Avis bait-and-switch?
Jul 17, 2014, 6:51 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1
Avis bait-and-switch?
I recently reserved (and pre-paid for) a four door Ford Focus at an airport. On arrival I was presented with a two door VW Beetle which was completely unsuitable for what I had to do. I was told that the only other car they had was a Toyota Corolla and that would be a charged-for upgrade. I didn't really have a choice at that time and accepted it. On complaining to Avis later I was basically told, "tough, you accepted the charge". Has anybody else had this kind of experience? And this kind of response from Avis? I don't intend to rent from them again.
Jul 17, 2014, 7:01 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Santa Cruz, CA USA
Programs: AA, UA, WN, HH, Marriott
Posts: 7,290
In my experience, car rental companies do not guarantee a particular make and model, only a car category - e.g., economy, compact, midsize, full size. According to Avis, a Ford Focus is a compact car, as is a VW Beetle. They substituted one compact model for another compact model. They categorize a Toyota Corolla as a midsize car. Therefore, that would be an upgrade. It doesn't sound like bait and switch to me, even though it would have been an inconvenience for you.
Usually, there isn't too much difference in cost - how much extra did you have to pay?
Usually, there isn't too much difference in cost - how much extra did you have to pay?
Jul 17, 2014, 7:03 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 104
What class did you reserve? I would consider a 2-door Beetle "or similar" enough to a Focus, at least as far as size and passenger accommodations are concerned.
That said, accepting that the Beetle was unsuitable - at the airport, you have the most power of any rental situation because competitors are right there. For next time, I think I would politely ask for a refund, then whip out the trusty smartphone and make a Priceline reservation with a competitor on the spot.
That said, accepting that the Beetle was unsuitable - at the airport, you have the most power of any rental situation because competitors are right there. For next time, I think I would politely ask for a refund, then whip out the trusty smartphone and make a Priceline reservation with a competitor on the spot.
Jul 17, 2014, 7:04 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: BKK
Programs: AA Plat, HH Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,395
Welcome to FlyerTalk. Since your post is specific to Avis, it's been moved to the dedicated Avis forum.
NOTE: This thread originated at the flame-free Information Desk — please reply accordingly.
Thanks all.
~Moderator, Information Desk
NOTE: This thread originated at the flame-free Information Desk — please reply accordingly.
Thanks all.
~Moderator, Information Desk
Jul 19, 2014, 11:23 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2006
Location: SEA or BGR, Lower Earth Orbit
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 17,217
Without knowing the Airport (or at least the country) it is difficult to give any additional information/advice. Let us know some more specifics, and we can give you more help.
Welcome to FlyerTalk!
Welcome to FlyerTalk!