Dollar Car Rental Uses Tragedy to Get out of Sweet Deals
Submitted: 9/12/01
Modified: 9/12/01
Dollar Car Rental refused to extend pick-up time by one day on two car deals(reservations) made on August 11 for pick up in Orange County, Ca.
Due to the tragedy in New York my families plane reservations were changed from September 12 until September 13. I contacted Dollar to apprise them of the situation and was told "an extension was not possible, a new reservation must be made which will change the rate upward $100" due to the circumstances. I do not feel taht this is justified the return date was not to change and I did not request a discount for either vehicle for the one less day I planned to use them.
Reservation numbers were R8258906 and R8257347 both made on August 11, 2001. I've been ripped off by Dollar and feel that they took advantage of this tragedy to get out of the good deals which they offered and I accepted. Charles Hill
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1 Updates & Rebuttals
I'm in the same boat, only worse.
#20
Sat, September 15, 2001
Submitted: 9/12/01
Modified: 9/12/01
Their email: lost@gone.com
Their name: fellow traveller
Their phone number: @Rebuttal_Phone@
Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion
Rebuttal:
Folks, this is a no-brainer. I'm in the same boat, only worse. I have a rental car that I CANNOT physically turn in. The airports are all locked down.
It's supposed to be returned to the airport here, but I'm
probably going to drive it 450 miles home and then turn it in there whenever the airports re-open. Will Hertz be surprised? Absolutely not. This is happening everywhere right now.
My suggestion is DO NOT call the rental companies in advance. You may get an answer you don't want to hear - as in this case. Instead, do what is needed to get thru the crisis, and approach them very logically at a later date. Note that you were physically prevented from returning the car.
Note that you could not get a flight out. Note that you could not even get near the airport in question. Ask them what they would have done.
If they still try to shaft you, ask to speak with a supervisor and inform them that you are going to report them to the Feds for price gouging, just as many gas stations have been reported so far. Calmly, politely, in a business-like manner, let them know that you will take official steps.
And save the "I'll never rent from you again" stuff. They clearly don't care at that point.
By the way, the reputable companies are doing everything they possibly can to help the travelling public right now. A big thank you goes out to Hertz, along with my respect for how they are handling things.