BA Holidays now offering Budget as well as Avis(?)
Feb 7, 2019, 10:29 pm
#16
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Mucci, BAEC Silver, IHG Platinum Elite
Posts: 1,038
This caught me out last week in Dublin. I didn't even realise until I got to the (wrong) counter. No second driver, loads of paperwork as the Budget IT system is not compatible with Avis so my Preferred account was useless. The agent charged (not held, actually charged) 107 Euro to my CC for fuel, which was refunded on my return with a full tank. This was not part payment, not returning the car full would cost 107 Euro. Fortunately, exhange rate movements meant I made 71p on the refund. I was then sent to stand in the snow waiting for a bus transfer to the car park 10 minutes drive away.
Worse of all was the car. A 3 year old Astra with 70,000 km and more damage than the Titanic. The damage check sheet looked like someone had taken a hammer to the car. I commented on this to the agent and suggested that it was impossible to list all the damage on a small diagram and he just shrugged and said "what do you expect from a rental car".
Once bitten, twice shy but if that is the Budget standard, all I can say is they got the name of the company spot on.
Worse of all was the car. A 3 year old Astra with 70,000 km and more damage than the Titanic. The damage check sheet looked like someone had taken a hammer to the car. I commented on this to the agent and suggested that it was impossible to list all the damage on a small diagram and he just shrugged and said "what do you expect from a rental car".
Once bitten, twice shy but if that is the Budget standard, all I can say is they got the name of the company spot on.
Feb 7, 2019, 10:33 pm
#17
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Mucci, BAEC Silver, IHG Platinum Elite
Posts: 1,038
Feb 8, 2019, 2:10 am
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,145
That's an important point. Many posters comment on the supplier without specifying the rental location. Even in the USA it can be a bit variable, depending on location, but Europe seems to be a rental minefield [for many reasons].
Feb 8, 2019, 4:22 am
#19
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: UK
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 755
The https://www.carhire-ba.com/ offer Budget as well as Avis now too.
Feb 8, 2019, 5:03 am
#20
Join Date: Apr 2018
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 267
Contacted Avis about it and they said it was standard policy there but recognised that it was not made clear in any of the documents and they agreed to refund it. I have since been to other locations where it was made clear that anything other than full tank on return would incur a full tank cost.
I think this is rather disgusting but at least most Avis sites I use on a regular basis dod not have this policy.
Feb 8, 2019, 5:48 am
#21
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold, Bonvoy Platinum, HH Diamond; others
Posts: 741
I've also found frequently at several locations in recent times, that when trying to book directly on Avis website using the BAEC AWD codes, the website comes back with "no availability" (not just no discount, no cars available) with the AWD, but plenty of availability if the AWd is not entered.
It does seem as if the BA Avis tie-up is under pressure.
It does seem as if the BA Avis tie-up is under pressure.
Feb 8, 2019, 6:10 am
#22
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Kendal, Cumbria and Luzon
Programs: BA Silver, PR Elite, Avis Preferred Plus, PC Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 1,123
Avis location and status pricing
I've also found frequently at several locations in recent times, that when trying to book directly on Avis website using the BAEC AWD codes, the website comes back with "no availability" (not just no discount, no cars available) with the AWD, but plenty of availability if the AWd is not entered.
It does seem as if the BA Avis tie-up is under pressure.
It does seem as if the BA Avis tie-up is under pressure.
For most locations you can find extraordinary differences between
Avis UK/Local
Avis Preferred ( inc Preferred Pus and Presidents Club)
BA
BA Holidays
....and with BA ithrough BA.COMnsane price differences depending on where your flight originates (ex HKG is often 2X the cost of a separate booking on the BA site logging in as location UK with UK driver) That said last week a holiday add on ex HKG to Man was virtually free!
Also beware of currency surcharges on prepaid prices through BA. They managed to charge a credit car I terminated 18 months prior with a £7.20 charge. I had changed the billing card manually through the site 2X and then agreed the failed change by e-mail. But still 2 years on they are defaulting to an expired and terminated card.
I invoiced them for my time and costs - after a lot of protests they paid. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 is very helpful!!!
And yes the Budget addition is just plain/plane irritating. I nearly fell for a £5 saving on a 7 day booking 2X.