Boraxo
Mar 13, 08, 1:55 am
The contrast between Avis and Hertz in dealing with recent billing issues demonstrates why Hertz is still #1. :)
Hertz: Showed up in a small New Zealand town a couple of months ago without a reservation. Big mistake. Ended up paying a very high rate for a 4-day rental of a Ford Escape, with free dropoff at another airport location. Was not too upset about the rate as it was my fault for not booking in advance (we actually had a reservation elsewhere but changed plans at the last minute.) However I was not happy when I asked the counter CSR for an AAA discount and was told that "we don't do that at this location." Returned to the USA, booked a dummy reservation at the same location, and lo-and-behold, the usual AAA discount materializes. Also learned that Hertz now provides free child seats to all AAA members (we had been charged for the seat, too).
So I emailed Hertz USA requesting a partial refund. After providing documentation, I received a prompt response which agreed to provide an appropriate refund. ^
Avis: Rented a car in Melbourne, AUS, was overbilled for $20 in miscellaneous fees (didn't notice as I was rushing to catch the plane). Avis US told me I have to call Australia (no email). Spent 10min on hold, another 10min explaining the issue. CSR agreed to provide refund, that was over a month ago and it is still not on my bill. This was a $300 rental so it is not as if I am getting something for free. :td: (Also had to wait over an hour to get a car at Sydney despite having an advance reservation - have never waited that long with Hertz, even on a priceline reservation).
With the current 50% off promo, Hertz' rates are often better than the alternatives. But even if Hertz is a few $ more, it is worth it just to avoid the aggravation, particularly when #1 service is available. :)
Hertz is #1 :cool:
Hertz: Showed up in a small New Zealand town a couple of months ago without a reservation. Big mistake. Ended up paying a very high rate for a 4-day rental of a Ford Escape, with free dropoff at another airport location. Was not too upset about the rate as it was my fault for not booking in advance (we actually had a reservation elsewhere but changed plans at the last minute.) However I was not happy when I asked the counter CSR for an AAA discount and was told that "we don't do that at this location." Returned to the USA, booked a dummy reservation at the same location, and lo-and-behold, the usual AAA discount materializes. Also learned that Hertz now provides free child seats to all AAA members (we had been charged for the seat, too).
So I emailed Hertz USA requesting a partial refund. After providing documentation, I received a prompt response which agreed to provide an appropriate refund. ^
Avis: Rented a car in Melbourne, AUS, was overbilled for $20 in miscellaneous fees (didn't notice as I was rushing to catch the plane). Avis US told me I have to call Australia (no email). Spent 10min on hold, another 10min explaining the issue. CSR agreed to provide refund, that was over a month ago and it is still not on my bill. This was a $300 rental so it is not as if I am getting something for free. :td: (Also had to wait over an hour to get a car at Sydney despite having an advance reservation - have never waited that long with Hertz, even on a priceline reservation).
With the current 50% off promo, Hertz' rates are often better than the alternatives. But even if Hertz is a few $ more, it is worth it just to avoid the aggravation, particularly when #1 service is available. :)
Hertz is #1 :cool: