Can't recall the last time I prepaid for a car rental, other than prepaying thru AutoSlash on occasion, and in that case, the option to cancel without penalty is very reasonable and the refund is quite prompt. Hats off to AutoSlash.

As a dramatic contrast, then you have Priceline's "Flexible cancellation" option which they boldly display in their car rental listings (see attached as a random example). If one follows the links to drill down into what they consider "flexible", one is hard pressed to see how their terms even remotely warrant a "flexible" characterization. Also see attached, taken from their site.

• Cancel on the same day you book, and you get a refund (not even 24 hours)
• If you cancel more than 24 hrs from pickup, you get a refund...but also get charged a $100 penalty fee
• If you cancel less than 24 hrs from pickup, you get a refund...but also get charged a $200 penalty fee
• On the bright side (?), the penalty will never exceed your prepaid amount

It's a shame that abuse of the English language is seemingly accepted as the norm these days, just like the perverse situation with "resort fees" which local/state governments like my home town of Vegas turn a blind eye, cause the travel industry runs the town. Wonder when Priceline and car rental agencies will figure out a resort fee they can assess for rental cars (includes an ice removal tool--very valuable in Vegas, a complimentary "Christmas" tree to hang on your rear view mirror, you get an actual printed receipt upon car return, and 10% off any bail you need to post if arrested for failure to return your car).

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