Any experience with Budget car rental?

[chickie]

I found a great rate on a Budget car rental for our trip in March. We've only used Dollar at Orlando's airport, though, so we are a little nervous about using someone else.
Are their lines really long? Are the cars okay? Does Budget have kiosks?
Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[Padstack]

I have used Budget pretty much exclusively for the past 5 years on all of my business trips. I have had very few problems and when I did, they more than made up for them with great upgrades and discounts.

One word of advice is to join Fastbreak, even if you only plan on using it once. This will save you tons of time by bypassing the front desk and going directly to the kiosk in the garage. In Orlando, the most time I have spent in the Fastbreak check-in line is 5 minutes, while the line inside was at least 30 minutes. Make sure that you call to have your Fastbreak number attached to your reservation once you receive it.

I have never been disappointed with the cars.

 

[chickie]

Thank you. I was beginning to wonder if anyone ever rents from Budget.
This makes me feel a little better about renting with them. I will definitely sign up for Fastbreak!

 

[bluenosemickey]

mousesaver.com has great car rental info. Gives a good overview of the companies in the orlando area and the customer loyalty programs for most of them are listed.

 

[Mom2OandElle]

I am so glad I found this thread! It sounds like there is a kiosk and possibly a counter in the garage for Budget fastbreak customers? My husband has asked me to do some research. We have our first ressie with Budget (previously we have used Alamo) and we're a little confused.

 

[Joan S.]

I am so glad I found this thread! It sounds like there is a kiosk and possibly a counter in the garage for Budget fastbreak customers? My husband has asked me to do some research. We have our first ressie with Budget (previously we have used Alamo) and we're a little confused.

Same here!! Hoping for some more positive feedback!! Joan

 

[Leeds376]

I have used Budget pretty much exclusively for the past 5 years on all of my business trips. I have had very few problems and when I did, they more than made up for them with great upgrades and discounts.

One word of advice is to join Fastbreak, even if you only plan on using it once. This will save you tons of time by bypassing the front desk and going directly to the kiosk in the garage. In Orlando, the most time I have spent in the Fastbreak check-in line is 5 minutes, while the line inside was at least 30 minutes. Make sure that you call to have your Fastbreak number attached to your reservation once you receive it.

I have never been disappointed with the cars.

I'm renting through Budget for the week of Fe. 13-20 and just completed the Fastbreak registration online. Do they email the Fastbreak number to me and how long does that normally take? I'm assuming I just call the Budget in Orlando to have them attach my Fastbreak number to my reservation?

Thanks so much, this is the first time that I'm renting a car on my own.

 

[Leeds376]

bump

 

[bbwhos]

We too March 16-23 for first time. Somewhat nervous about using them but got a good deal on a minivan, $353 inc tax less $40 coupon = $313.

1. Can you pick out your own car like Alamo from the class you rented from?

2. How do you add the free additional driver (spouse)? Wonder if this can be done in advance so that the Fastbreak kiosk can be used?

3. I saw some reference on the confiormation about charging $13.99 gas fee. In order to get it removed you have to show them a gas receipt when you return the vehicle. When dropping off the vehicle do you go to a counter to check it in or the kiss n ride like Alamo does?

If anyone has experience here I'd really appreciate your knowledge before our trip. I am keeping an Alaomo ressie until I feel more comfortable with Budget.

Thanks!!

 

[chickie]

Just a note about Fastbreak. I signed up but still haven't received a card in the mail. I called about this a few days ago and asked a couple of other questions. The girl told me that we will still have to go to the counter the first time so they can update our status. Is this true? I was hoping to go straight to the kiosk in the garage and bypass the lines inside. She told us to rent a car here for one day so we can take care of that stuff before our trip. Very confusing.

 

[bbwhos]

Same here, I haven't received my card yet either, just the number. But I guess adding an add'l driver is something I have to do at the counter anyway. I don't mind the counter since we arrive so early, 8:30 am

 

[plutospup]

As long as you have a Fastback number you will be fine. Make sure your fastback number is on your reservation. If it is not already, call and have them attach it to your reservation.

 

[rcjr0620]

I used Budget at MCO in June of 2009. I had a serious problem at the rental counter with agent Bob L. – identified on the rental contract as employee #71843. I was repeatedly lied to about several aspects of the rental including the optional insurance being “Florida State Law.” This agent went as far as to falsify my contract.

Budget is part of the Avis/Budget group and I was told by other Budget employees that the counter agents receive commission for any additional services that are purchased. Being pushy is one thing, but falsification and being deceitful are unacceptable. I was also told that these “practices” are well known to management and are overlooked.

I don’t expect this from Avis/Budget or any other major company. If you use Budget read your contract carefully before departing the counter.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

We hadn't used them in a few years since Alamo moved from offsite MCO back onsite. We used them in Nov to drive post cruise from PC to MCO. Car was good and Budget allows spouses to drive for free. No add driver fees for that. We'll be using them again in March.

You don't get to choose your vehicle like Alamo does. But Alamo has no offices in PC so can't use them next trip.

 

[bbwhos]

How was drop off with Budget? I've seen some posts where they talk about the coupon taken off at drop off. Confused about this if I pay at the counter at pick up time why they would wait to take coupon off after the rental.

Alamo, our usual company, is great. Pay at kiosk, drop off is a breeze. Although depressing breeze knowing vaca is over and back to real life is coming.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

How was drop off with Budget? I've seen some posts where they talk about the coupon taken off at drop off. Confused about this if I pay at the counter at pick up time why they would wait to take coupon off after the rental.

Alamo, our usual company, is great. Pay at kiosk, drop off is a breeze. Although depressing breeze knowing vaca is over and back to real life is coming.

I think what they mean is that you don't actually see the coupon taken off when you get your total. This is different from Alamo where you see the math while still at home.
fwiw, we once had an upgrade coupon and was told that they didn't have any vehicles at the next level. I thought they were fibbing since it was mid May several years ago, no economy woes and plenty of vehicles so who knows. If you're using an upgrade coupon, be sure to book something you can live with even if you don't get the upgrade.

 

[Poohlovr]

Yes, you give them your cc card when you pick up the car, but, you aren't actually charged until you return the car. They liken it to using a coupon at the grocery store. The coupon is taken off of the total when you actually pay.

I admit, it's the first time I've run into it, but, whatever, as long as it comes off of my total, I'm OK with it.