. Use calendar picker instead of typing

Browser Compatibility

Recommended Browsers:

• Chrome 90+ (recommended)
• Firefox 88+
• Safari 14+
• Edge 90+

Browser Settings:

1. Enable JavaScript and cookies
2. Disable ad blockers temporarily
3. Allow pop-ups for payment processing
4. Update browser to latest version
5. Clear cache and browsing data

Mobile Device Issues

Common Problems:

• Small screen display issues
• Touch input problems
• Slow internet connection
• App vs. website differences

Solutions:

1. Use mobile app for better experience
2. Rotate to landscape for forms
3. Zoom in on small text fields
4. Use WiFi instead of mobile data
5. Update app to latest version

Self-Service Options

1. FAQ section for common questions
2. Video tutorials for booking process
3. Live chat for immediate assistance
4. Email support for detailed issues
5. Phone support for urgent problems

When to Contact Support

• Multiple failed attempts with same error
• Payment charged but no confirmation received
• Technical errors persisting after troubleshooting
• Accessibility issues with booking process
• Complex group bookings requiring assistance

Information to Provide

• Error message text (screenshot helpful)
• Browser and device information
• Steps taken before error occurred
• Booking reference if partially completed
• Contact information for follow-up

Response Times

• Live Chat: Under 2 minutes
• Phone Support: Immediate
• Email: Within 4 hours
• Complex Issues: 24-48 hours
• Refunds: 3-5 business days