We just got back from a week in Alaska for a fishing trip. Picked up the car at Avis Anchorage. I had previously been told that there would be no FF miles. No big deal. However, I was disappointed to see that there is no express service, and only one person on duty. It took about half an hour to get a car, and my Wizard number did no good in terms of expediting the process, and my Presidents club membership did no good in terms of an upgrade. I was asked to sign a waiver stating that there was no damage to the car or the windshield, and encouraged to inspect it before leaving, and return to the counter (quite a walk) if there was any damage.

Upon departure, you go through the same parking check out as anybody else. There was a ticket in the package from Avis, so I inserted it, expecting to get a free pass. Instead, I was asked to insert a credit card to pay $11.00. Therfe was no way to back up so I paid it.

Upon returning the car, there was no express check in. (This is the new Ted Stevens airport, and not all the construction is done.)In the distance, there were seveal small offices, including one for Avis, so I walked over there but it was closed. However, behind it were the luggage carts, so I got one of those and walked back to the car to get the fish etc. I had wanted Avis to inspect the car to verify that there was no damage and that it was full, so I took pictures from all angles. Then back to the area of the offices to wait for the communal shuttle bus. It finally came, but it didn't look like there would be room for us, so we walked the quarter mile to the terminal, which we should have done in the first place. Then back in line at Avis. I complained about the $11, but was told that I should have been told to go out of an attended (rather than automated) parking station. I had not been told that, and I observed that other people leaving were not told that, but whatever. Note that all of the misc fees (we had a full tank, and did not opt for CDW) added nearly 50% to the base rate.

Hertz at ANC seemed to have their act together with an express line etc. I'll be in FAI next month and will check them out.