Ever show up and they didn't have a car for you?

[JoeCathyAngelina]

It happened to us 3 times at Thrifty.
The first 2 times we got a lincoln and a Cadillac upgrade from an intermediate size car at no extra charge.
The 3rd time; there were 4 of us at the counter with reservations in hand. The service agent told us there weren't any cars available and he was sorry for any inconvenience.
One of the guys took a walk out to the Thrifty parking lot area came back and told the service agent there were about 10 cars in the lot and asked the service agent why we couldn't have one of those cars.
The agent told us those cars were reserved for other customers.
We argued for about a half hour before another agent showed up and let us have the cars.
Since then I've made at least 2 reservations and cancelled one while driving away from the Airport.
Good luck all,
Joe

 

[seashoreCM]

What would happen if you called the national headquarters of the rental company from the pay phone on the office back wall (or from your cell phone)? Probably worth trying.

Anyone want to add to their trip report the time of arrival so we can guess whether getting there early improves the chances of getting a car?

If having to wait for a car results in the total rental period being shorter than planned and also the rental period is shorter than the minimum for the rate (e.g. weekly) originally booked then you need to get the company to honor the rate booked. Sometimes there is an estimate of the final charge on the forms presented at pickup time and you can see this in advance.

One other thing to be aware of, some models of cars are not covered by credit card car rental "insurance" coverage. This often includes sports cars and may include convertibles.

 

[arthuruscg]

Question about this...

I just signed up. Since it is my first rental since signing up I still have to go to the rental counter; right? Not sure if you know the answer or not.

As long as you created your regular customer account and then signed up for the Rapid reservations / rewards thing, you go straight to the lot attendant booth. If I remember correctly, you will be locked in to the reservation and it was put on my credit card the day before.

I didn't believe I could by pass the counter as well the first time.

So, for those that are still waiting at the customer service counter and they tell you they have no cars but there are some on the lot, look for me to go rolling past you.

 

[mousemamma]

Question about this...

I just signed up. Since it is my first rental since signing up I still have to go to the rental counter; right? Not sure if you know the answer or not.

We are renting from Budget for the first time tomorrow and I am worried about the same thing. We always rent from Hertz and love being able to grab the car and go.

We are all signed up for Rapid Rez and Fastbreak so I assumed that we could look at our name on a board and grab the car. No so. I called Budget (at their Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers location) and they are an independent contractor for Budget so we have to wait in the line (UGGH) so they can check our ID. Can't decide if it's worth the savings. Can get a minivan for the same price as a Hertz compact! Is it worth the line? Is there a way around the line?

 

[keishashadow]

Using Alamo's old reward system several years ago we booked an SUV. We arrived approx 11 am the Saturday before Columbus day and their (and National's) aisles were virtually empty. No a single SUV, mini van or fullsize in sight. We needed the trunk space for cruise luggage. Wound up with a

PT Cruiser

which they palmed off as a midsize. They have one of the smallest trunk spaces i've ever seen. Could barely get the hatch shut with 2 wheeled suitcases standing upright.We stuffed the kid in amongst the rest of luggage in back seat. We did get a refund on difference between it and what i had booked - SUV, woopie doo.

Haven't had an issue since, and we've rented many times that same weekend, i'll call it a fluke.

jmho, if rental agencies would enforce/impose a mandatory 1 day fee for not cancelling a reservation (or offer special rates to those of us who agree to to do so) things would run much smoother.

 

[gmeh1]

Using Alamo's old reward system several years ago we booked an SUV. We arrived approx 11 am the Saturday before Columbus day and their (and National's) aisles were virtually empty. No a single SUV, mini van or fullsize in sight. We needed the trunk space for cruise luggage. Wound up with a

PT Cruiser

which they palmed off as a midsize. They have one of the smallest trunk spaces i've ever seen. Could barely get the hatch shut with 2 wheeled suitcases standing upright.We stuffed the kid in amongst the rest of luggage in back seat. We did get a refund on difference between it and what i had booked - SUV, woopie doo.

Haven't had an issue since, and we've rented many times that same weekend, i'll call it a fluke.

jmho, if rental agencies would enforce/impose a mandatory 1 day fee for not cancelling a reservation (or offer special rates to those of us who agree to to do so) things would run much smoother.

Several years ago, National and Alamo were either separate, or under the ownership of Vanguard. They are now owned by Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
tonight is one of those nights where we are low on cars and have put mini vans in just about every class row there is except for Premium and Luxury. We have a lot of happy and surprised customers.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Once. After a delayed arrival, with extra arriving passengers due to snow cancellations the day before, and a two hour wait in line because one of the two agents went off duty at 2AM - I got to the garage to find NO cars. Not no cars in my class; no cars at all.

I take that back. There were two. One in the corner with the hood up, and one locked with no keys (ah, the advantages of not traveling solo). Back down to the counter, where the agent said he'd call a manager and I should go back up to the garage. At 3:30 local time, I finally got a car - and only because I was in the garage calling the manager's name. I limp and use a cane; the party who came up the escalator behind me was going for that car, but really?

 

[n2mm]

I also read this happened right after a hurricane. Seems there were alot of folks who rented cars one way to get home and the stock of cars was low. People were posting on the boards that if you arrived at the counter with reservations you were being turned away. This would be a rare situation though, but could/would still happen.

Also used Dollar once and was offered an upgrade for extra $$. We had a full size booked and the agent kept pushing us to upgrade, but we said no. Then they offered us a minivan for free. It was only the 2 of us. So I would assume they were out of full size cars, they just wanted to make a profit for the upgrade if they could.

As for Budget. My DD rented a minivan at the counter about 18 months ago. All went OK. She declined the insurance (I was standing next to her), but before signing the agreement, the price was wrong and the agent had added the insurance on it. She refused to sign and made him correct it. He "said" he didn't hear her. Once corrected, she signed. The minivan was not in the best shape and was basic with some dents and dings, but it got her to the resort and to the port and then she returned it to the hotel near DtD. It was the best deal for a minivan and we were cruising so needed 2 cars for our group. I wouldn't do it all of the time, but it worked out for us and they did honor all the codes. Returning to the DtD hotel was interesting as there was only one employee and he wasn't in the office. She and my DH had to wait for him and ask people where he might be. My DH said the guy was not friendly and when they returned the keys, he was like whatever. My DD said next time she would be staying with National or Alamo.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The other side of my 'no cars' experience, above. Is the time I rented an economy car car from the same company, and when I got out to the lot (pre-garage days) there weren't any of that class. The lot agent I asked said, "Take this one"; while I now forget the make/model, I had a blast driving around Las Vegas in my SUV .

The same company let made it easy for me to swap out the Chevy cardboard box (HHE?) I mistakenly chose after another long travel day, after having it only a few hours, when I realized I couldn't see out of any of the windows. They 'forced' me to drive a Kia Soul last time, having only the make I drive, the Chevy boxes, and the Kias available . And because they only had one person checking in [three] customers when I brought back that car, they gave us each a $25 discount.

gmeh1, you guys have a customer for life. It's not always about price. Service matters too.

 

[gmeh1]

The other side of my 'no cars' experience, above. Is the time I rented an economy car car from the same company, and when I got out to the lot (pre-garage days) there weren't any of that class. The lot agent I asked said, "Take this one"; while I now forget the make/model, I had a blast driving around Las Vegas in my SUV .

The same company let made it easy for me to swap out the Chevy cardboard box (HHE?) I mistakenly chose after another long travel day, after having it only a few hours, when I realized I couldn't see out of any of the windows. They 'forced' me to drive a Kia Soul last time, having only the make I drive, the Chevy boxes, and the Kias available . And because they only had one person checking in [three] customers when I brought back that car, they gave us each a $25 discount.

gmeh1, you guys have a customer for life. It's not always about price. Service matters too.

That is really nice to hear, thank you!!! IMHO, service matters more than price. BTW, the Chevy cardboard box is a HHR, Chevy's answer to the Chrysler PT Cruiser cardboard box.

 

[chartle]

That is really nice to hear, thank you!!! IMHO, service matters more than price. BTW, the Chevy cardboard box is a HHR, Chevy's answer to the Chrysler PT Cruiser cardboard box.

Bit of trivia, designed by the same person.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_HHR#Design

 

[kaytieeldr]

That is really nice to hear, thank you!!! IMHO, service matters more than price. BTW, the Chevy cardboard box is a HHR, Chevy's answer to the Chrysler PT Cruiser cardboard box.

I beg to differ. The PT Cruiser is a replica of a classic roadster, with modern features and windows out of which even a five foot tall driver can see. The HHR, on the other hand, is a small delivery van where the put in teeny tiny squares of glass they call windows, as an afterthought. Not to mention, it's a failure at its goal of being a PT Cruiser wannabe.

The only good thing I can say about the HHR is that when one is a prize on The Price is Right, I'm usually very good on knowing the price . Okay, guessing the price

 

[ccgirl]

As long as you created your regular customer account and then signed up for the Rapid reservations / rewards thing, you go straight to the lot attendant booth. If I remember correctly, you will be locked in to the reservation and it was put on my credit card the day before.

I didn't believe I could by pass the counter as well the first time.

So, for those that are still waiting at the customer service counter and they tell you they have no cars but there are some on the lot, look for me to go rolling past you.

Thank you.

We are renting from Budget for the first time tomorrow and I am worried about the same thing. We always rent from Hertz and love being able to grab the car and go.

We are all signed up for Rapid Rez and Fastbreak so I assumed that we could look at our name on a board and grab the car. No so. I called Budget (at their Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers location) and they are an independent contractor for Budget so we have to wait in the line (UGGH) so they can check our ID. Can't decide if it's worth the savings. Can get a minivan for the same price as a Hertz compact! Is it worth the line? Is there a way around the line?

Can you please post back your experience. I know MCO has the Fastbreak. It says right on my reservation but I can't find anything that says they will charge me for my rental the day before.

 

[gmeh1]

I beg to differ. The PT Cruiser is a replica of a classic roadster, with modern features and windows out of which even a five foot tall driver can see. The HHR, on the other hand, is a small delivery van where the put in teeny tiny squares of glass they call windows, as an afterthought. Not to mention, it's a failure at its goal of being a PT Cruiser wannabe.

The only good thing I can say about the HHR is that when one is a prize on The Price is Right, I'm usually very good on knowing the price . Okay, guessing the price

I did not say they were alike, I said it was Chevy's answer to the PT Cruiser. I have never driven or sat in either one, so, I can only go by the outward appearance and to me they look like cardboard boxes on wheels. Love the comment on "guessing the price", so, what is your guess? LOL.

 

[gmeh1]

Bit of trivia, designed by the same person.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_HHR#Design

I love trivia, thank you.

 

[chartle]

I did not say they were alike, I said it was Chevy's answer to the PT Cruiser. I have never driven or sat in either one, so, I can only go by the outward appearance and to me they look like cardboard boxes on wheels.

So I guess you aren't a big fan of the Scion xB.

 

[lylone]

I have worked for two rental car companies and all of them overbook vehicles because a lot of times no one shows up for them.
No it is not right for them to take ressies for vehicles they don't have.

But PLEASE don't take it out on the people behind the counter. They are not the ones who make all the ressies. They also cannot call the car dealers and make a van for you.

It is what it is...especially when dealing with vans. Its hard to get an upgrade to people who need more than 6 seats.
Upgrade them to a bus?

 

[gmeh1]

So I guess you aren't a big fan of the Scion xB.

Good guess. Actually, I am not a fan of any vehicles of that type of styling. From the Scion to that Honda breadbox on wheels.

 

[chartle]

Good guess. Actually, I am not a fan of any vehicles of that type of styling. From the Scion to that Honda breadbox on wheels.

This one.

But how are you calling the PT Cruiser and the HHR boxy. They are pretty curvy.

 

[PatMcDuck]

Have never had it happen. If it did, I would be willing for them to make amends...

Various options off the top of my head...
1) Provide me a larger vehicle that will seat as many people as I need without an "upcharge"
2) Provide me an additional vehicle so my party can be split up (and not charge for it or the additional driver)
3) Pay for a shuttle service to another rental location that can either support the original reservation or #1 or #2.

It does not always go smoothly however. We had a premium size SUV booked at Alamo years ago. At the time we booked it, it said it seated 7, room for several large bags, small bags, etc. We used to get a minivan, but for 6 adults (well, 2 and 4 teens) and a wheelchair, it looked good, plus we had a great price. We got there, and they did NOT want to give us the vehicle. They stalled, said they had to get it from another lot, etc. It was 95 plus degrees, my handicapped son was melting, and we argued and argued. They HAD a few sitting there, but said no, those were not available. They wanted to give us a standard SUV, it seated less, was smaller. WE said, if you don't have one, you have to give us a bigger better vehicle. They said the small print on the rental says "or comparable". Some of the employees told us we were RIGHT, but the supervisor said no. I am not joking, this went on for over an hour, with us telling other customers in the garage how were were being ripped off, etc. Frankly, it was especially shocking with my handicapped son sitting there, not that we are better than anyone else, but really it was bad.

We finally got another supervisor, just coming on shift. He gave us the large Toyota Sienna, it had the deep well in the back, and seated 8 I think.

It was a rough experience, and I think it was because we had such a low rate, Costco, we are members, nothing shady, but they only had a few of the big SUVs, and they wanted to use them to upsell other customers for lots more $$. I HAVE used Alamo since, price trumps my hurt feelings.....