No Airline Miles?
 

I rented a car from Budget today in Yakima, WA. When I tried to give my frequent flyer number at the counter, the guy said "We don't give frequent flyer miles at this location." I didn't know that was an option, has anyone else run into this? Since I'm being reimbursed, I would have rented from Hertz if I had known this.

Never heard of such. I would stop at a budget counter and try to get ff card credited to contract or when u return the car try it then. Seems very strange.. Maybe he was new? :confused: :(

Yeah - I hadn't heard of this either. There's the chance that this is a franchise location, and for one reason or another, they don't participate in Budget rewards/promotions, but they wouldn’t be listed on the Budget.com website either - they would only have the Budget name. I would call Budget customer service or fax them a copy of your rental agreement/receipt to 800.293.4608 and complain. It’s worked for me in the past. ^

I checked again today when I returned the car, and they are a Budget franchise location that has selected to not participate in the airline miles program. They are listed on the budget web site, and there is no indication that they are a franchise or that airline miles will not be awarded. Using the search function for locations, there is also no indication that this is a franchise with no airline miles. I will contact customer service to complain.

Let us know of your results.. :rolleyes:

Definitely - thanks for the update in advance! :)
Customer service will have you fax in proof of your rental agreement - but other than that, you should be awarded the miles based on your rental with Budget - not becuase you used a particular franchised location.

I would fax a copy of the receipt to your airline of choice. They may post it directly to your account.

I too have had similar problems. Just cannot understand why such a hassle :( ???

The Atlanta Airport is giving me the same story - saying they are a franchise and aren't required to give airlines miles - except for Air New Zealand! (Lots of Kiwis flying to ATL?) I have checked and re-checked the website and haven't found any indication - I wouldn't have booked if I had known this.

I am torn. I like Budget's prices, but their loyalty programs sucks eggs. It is very inconsistent..there are many locations that 'don't participate'. Makes it a tough choice. But what the heck guys...50 miles per rental and doodely squat towards a free airline ticket as far as I am concerned. It takes 25k for a free ticket...about 500 rentals. See me in 2 years.
Overall, I am very pleased with the car quality and level of service from most Budget providers at airports. It would be nicer to have a more consistent loyalty program though.

do not book Budget in Atlanta
 

I have contacted Budget customer service by email and by phone, and have gotten no relief or even sympathy. Their bottom line answer: we know that we don't disclose franchise location on our website, which is why you should call us after making a reservation.

How insane! What is the purpose of a website? I cannot believe that they (corporate) alllow their franchise locations to destroy the brand image of the company, and to top it off, have customer service be totally indifferent to the situation.

My recommendation is to not book Budget at the Atlanta airport location.

I found a similar problem at Budget in Chattanooga, TN. They refused to accept Budget coupons for some kind of special, perhaps it was a weekend rate or an upgrade or something. It's been a long time ago. I had no idea when I made the reservation. Seems if they are allowed to advertise and operate under the shingle they should have to conform to some uniformity of rules.

LAS and MSY locations don't participate, either.

buyer beware
 

A safe bet is that any franchise will NOT give miles either now or shortly.

Any one who continues is spending money they do not need to.

In this world the problem lies with Budget corporate who obviously does not care about FFs

True. That is why, as of 3/15/05, I renewed Hertz #1 Club Gold status (after being inactive for two years).