Originally Posted by docmonkey
If they were willing to remove the charge upon showing a gas receipt without waiting in line, I would agree with what you said.
I dont know how some of the locations are, but why waste your time at the checkin outside if you have to go inside anyway. Just take your miles, gas level, and gas reciept and go directly to the counter. If they ask why you did that, tell them (your agent outside cant help me anyway).
Another option, Cant speak for Budget, but Avis perferred members can always go to the perferred counters. Ive even seen people take reciepts to destination counters when they pick up their next car and show the reciept for rover return and gas at once. Reciepts can be shown for 24 hours after check in. Its not a total answer for you, but its something to think about. Frequent renters always show me reciepts and give me the contract numbers for their last destination and it takes all of 25 seconds to remove. Also, while at the counter, ask for an upgrade or for a different car. May as well better your situation.