Budget Fastbreak -- not very fast, not very good

[Mainebound]

Hi all,

Just back from our 5th annual wonderful trip to the World.

We tried Budget for the first time, needing a minivan and not finding a good rate with our preferred agency, National.

Due to delays, we arrived at the Orlando airport 2 hours late, about midnight. I noticed a sign which stated the Fastbreak kiosk is open from 7:00 am to 11:00pm. So I had to get in the line (and YES there was a line).

I returned the car at 7:30 am last Friday. The Fastbreak kiosk in the garage was CLOSED/umanned and there was a line of people and cars waiting waiting, waiting, not knowing what to do. I had a plane to catch and no time for this, so I left the car with the keys in it, and crossed my fingers. But I did not like it one bit.

Two more problems with the rental:

1. We kept the car 2 extra days (son was too ill to fly home due to an ear infection). The national office told me that since I had a "manual rate" I HAD to speak directly to someone in the Orlando airport office to extend the rental. First, I doubt I had a "manual rate" (unless the airport counter employee did something to the ressie) -- I booked on line weeks in advance on the Budget website. Second, it took 3 days of constant calls (I wish I were exaggerating) to get hold of someone. I kept getting disconnected or bounced into various employees' voice mailboxes, only to be told they were full. On top of my son's illness, this was a stress I did not need.

2. Rate issues. First, on the way down, I called the 800 number to advise them of our delay (we missed our connection due to the late arrival of our originating flight). I wanted to make sure a minivan was waiting for us when we showed up! They informed me that since I was going to be late, my rate was not guaranteed. What?! Luckily, I got my good internet rate after all. Second, the national Budget office told us the 2 extra days would cost $50, but we had to make the change directly with the airport office. The airport office then informed me the extra charge would in fact be $95. I was so grateful to get a live person on the phone at that point I did not argue.

The car itself was adequate, although not clean (we had to buy Windex and do the windshield inside and out, and when we pulled out the cupholders there was sticky coffee all over them).

From now on, it's National for us, regardless of the rate.

 

[Alexander]

There is always a line at the car rental counters in Orlando. We arrived at 1:30 in the morning one year and there was a line at almost every counter, I couldn't believe it.

You were obviously more courteous than the rental agency. You don't really have to call them to let them know you will be late. They don't care actually. If they have a van for you, lucky you, if not, too bad. There really is their attitude (National included, and they are my favorite as well.)

Most people don't bother to call and extend their rental. They just keep it. I know this from arriving and not having the car class we reserved because people hadn't returned their cars. The agent said people do it all of the time. They decide to keep it for a day or two longer.

As for nobody being in the garage to return the car to, I would have put up a stink. I want a receipt before I leave. What if someone hit your car and you were charged for the damages? In the future, I would arrive with a bit more time to be sure someone receives the car. We returned a car to National once and their computers were down. I required the garage attendant to hand write me a return confirmation. Call me paranoid, but I want my butt covered.

 

[Mainebound]

There is always a line at the car rental counters in Orlando. We arrived at 1:30 in the morning one year and there was a line at almost every counter, I couldn't believe it.

I agree. I wasn't surprised at the line (indeed all the rental counters had them. So many folks with no reservations, begging for a car, with no luck. A terrible scene.) but that Fastbreak wasn't available 24 hours. I guess I learned something there.

As for being more courteous, I guess I was, and will continue to be. I generally don't allow my behavior to be dictated by the behavior of others.

 

[CarolA]

As for nobody being in the garage to return the car to, I would have put up a stink. I want a receipt before I leave. What if someone hit your car and you were charged for the damages? In the future, I would arrive with a bit more time to be sure someone receives the car. We returned a car to National once and their computers were down. I required the garage attendant to hand write me a return confirmation. Call me paranoid, but I want my butt covered.

This actually does NOT cover your "butt" I routinely read on www.flyertalk.com of people getting bills for "repairs" weeks later. One suggestion is to take photos of the car with your digital camera if you are rally paranoid. (Me I just take my chances)

Also, the keeping the car issue. Generally one to two days is not an issue. Don't go too far over that they could decide you are stealing the thing! Plus at that point you have changed the rules and expect to get charged for it. The $95 OP got charged sounds reasonable compared to some I have heard. Also, generally it's very hard to get the 800 numbers to extend your reservation. I think by "manual" they really meant the reservation was now under the control of the local office. (I have had to call several times in my career and it's not at all uncommon to get told you have to call the local office which is always a pain!)