Originally Posted by das
That would be the ethical solution, but given Budget has language on their contract that there is a "$9.50 surcharge for driving less than 75 miles" they have themselves legally covered. Screw the customer.
I say screw Budget.
You can "screw" Budget all you want (again, I am NOT defending Budget), but if you are paying a higher base rate at other rental agencies, what difference does it make? May be you won't feel "cheated" when ABC rent-a-car tells you up front that you will be paying $9.50 more than Budget so you won't get hit with the "hidden surcharge" when you return the car. However, at Budget, you at least have the option to have the charges taken off, unlike ABC. Honestly, if you can find comparable or better base rates else where, I say why bother with Budget, too!
LAX