Just got back, used AirTran and Thrifty

[sandyneck]

Hi, we just got back from a last minute trip to Disney. I had one week to plan in the middle of one of the busiest weeks of the year down there! Everything we said we would never do, we ended up having to do because of lack of any other alternatives. Like fly out of Boston instead of PVD, and make stopovers to get to Orlando. I had never heard of Airtran, but they were the only airline I could get a rate of under 380.00. I booked 4 tickets at 230.00 each. I cannot say enough good things about this airline. The customer service was extremely friendly, the line to check luggage moved quickly. You get your seat assignment when checking in luggage, so unlike SW, you actually have a seat when you get to the gate. All the flights were early getting in, but the real bonus, at least for us, was on our way home, the plane was oversold. We gave up our seats and recieved 4 rt tickets good for up to one year, a night at the Holiday Inn Airport, $40 for dinner, $30 for breakfast, and $25 per person to buy clothes, since our luggage was already on its way. We went right to Walmart, all bought bathingsuits and spent the day at Typhoon Lagoon!! I understand not everyone would think this was a good thing, but it was the best compensation on an airline I had ever heard of, and the man I dealt with to give me all the vouchers was so appreciative and thankful he just couldn't do enough for us. Now, onto Thrifty, we always go with Dollar, but my husband wanted a convertible and Thrifty had the best deal. the shuttle was OK, but the customer service was TERRIBLE!! The guy behind the counter was really trying to get us to buy the insurance, first he told us that since we were renting a "luxury" car our insurance for our car back home would not be enough. When I informed him my car cost more than twice what his convertible was worth, he looked lost, but quickly went on with another angle. We felt harrassed and my husband actually thought they might send someone after us to crash us from behind!(joking) Anyway, I would not recommend them, our extra day we rented a car from Dollar and they never even mentioned insurance.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Wow, you did get "comped" well by the airlines, good for you!!!
Car rental agencies get a kick back on the car insurance they sell, so, a lot of them "hard sell" the insurance because that is what their supervisors tell them to do. Sort of like Sears trying to ram that extended service contract down your throat everytime you buy an appliance. Same idea and I think it is a pain. But, you obviously were firm and just said "no".
I have yet to encounter this hard sell from anyone BUT Budget and they did their best to get us to buy it, and I simply said NO, no explainations no nothing, just a firm NO.

 

[disney funseeker]

We tried Thrifty on our last trip too and thought the same about the service. It was a nightmare.
The price was right but it was not worth the hassles we went though. We will pay more with some other car company for good service next time.

 

[TiggerInNY]

Has anyone rented from ALAMO at MCO recently? I just reserved a mini-van with them. They were $50 cheaper than my previous reservation with Dollar. I have had bad experiences with Alamo in the past, but DH said to give them another try. Especially for the $50.

Any advice?

Thanks.

TTFN,
Maria