Car rental reservation guarranteed?

[Dano1182]

I have a SUV reserved picking up at TPA. I just checked online to see if the rate had changed.It now says sold out.

I have a confirmation number. Am I guarranteed my car? I don't think there is a no show penalty.

If it makes a differnce I have ressie with budget.

 

[kat3668]

If you have a confirmation number then you should be good to go.....

 

[Greysword]

I do not believe a reservation is a guarantee for a car. It is possible they could run out of vehicles for any number of reasons (low returns and high walk-in pick ups, time of day, etc). Usually when this occurs, the dealer offers an upgrade of some sort, but not sure what upgrade you may get if it is a full sized SUV.

This likely won't be a problem, and they can fall back on their affiliate (Avis) if a car is not available and you stick to your guns.

However if a high value client walks in without a reservation, late at night, with only one SUV available, and the client wants it, guess what you get...

I would not worry, but it is not guaranteed, even if you paid for it in advance. if you are concerned (should not be), then call Budget and ask their policy.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If you have a confirmation number then you should be good to go.....

No. You are not guaranteed the car you reserved, or even any car. I wouldn't worry too much about this, but stuff happens and rental agencies run out of cars, cars aren't returned on time, they have mechanical problems and can't be rented, etc.

 

[sam_gordon]

Why am I picturing a Seinfeld episode?

 

[hpriamson]

Why am I picturing a Seinfeld episode?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T2GmGSNvaM#t=38s

"But the reservation keeps the car here. That's why you have reservations."

"I know why we have reservations."

"I don't think you do! If you did, I'd have a car."

 

[Greysword]

It's more of "call ahead seating" rather than an actual reservation

...kind of like the Pirate's Code