Our experience concerning this particular location at the Walla Walla airport would not necessarily constitute a 2 star bad experience. The service there was quick, friendly and thorough, all good things.
However, this poor rating, and potentially another even worse rating to follow is in regards to the company as a whole and their method and policy of problem solving.
It's our first morning here in Walla Walla on a weekend getaway. Upon going out to the car we discover that the key fob doesn't work to open any of the doors. We suspect that the battery must be dead. And if this isn't aggravating enough we soon discover that the hidden key inside the fob doesn't open the door at all. So now we call Budget Car Rental customer service, or should I call it disservice?
After giving and receiving the usually verification information and explaining the situation I was informed that I had not purchased and Roadside assistance package, non was offered upon renting the car, and that the fee to come unlock the door and jumpstart the car would be $120 and to add insult to injury, there was going to be a 4 to 6 hour wait in order to receive the needed service. That's complete BULLSHIT!!! We have a getaway vacation to enjoy.
Enter AAA, and Thank God for AAA. Free roadside service to their members and they'll have the issue fixed and we'll be on our way in less than an hour.
The question that remains is whether or not Budget is going to discount the cost of this rental because of giving us a car with a faulty battery which stranded us and potentially, if not for AAA, detained us from any use of the vehicle, or are they going to stick us with the full price. If that is the case there will be a follow-up review that will be only 1-star and the review will be even nastier. read more