Thrifty - Rental car reservation not honored > sent to competitor > "will refund difference"

A friend from Europe showed up with his confirmed reservation at Thrifty in DEN. Thrifty said:" Sorry, we're out of cars" and dropped them (and several other customers) off at Avis. Thrifty agent:" We will refund the difference in the rate!" This turns out to be about $ 300 in higher cost for the Avis rental.

He is about to fly out of California. Trying to help him I have been trying to get some answers from Thrifty Customer Service as to how to handle this, but have not gotten very far.

Ideally, he would like to get this taken care of before he leaves. Any experiences/thoughts on such a situation? TIA.

A friend from Europe showed up with his confirmed reservation at Thrifty in DEN. Thrifty said:" Sorry, we're out of cars" and dropped them (and several other customers) off at Avis. Thrifty agent:" We will refund the difference in the rate!" This turns out to be about $ 300 in higher cost for the Avis rental.

He is about to fly out of California. Trying to help him I have been trying to get some answers from Thrifty Customer Service as to how to handle this, but have not gotten very far.

Ideally, he would like to get this taken care of before he leaves. Any experiences/thoughts on such a situation? TIA.


In my past experience with this, I needed to send a copy of the other company's rental agreement as well as information on my reservation that was not honored. They then processed a check and sent me a refund of the difference. You may want to call them and see if this information can be faxed in, instead of mailed since he is returning overseas soon! Good Luck

Couldn't he simply walk a copy of the receipt over to the Thrifty counter after he returns the car to Avis?

Couldn't he simply walk a copy of the receipt over to the Thrifty counter after he returns the car to Avis?

I would certainly try that. I would emphasize that the original agent told me to do it this way and I expect you to do something now -- since I will be overseas. I would be very nice but insistant that they reimburse me on the spot, since they promised that they would.

At the time of the rental, I would have insisted that they give me the promise in writing along with the manager's business card and/or phone number. I would have called the manager the next day and explained that I paid $300 more and expect it to be reimbursed when I return to the airport.

In my past experience with this, I needed to send a copy of the other company's rental agreement as well as information on my reservation that was not honored. They then processed a check and sent me a refund of the difference. You may want to call them and see if this information can be faxed in, instead of mailed since he is returning overseas soon! Good Luck

I got a hold of somebody this a.m. and was told to follow this procedure you outline. Customer Service desk at (800) 334 1705, x: 5.

Good to learn that they at least indicate to live up to their obligation.
I'll keep you posted.

At the time of the rental, I would have insisted that they give me the promise in writing along with the manager's business card and/or phone number. I would have called the manager the next day and explained that I paid $300 more and expect it to be reimbursed when I return to the airport.

Excellent points.

Knowing my friend, he is one of those nice, friendly tourist folks visiting the USA and just took Thrifty's word for it. Actually, he a was kind of glad to finally even get a car and drive off to get some rest after a long transatlantic flight. I still think it will be worthwhile to swing by Thrifty's on the way out.I really don't know how Thrifty handles such a case with overseas customers.

Otherwise, we were thinking, he could use my U.S. address for the check to be sent to, which I then would forward to him. Just in case this would get sticky, I was even wondering if I should get a power of attorney from him, authorizing me to take care of this on his behalf.

Looks like Thrifty had a big hick-up that day in DEN as he tells me, a van full of customers was driven over to Avis. Surpried me as I never ever in many years of travel had encountered a car rental res not coming thru.

Called, got a case # and faxed in copy of original res and receipt. Refund check made out to friends name arrived yesterday.

^ to Thrifty to resolving this promptly!

Called, got a case # and faxed in copy of original res and receipt. Refund check made out to friends name arrived yesterday.

^ to Thrifty to resolving this promptly!
Good stuff. Glad that Thrifty resolved it to your satisfaction. ^ ^

Got the refund check in the mail about 4 weeks after sending in claim. Thrifty followed exactly instructions making it out to my friend, but sending it to U.S. mailing address.

All in all a flawless and courteous process. Thanks Thrifty!