Avoid Routes Car Rental - Hidden Fees, Forced Charges, and Bait-and-Switch Vehicle
We rented from Routes Car Rental at Calgary Airport in July 2025, and it was by far the most frustrating and misleading rental experience we've ever had. I would strongly caution anyone considering this company.
1. Delayed Pickup & Not Given the Vehicle We Reserved
We booked an SUV well in advance, expecting a smooth process upon arrival. Instead, after landing, we waited over 40 minutes for the shuttle to take us to their off-site location. By the time we arrived, the office was about to close. Despite our reservation, we were given a vehicle we did not reserve. We reserved an "Intermediate SUV" with a photo of a Nissan Rogue and were provided with a Nissan Kicks - a subcompact SUV and not considered intermediate by car standards. We did not realize how small the car was until going out to it (no inspection by the staff, just for us to inspect,) and at that point they were leaving.
Mind you, when we were picked up, they could only fit 3 of the 5 families waiting for a shuttle. So, I have no idea what happened to the other two families left waiting as the staff said multiple times they were "closed" at 8:05pm and either we had to take our rental or find a new option.
2. Forced Insurance Purchase
Even worse, we were forced to purchase additional insurance, despite showing proof that our USAA credit card included full rental coverage. The staff refused to accept the information provided as it was not what was their standard and told us that unless we paid for their insurance, they would not release the car. Again, with no refund or option to sort it out the next day. We had no choice but to pay, or we'd be left stranded with our two young children.
The rental agreement clearly allows renters to decline insurance with proof of coverage, but they ignored their own terms and would not budge.
3. Surprise "Out-of-Province" Fee
Later, we were also charged an out-of-province fee after casually mentioning that we'd be visiting Banff and Yoho National Parks. Yoho happens to be across the provincial border in British Columbia, and apparently telling them before travel at pick up was not "prior notification."
4: Not so unlimited Mileage
The policy online states "Unlimited mileage is offered only within the state/province where the vehicle will be rented." however on our signed agreement we noticed that it was capped at 200km per day. We did receive a "out-of-province" charge but even when getting the vehicle it did not align with what was mentioned. You cannot have unlimited "in province" but also still put a cap for the same amount out of province on the rental agreement.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Neither of these charges -- the forced insurance nor the out-of-province fee -- were included in the signed contract or in our email confirmation when we reserved the car. Routes relies on website fine print, small signs on the walls and verbal pressure, but none of this was legally or clearly presented to us when we signed. It felt deceptive and borderline predatory.
We have already submitted a dispute with our credit card company and are pursuing a refund. I've worked in Credit Card fraud previously and even when speaking to prior colleagues and our bank, they all feel this is predatory and slimy at least and fraud at best. A contract MUST be clear to hold up with banking fraud and theirs does not disclosure these charges.
I would never rent from Routes again, and I'd strongly recommend others stay far away. Poor communication, hidden fees, and no accountability. If you value transparency and reliability, this is not the company for you. read more