I have had several experiences and no problems with Payless (Orlando FL). However I have never been late for a pickup.

I have never encountered mandatory fees, but some car rental companies do have some of their coverages mandatory for non-citizens and renters using debit cards.

But once I did have to wait several hours for a car. I stated a pickup time later than my flight arrival to allow for flight delays and even voluntary bumping. While in the past Payless has given me cars early, this one time they only offered me the choice of an upgrade now or the reserved car several hours later. I chose to come back later and the car was ready exactly at my chosen pickup time.

Travel tips:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/carrent.htm

The agent remarked that they were short of cars to which I commented that the lot seemed full. It turned out that (at Orlando) many of those cars are of the customers of their park and fly service, and not cars waiting to be rented.

My worst experience: Dollar at the Kahului, HI airport. Had to wait two hours, and then they gave me an upgraded car I had to come back and exchange the next day. (Time wise it didn't matter because if I had a continuous rental I would have to return it sooner on my last day to avoid another day charge.) I didn't think of taking their van to their offsite lot and counter first and then checking in thus avoiding the long line at the airport counter.



[This message has been edited by AllanJ (edited Dec 27, 2003).]