Here's a quick recap of my recent hellish experience at Budget - and from what I can tell, this seems to be how things go for most people on most days:
-There were about 40 people in line to check in and 2 people working the desk so expect to be standing in line at least an hour, and maybe 2.
-I reserved a compact car. Instead they gave me a huge truck that had visible body damage, reeked of cigarette smoke, and had a stain of questionable origin that looked like dried vomit. Yep, you read that right - vomit.
-The huge, dented, filthy truck was also flashing a service light and had a busted tail light and blinker. So I insisted they change the car, which they did - after I waited another hour in line. I think I clocked about 2.5-3 hours at the check in desk.
-Staff are rude and will almost certainly give you a heaping side of attitude with your questionably maintained vehicle.
But wait - it gets better. I accidentally left my personal keys in the car when I returned it. I noticed almost right away and asked the desk clerk if he could help me retrieve them (since the car was LITERALLY STILL ON THE LOT) - didn't seem like a huge ask. But he flat out refused. He instead muttered some unintelligible nonsense, told me to file a claim online, and said that maybe someone would get back to me - even though it would have taken someone all of 2 minutes to go out to the car and retrieve my property. There was zero resolution to my problem which had an extremely obvious and easy solution.
That fine specimen of a gentleman who refused to provide the most basic of assistance is a morbidly obese, middle aged dude with graying hair who sweats profusely, looks like he hasn't showered in about a month, said something about being burnt out or whatever, and seems like he's either not dealing with a full deck or is a leading contender for the most incompetent employee on this earth. A real winner there. I think his name is Will. Avoid Will at all costs if you can. I hope you have the day you deserve, Will. You sure as hell ruined mine.
Anyways, this place blows in pretty much every possible way. You've been warned. Safe travels, all. read more