Fireflly car rental, Never Again

[Pipkin]

Reminding them they can fill the tire on their own isn't helpful?

If someone needs to be reminded that they can fill a tire on their own, perhaps they shouldn't be driving.
Rental car rates are usually a function of WHEN you book, so that difference may not be "$60" dollars but $150. A much lower competitor is often very attractive for that reason. I have rented from all of the major rental agencies, and none are perfect. Several years ago we had issues with Alamo; stuff happens. How the "stuff " is resolved and how convenient it is to resolve it is what matters.

 

[bumbershoot]

Some people lose their minds while vacationing. They might not have thought about it. Like when people find out I used to lease cars and they indicate that I had it good because I didn't have to put money into the car. Except that my first car went through o2 sensors like crazy and I was the flat tire queen for a few years. Not only did I eventually run out of warranty for the sensors but when I got the new tires I had to match what the car had already. Some people think an agency will take care of it and don't bother thinking further.

 

[gmeh1]

Reminding them they can fill the tire on their own isn't helpful?

I think people are smart enough to figure that out on their own. Telling someone that is condescending and insulting at best.

 

[gmeh1]

I had a Dollar rental car also reserved, but I called Firefly and asked specifically if there was an additional driver charge. I was told, no. I repeated exactly what I was told, made the reservation for the same price and that was that. Today we picked up our standard car after waiting 45 minutes with two customers ahead of us Surprise! At the counter I was told there is an additional driver fee. Should have left then but we proceeded since we had already wasted an hour. Our "standard" car turned out to be a Versa. That is an economy car, a compact at best. As an alternative we were offered a red Jetta. We made our way to the lot and I took numerous pictures of the dings and scratches, mailing them to myself so u would have them dated and time stamped. I have to say that 42K is the oldest car I have rented. No problem, we are on our way....until we traveled about 5 miles outside of the airport and the tire inflation indicator light came on. We drove to DTD, the tire inflation was a little low, but I notified roadside assistance to document the problem. I was advised to drive back to MCO. Instead we went to lunch at HOB, searched for a local number, (there is none that answers), And assumed like most cars with sensitive indicator lights, figured we would have to drive 10 miles for a reset. No reset. Called Firefly Customer a Service, which is no service. Called Hertz who again connected us to Road side assist. Our options? Drive the car back to MCO OR HAVE IT TOWED BACK. I asked specifically if we could continue to drive the car with the indicator light on. I was assured Yes and the issue was previously documented. Low inflation could happen with any rental car but you would not have to make a 50 RT to rectify it. I learned my lesson for giving the new kid in town a chance.

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Pipkin]

Thanks for the heads up.

. You are welcome. I will let you know how the return goes.

 

[CPT Tripss]

OP, did you see whether they had kiosks? Was going to the desk the only option?

Illegitimi non carborundum.

 

[mousegear]

Thank you for the post. I was little worried about my firefly booking. I was able book with Alamo for $30 more and I've never had any issue with them in the past so I'm going to cancel firefly. I don't want to worry about rental car and I could by pass wait by check-in online or using self kiosk for Alamo rentals.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

OK, kids....no bickering or I'm not taking you to Disney!

Just kidding! In any case, I took the advice to heart and found a Thrifty rental for just $15.00 more than Firefly! Thanks OP for the heads up. Now if I see a "Don't use Thrifty" thread, I am in real trouble!

They exist!

http://www.yelp.com/biz/thrifty-car-rental-orlando-5

http://www.yellowpages.com/orlando-fl/mip/thrifty-car-rental-474134915

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...r_rental_Orlando_Airport-Orlando_Florida.html

Keep in mind they also have older cars (higher mileage). I rented from them in Las Vegas once, never again. The car had almost 40,000 miles on it.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Thank you for the post. I was little worried about my firefly booking. I was able book with Alamo for $30 more and I've never had any issue with them in the past so I'm going to cancel firefly. I don't want to worry about rental car and I could by pass wait by check-in online or using self kiosk for Alamo rentals.

You might need to just quit reading message boards. None of them are perfect

 

[The Hendies]

Keep in mind they also have older cars (higher mileage). I rented from them in Las Vegas once, never again. The car had almost 40,000 miles on it.

Well, a new car! Yay! The one I drive every day has 171,000! I guess someone, somewhere will have issues wherever I rent, so I'll stick with what I have at Thrifty!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Thank you for the post. I was little worried about my firefly booking. I was able book with Alamo for $30 more and I've never had any issue with them in the past so I'm going to cancel firefly. I don't want to worry about rental car and I could by pass wait by check-in online or using self kiosk for Alamo rentals.

I have am Alamo story that makes the rant on here look like the best rental car company ever


The truth is you can have a bad experience with all of them.

 

[mousegear]

I have am Alamo story that makes the rant on here look like the best rental car company ever


The truth is you can have a bad experience with all of them.

Thank you for your all your concern but I've had really good experience with Alamo or National last 4~5 times I rented with them from MCO. It's my decision and I am well aware of possibilities.

 

[goofy4tink]

Almost every car rental company is going to have some reports of 'issues'. That's just the nature of the beast. Feel free to look for opinions a d advice. But understand that many people will have 'horror' stories of just about every company out there.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Well, a new car! Yay! The one I drive every day has 171,000! I guess someone, somewhere will have issues wherever I rent, so I'll stick with what I have at Thrifty!

That is correct. Although the car I rented was older, worn, and had high mileage, my main complaint with Thrifty had nothing to do with the car's condition.

 

[Pipkin]

I have am Alamo story that makes the rant on here look like the best rental car company ever


The truth is you can have a bad experience with all of them.

You can have issues with all
Of them but at least there are working local numbers, people answer the
Phone and you don't have to travel 54 miles RT to resolve an issue. The return was interesting to. Buyer beware when purchasing the flex fuel option. I will post later. The cabin door is about to close.
U

 

[Lewisc]

Do I have this right. The low tire pressure light came on. The OP called and was told to either bring the car back to the renting location or wait until a tow truck is dispatched. Sounds reasonable to me. Sounds like the OP did what many of us would have done, gone to a gas station and check the air.

I'm not sure what the issue was regarding a free additional driver. Rental agencies generally charge for an extra driver, unless otherwise indicated on the reservation confirmation.

The OP makes reference to an issue with the fuel policy but chose not to offer details. Rent the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank almost always is the cheapest option.

 

[mikehn]

Isnt this what this forum is for, to whine and complain, and air all your grievances? I think the post is legit. The additional driver fee would have got me hot and bothered, especially after being told there was no fee.

 

[rlduvall]

The OP makes reference to an issue with the fuel policy but chose not to offer details. Rent the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank almost always is the cheapest option.

Well, in all fairness, he did say he would post the details later as the cabin door to the plane was closing.

 

[keishashadow]

Do I have this right. The low tire pressure light came on. The OP called and was told to either bring the car back to the renting location or wait until a tow truck is dispatched. Sounds reasonable to me. Sounds like the OP did what many of us would have done, gone to a gas station and check the air.

I'm not sure what the issue was regarding a free additional driver. Rental agencies generally charge for an extra driver, unless otherwise indicated on the reservation confirmation.

The OP makes reference to an issue with the fuel policy but chose not to offer details. Rent the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank almost always is the cheapest option.

that is my understanding unless the contract ID provides it as a 'perk'

OP thank you for a review of firefly.

fyi, we rented a standard (full size) from Alamo beginning 10/5. Not too fussy, we tend to grab the 1st vehicle that doesn't have a scratched bumper after taking a quick lookie-see around the exterior. Try to stick to Alamo & National since service has been spot one with the few minor issues we've encountered. Will book Dollar only if the rates are substantially lower factoring in the extra driver since the vehicles (admitted less than five over the past few years) don't seem as clean inside to me YMMV.

We were in a hurry, plane was late, luggage took forever and we had an ADR looming. had our stuff loaded and then realized car wasn't push button start & didn't have the electronic device to open/close doors/trunks. You do tend to get spoiled by the feature but we managed to muddle through.

Driving away was surprised to notice the mileage close over 40K. Probably the most miles we've seen on any rental car, a white Toyota Camry jik anybody wants to avoid it @ MCO. Appears the agencies are holding onto their vehicles longer to turn a profit. Not a huge issue if they're well-maintained and the company will respond quickly to service issues but admit it was enjoyable to be driving a relatively new car when renting in the past and a great way to do an extended test-drive before a new vehicle purchase (bought a new Altima SL after this summer's trip)

 

[CPT Tripss]

I have am Alamo story that makes the rant on here look like the best rental car company ever


The truth is you can have a bad experience with all of them.

Hmmmm. One poster's untold "story" but another poster's "rant." Just as we all know to put gas in the tank and air in the tires, we also know that we can get bad service from any provider of vacation services (airline, car rental, Airport Security Screeners, hotel, restaurant, town car, etc.), even those that most often provide good services.

Waiting to hear the details on OP's car return story.

ETA - so far Firefly is on my don't book list along with a very few others. Irregardless of the details, I'm not seeing reports, here and elsewhere, of a good enough level of customer service.