Altadore Gymnastics booked a Cirque du Soleil Vegas trip for coach Ed Vincent. For his 35-years-or-so contribution to the club.

But when I went to PAY on-line, I was in for a shock.

Neither the Excaliber hotel nor Cirque du Soleil would accept payment by my credit card for “Ed Vincent”.

I first had to FAX a copy of my credit card and driver’s license to Vegas.

Where’s the convenience of on-line commerce now?

Here’s the small print from one website:

Tickets are normally sent to your credit card billing address. The Billing Address will be verified with your credit card company so you must use the exact address that your statements are sent to.

Should you require that the order be shipped to an address other than the credit card billing address we will require a faxed authorization from you. This includes a signed copy of the invoice along with legible copies of your driver’s license and the credit card that was used. This is done to protect both of us against fraudulent use.

OK. Now why did the airline (WestJet) accept my payment for Ed’s tickets, no questions asked?

Leave a comment if you know any more about this consumer hassle.