Consistent, Personalized Service - Week After Week As a weekly renter from September through March, I had the pleasure of working regularly with Janice, Nathan, and Deion at the Avis counter in Birmingham. From the very beginning, they made me feel like more than just another customer. Janice, in particular, greeted me every week with a warm, "Hi, Mr. Goldstein!", a small gesture that made a big difference. What really stood out was Janice's ability to anticipate my needs. My flights were often delayed, yet she consistently had a car ready and waiting for me as soon as I arrived at the counter. There was never any delay; it was seamless every single time. Despite seeing me weekly, Janice and team never cut corners. They always verified my drivers license and reviewed all rental details thoroughly, maintaining a high level of professionalism while still delivering that personal touch. The vehicles were always clean, comfortable, and ready to go. Returns were just as efficient, as someone was always there immediately to check me in without any wait. What stood out most was the combination of professionalism and genuine Southern hospitality. The entire team clearly knows their roles inside and out, and they execute them flawlessly while still making customers feel valued. I truly felt like a preferred customer in every sense of the word. I'll absolutely miss seeing their friendly faces each week. read more

If you can use anyone else, avoid Avis at all costs. Been waiting 42 minutes for a 12-passenger van, that has been reserved for weeks. 09:00 puckup, confirmed a day ago. Here I sit and the clock is ticking. Heed my words. read more

Flight came in late, they had our flight info, credit card info, yet we arrived to find no way to get our rental. Had to uber to hotel nearby, despite a hotel res we already paid for in Tuscaloosa. Note: Enterprise was happily ready to help late night weary travelers. Next morning, greeting at Avis preferred desk was "We don't rent cars til 8". No customer service whatsoever. They have no concern for loyal customers. Last time we rent from Avis! read more

Our flight was arriving a little after midnight. Our flight was delayed and we called to confirm someone would be there when we arrived. We were told they stay until last flight....wrong! Yes they had our flight number, yes they had our credit card, yes they had our drivers license information. They left anyway and we had no car. Rent from National. They do actually stay until last flight and their staff is super friendly. Do NOT book here!! read more

Run away from this place - warning - do not use them. We rented a car through Costco Car Rentals with a guaranteed price. Avis in the B'ham, AL Airport charged us over twice what the price was supposed to be. We reserved a full size (Camry type of car) - They gave us a Volvo. With Costco rentals, you're supposed to be protected, but Avis overcharged us and their customer service cannot be reached. It's a huge waste of time to try and make contact with someone. Advise to AVOID this rental company - at least out of the B'ham, AL airport. Very dishonest! read more

As of 9/13/2024...Avis have not made this right. Will never use again. 1st Car was not what I pre-paid for (Traverse) was offered a Ford Edge...Car reap with a strong weed/cigar odor I literally got sick with the smell it was so strong. FYI..my original car was a Traverse that was not available. 2nd Car was replaced with a Mitsubishi Outlander, when we cranked it up it was knocking and making strange noises. The customer service rep could hear it and put us in a 3rd Car. 3rd Car was a GMC Terrain, this car worked for us but at this time my husband and I are frustrated and tired because we have moved luggage to 3 cars and now, we are delayed on our trip, hot and hungry. By this time, I should have been offered the car for free; however, the customer rep said that I had to contact customer service. This is my 1st time ever experiencing something like this. I wish not to use your services again. Avis did not live up to their end. Avis ~ Our Mission "We will ensure a stress-free car rental experience by providing superior services that cater to our customers' individual needs...always conveying the 'We Try Harder®' spirit with knowledge, caring and a passion for excellence." I did not get the stress-free rental experience noted on your mission statement. Avis make this right! Did they, NO! read more

Nope. Don't do it. Bait and switch. Supposed to be 45 for the day and charged a deposit. Ended up being $200. No. Just no. AVIS .....you're fired. read more

Reserved a car for the past weekend. Arrived on time for the flight times I provided to them. Arrived at their counter which was closed, moved outside to their rental booth - also closed. No one was around to answer any questions. No notice was sent to me about them shutting down early. Had to Uber to my location. Never got a call or any notifications. Absolutely unacceptable. Worst car rental customer service ever! Enterprise, National, Hertz were all open and serving their customers. Poor treatment of a Presidents Club member. read more

They have terrible customer service and very uncaring staff! I have called them for several days about a lost item in the vehicle. One guy that I spoke to had a very bad attitude for me inquiring about their lost and found. The other guy strung me along to call several days after. I kept calling upon his request to check. He was still not helpful and they purposefully don't answer the phone until their lost and found time close. I was placed on hold until it did. read more

I'll never rent a car through them ever again. I flew into ATL, and my car wasn't even ready. The lady at the front desk said I could either wait an hour or upgrade and get charged more. Not only that, but when I returned the vehicle at the Birmingham airport there was nobody at the office. So I drop the keys off in the box and left. They ended up charging me a late fee claiming that the vehicle wasn't returned until 4am. How tf is that when I dropped the car off before 7:30pm. Yall have cameras so review that shit. read more

Slow service with no sense of urgency. Kiosk or self service would be greatly appreciated for those that check in on the app.

Joke is on me with this clunker. When I arrived to get the car I reserved through the Southwest app, the counter wasn't manned and I had to go to the desk in the garage. The lady helped me after she finished texting. She told me I could not use a debit card to rent a car unless I had a flight. That was news to me as that info wasn't shared when I unfortunately chose Avis. She then took the keys and said be right back. After a bit she came back and I can't help but wonder if she was making sure this piece of junk would start. Both employees laughed when I was given the keys. Yep, I thought Avis was a reputable car rental agency but I won't make this mistake again. I'm just crossing my fingers that this clunker even makes it back to the airport for my 5am flight tomorrow because it sounds awful. Enterprise...I'll never cheat on you again with another rental agency. read more

I reserved a car and gave them my flight number. Due to terrible weather, many flights were changed or delayed. I called the Avis 800 number and the woman assured me that they would not close till after the last flight came in. I went to get my car at 1230am and they were closed. The 800 number was closed. I sent the night in the airport. I am 70yo. Major inconvenience. Will not use them again. read more

Only selected one star because it makes you! Awful customer service! Representative's at counter response to me when I asked why not vehicle I reserved was not available was I can give you the 1-800 number. Returning vehicle early in morning there is no key drop box and no one at counter. read more

The location is not ideal. I asked for a Camry and got a Hyundai. Too small for my size. Same price. I was told I could walk across the parking lot to pick up the car. I thought they would at least brought the car to the actual store's door. Most will bring a rental to your location. I've been trying to call them back about a concern. No one answers the phone. Voicemail is full. Not really showing good customer service. Kinda disappointed. read more

Avoid avis if possible! They have no clue what's going on. They don't maintain their vehicles. They don't track their vehicles. I was charged an additional $800 for an unknown reason. I have called avis over 10 times. I've left messages. I've yet to speak to a person who can explain the charges. My experience: when I showed up to Avis I was told that my vehicle had been upgraded to an SUV. I wanted an economy car to save gas but I didn't complain. I drove an hour away and then it started raining. The windshield wipers didn't work so I had to come back and change vehicles. They're wasn't any windshield wiper fluid in either car. When I drove off the airport the flat tire light came on. I don't know what is going on with Avis but it's not good! read more

This is the MOST trifling rental car place. FIRST OF ALL IT WAS DOG HAIR ALL OVER THE SEATS. The bald guy wants to pick a argument. The vehicles are absolutely disgusting. I switched to Hertz because Avais cars don't go no where. It was also broken. Never again. If I could rate it a Zero I would. read more

Rented a car online for August 17-20. Prepaid. Executed the rental agreement. Card was double charged both at reservation time and again at check out. Waited to see if one would drop as security charge. It's September 10th and both are cleared charges. Attempted to call customer service 1800 - 4hr wait and no person ever answered. Back here today trying to get one of the charges removed and I'm being told to call the same 4hr wait 1800 number. This place is a scam. read more

Rented a car for my wife/son and provided flight number to the Birmingham Airport location. When they landed the location was closed and no process to pick up the car we rented. All other agencies were open? can't get a supervisor on the phone. Not only does my wife have to find a ride to hotel from airport, but she needs to find ride back the next day to get the car? This puts their safety in jeopardy because we relied on this vehicle to be there. I'm actually embarrassed for them and suggest nobody rent from this dysfunctional organization again. Get your act together or get out of the business! Awful experience! NEVER again! read more

PLEASE do NOT waste your time trying to rent from Avis! The customer service is of the highway robbery proportions. I book my rental with no hassle online for one amount only to get to the counter and was charged additional costs. The card reader would not read my actual card so I asked the clerk to cancel the reservation. He said that he couldn't do it that I had to go home and cancel it online because I booked it online! I came straight home and cancelled it!! Only to find out that the cost of the entire rental was taken as a cancellation fee!! the clerk will not answer the phone! Online customer service is closed for the day! The credit card company says it's my fault! There's nothing that they can do!! read more

I received a rental car that had 25,000 miles on it and sounded like a truck. It should have been a free rental. Be careful of so-called midsized cars. It was dirty and sounded like a truck. Shameful. read more

While I am usually renting from National where I have Executive Emerald Elite status, this week they were so much more expensive than Avis that I had to switch. With Avis, I have Preferred status and so I was upgraded from a midsize to a fullsize. Bypass the counter and go direct to the rental aisles is the usual manner for Avis Preferred, but for the BHM airport it requires a stop at the rental booth to pick up keys. My fullsize car was a nice Chevy Impala. I like the way the Impala handles, so this was good for me. With less than 10k miles on it, the car was clean, looked good and drove well. Other than I had to stop at the booth, I have no complaints with Avis here. read more

Airport was deserted when I landed at 7 pm. When I got to the rental counter, I was the only customer. After a 2 min interaction, I had my rental. Not sure about other user experiences, but I had no issues on this trip. Car was clean and had no issues. Return was quick. read more

There phone service will not put me through. Been trying for a few days. All I need to do is ask a quick question.

Computers down? Check! Long wait line Preferred status...check Only one person working the counter while two people watch.....check!! The guy at the counter was as nice as could be. This is a management issue! read more

I usually have a decent experience with Avis wherever I go. Not so much with this one. It needs some serious updating. For starters, there is no name board. Add to that, there's no text, email, or app updates about your rental. I don't even know why they have an Avis Preferred counter. There's either nobody there or the line is the same size as the one inside, sometimes longer. Once I finally got to my car, it was fine, but what made me grumble was when they gave you your keys. They wanted you to sign the slip that the car had no damage. Excuse me? I haven't even seen the car yet. When you return your car, you can't just park it and head to your gate like other locations. Here you have to wait for one of the reps to check you in and give you your receipt. Avis will still be my rental choice, but I may just have to go with another option when I'm getting a car at this airport. read more

Avis Rent A Car - Really? - Car Rental Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

The worst service ever. They got the customer service Not Telling The Truth. I rented a car from them to be able to return at any time, Avis said no problem! "You can drop it off anytime " then I come to the airport to drop car off and now they are saying that there is know drop box!! But When They Took My Money ! I Could drop it off at anytime. Cause me to miss a flight and no compensation on there end ! Just a lot of Apologies!!!! read more

I have used Avis at the Birmingham airport two times in the past month. Cathy was at the front counter both times and did an amazing job! The first time was very crowded and she was by herself. She was efficient and worked with two customers at the same time to try and make it faster for everyone. The second time it was not crowded. I had two separate reservations and she was able to combine them and got me a great car. The staff in the car garage were so friendly and helpful too! Thank you Cathy! read more

First time using Avis....and last. What a disaster. Half an hour in line for no obvious reason. 1person at desk, plenty of employees came to bother her but no one stopped to help. Every customer seems to have difficulty. read more

They rented a car that started shaking and had expired tags. I've been trying to reach them but the call goes dead and says user is busy. The 800 number hung up on me and another avis agency doesn't answer. The 800 number customer service is useless. read more

This place really needs to step it up. When I arrived for pickup they just handed me the keys and told me what space the car was in. No one came to walk the car with me to note any scratches, etc. I immediately noticed several scratches over a fender and what looked like an attempt to bump out a dent. I went to the booth to point it out and they instructed me to write the issue on my rental contract. What would that prove? So I asked the agent to at least sign what what I wrote. Once I pulled out of the structure I noticed the heavy cigarette smoke smell, despite the window sticker warning of additional charges for smoking in the car. Upon returning the car today, I shared my experience with the return agent. Just an apology but no attempt to make things right. I have an Avis rental scheduled for next weekend at another location. Strongly considering switching to another brand. read more

Getting in at 11pm on a workday, Avis preferred closed, no automated email with parking spot, only one person working the counter to get us on our way. Don't feel very preferred. read more

I forgot to grab a gift I had in the backseat. My fault 100%. Called ASAP and was told call back with all the info from the contract. I have been calling for 2 weeks and 1/205-599-0685 isn't a # that will even answer. Waste of time. Now my Limited Edition Gift is gone forever. AVIS you are better then this. Sad that you can't answer the phone. read more

I've called a total of 15X over 2 days to the designated number (205-592-8901) to advise our flight had been changed and to make sure my reservation is not cancelled. I called the Avis toll free number to advise them of my situation; they advised I need to call the counter to advise late pick up and they said oh, by the way this location closes at 10PM...I asked what does that mean? They said I need to call the counter to discuss their after hours pickup process - - - I called and called and called - the automated system advises to hit 1,2 or 3 to speak with an agent and that is even if the automated system works. At times, I called and let it ring and an automated message comes on to advise no one can pick up your call...HORRIBLE SERVICE with Avis as a whole. I am not sure whether I will have a car tomorrow when I arrive?.. read more

So. Arrived late due to flight delays. Had a prepaid reservation with hertz. Called repeatedly to their Customer care and they assured me they would wait. So....arrived late at night and hertz staff was gone. Along with ALL other car companies except Avis. Nathan at Avis had stayed late to take care of his customers and all the rest of us jumped to Avis. Otherwise we would have been stranded. Nathan was a hero to many travelers who had booked with other companies. Hope his manager sees this and acknowledges/rewards him. read more

Rented a car that had a check engine problem. Went back to ask for a replacement. The guy at the counter said he didn't have any more but could downgrade me to a smaller car! First time in all my travels this has happened as all others, including Avis, either get you another same level vehicle or upgrade you. The counter guy didn't seem to care at all that their vehicles are not well maintained and that I had a reservation from 2 weeks back. I was mad as hell and asked them to fix the crappy car assigned to me as I was not willing to get a smaller car. They did and 40 mins later, the mechanic returned with the car but of course ran away with my rental agreement. Had to call Avis to get a digital version of it. And taking into account the company I work for has a corporate agreement with Avis I would expect better treatment. Please go elsewhere as at least this branch, at the Birmingham Airport, does not care at all if you rent or not. I am going to mention this to the company I work for since this was extremely bad service. read more

The best service ever from Nicaise. We had rented a full size sedan, but, there was no way we were fitting luggage for 4 into that car. Nicaise quickly found another vehicle for us with more luggage space. He was polite and more than willing to help. read more

I dropped off a car here that I'd picked up at another Avis location, so I can't speak to the full rental experience. The rental car area for Birmingham area is super easy to access and clearly labeled. However, the Avis area seemed kind of crazy. It wasn't clear where I should park when we pulled in to drop off our car. Once we did park, an employee came out to "help" us, but she kept running around and didn't tell us what she needed from us to be checked in. It wasn't at all clear whether I could leave, and I had to wait at the Avis booth while employees ignored me for a little while before I could even get a status update. Basically, it felt like my desire to drop off my car was an inconvenience to the staff and they would much rather be doing nothing at all. Not a big deal, but if you're looking at two otherwise equivalent rental options and one of them is this Avis, I'd choose the other one. read more

Easiest car rental ever! We literally rented the car in 4 minutes. We had reserved online a few days prior. Then returning the car took 15 seconds! I'm not joking. It was that fast. The staff was friendly and didn't waste our time. That's all I ask when renting a car. read more

I will not use AVIS again. I rented a vehicle online for two months and the pick up was in Birmingham Alabama airport location. I would give this location at least 3 stars for their staff customer service. It was very pleasant and inviting but my first issue comes for the mere fact I had a two month stay and had to trade in my rental 2 times because of major issues. My initial transaction was great overall with no problems with my online purchase. The only thing about renting a vehicle with AVIS online is that they don't give you detail information such has: You can rent a vehicle on line as long as you want and the store location will honor all long term rental request online but their system can only do a contract for 30 days. So with this being said you have to come to the location or call after 30 days and do a new agreement. Once it was time for my 2nd agreement I had additional fees that was added and if I didn't check my credit card I would have paid over the amount for the first contract. But once again the customer service from the staff was on point and adjustments were made: I do believe his name with Nathan or Nathanal. My first rental would not drive over 20 mph after having it for 4 weeks. It continue to do this and I had to return it the day before the contract ended. My second rental that I received was not detailed and smelled like smoke. Plus while driving it towards Maryland lights came on in the vehicle and it start making noise. All liquids were low. I gave my complaints to the AVIS location in Maryland and I was told I had to contact the Birmingham, Al location regarding any concerns. I turned in my last car after my second contract and spoke with the front desk clerk whom was very nice. Her name was Cherly and the manger Fred. Fred was willing to compensate my troubles but something was wrong with the system and I receive a quick apology. Due to issues with his system he provided me with the customer service number and informed me that they would be able to help and probably compensate higher then what he would be able to do. When I called the customer service line the first time I receive a representative that just basically used a script to justify the 100 dollar discount that wasn't worth the time. It seemed as if I was talking with a robot. For some reason the phone got disconnected and I call the Birmingham location again to make sure I understood the information that I was given when I turned in the last vehicle. Ms. Cheryle kindly repeated the information that was told from her manager Fred. I called customer service again and received a different representative and informed him of the complaint. He looked in the notes and stated that an agreement of 100 dollars refund has been made. I told him that I did not agree to that and is that all you can give. After spending almost 3,000 dollars with a company and having to turn in two rentals during a vacation and having issues you can at least give me 10% and not 5%. He said " what do you want". I was like what you mean and he repeated it and I just asked for a manager. I talk with Mitzy , 3906 which is the customer service manager and informed her of my complaint and if that was all the company could do was 100 dollars. Mitzy took the time to investigate my concerns and automatic apology for my experience and work it out for more then 10% of compensation. Will I use AVIS again.....NO!!! read more