Avis / Budget moving off-site at DCA? (Confirmed - March 2023)
Mar 19, 2024, 8:09 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,346
Just had to use this for the first time. At first I just assumed DCA kicked out all of the rental car companies because they were going to finally repair/replace that decrepit garage. Nope, just ABG left.
Shuttle came quickly and was small but efficient. Yet again Avis had no car reserved for me so I had to go inside. I got stuck with an SUV (better than a minivan!). Avis really pis*es me off.
Besides the fact that the lot is smaller than a postage stamp, I have no clue how people are supposed to safely navigate that lot without hitting other vehicles or people. I arrived as it just got dark and it was dangerous. The shuttle drops you off 'across the row' from the "house" so you are stuck walking either way. It's only a matter of time before somebody is run over in that postage stamp of a lot.
It's a totally crap experience that reminds me of EWR.
Maybe a positive note...I think the taxes on the reservations are much lower now because it's not an on-airport rental location. It's about $30 savings on my 3 day rental, similar to the downtown DC location I used to rent from a lot (that lot was the absolute worst on L street - but I digress).
Unfortunately my really good corporate discount is only with Avis so I'm forced to use them. Thankfully when I come to DC I almost never have to rent a car (like I said, first time since they moved almost 1 year ago).
-RM
Shuttle came quickly and was small but efficient. Yet again Avis had no car reserved for me so I had to go inside. I got stuck with an SUV (better than a minivan!). Avis really pis*es me off.
Besides the fact that the lot is smaller than a postage stamp, I have no clue how people are supposed to safely navigate that lot without hitting other vehicles or people. I arrived as it just got dark and it was dangerous. The shuttle drops you off 'across the row' from the "house" so you are stuck walking either way. It's only a matter of time before somebody is run over in that postage stamp of a lot.
It's a totally crap experience that reminds me of EWR.
Maybe a positive note...I think the taxes on the reservations are much lower now because it's not an on-airport rental location. It's about $30 savings on my 3 day rental, similar to the downtown DC location I used to rent from a lot (that lot was the absolute worst on L street - but I digress).
Unfortunately my really good corporate discount is only with Avis so I'm forced to use them. Thankfully when I come to DC I almost never have to rent a car (like I said, first time since they moved almost 1 year ago).
-RM
