Budget Did Not Honor Rental - Stranded in Pittsbur...

tony1963tony · ‎01-21-2023

Using the AARP link and going to the Expedia, Inc. website, I reserved a midsize SUV for January 10-17, 2023. Not only did I call twice to confirm the rental, I actually received an email the day of rental and Budget confirmed that I was all set, just pick up the keys.

When I arrived at the airport desk for Budget at 10:50 PM, they had no cars. They sold the car to someone else at a higher rate.

I have communicated my dispute to Expedia, Avis Budget Group, Avis Budget Group CEO, Pennsylvania's Attorney General and also the Allegheny County Airport Authority. Leaving someone stranded at 11 oclock at night with no transportation is depraved indifference to their safety. Not only that, it added to the cost of my trip substantially.

I had to stay overnight in a hotel without a reservation and Uber back and forth the next morning to get a car from Alamo.

I have shared my story with AARP's legal counsel and I sincerely hope that AARP discontinues their association with Avis Budget Group. My case, and others, are evidence that they are not honoring their commitment to AARP and are knowingly leaving people stranded.

Read the Google Reviews for Budget at Pittsburgh International Airport.

MariamaA859467 · ‎01-23-2023

You can always contact AARP for help if there's an issue with an AARP provider. Please use this link (https://help.aarp.org/s/) to contact us by phone, chat or text.

Description of your issue
Mention that you are requesting an escalation

We look forward to hearing from you!

jonibee · ‎01-21-2023

That is not good customer service at all...They should have called around to see if any vehicles were available or put you up at their expense for the night and give you a voucher for food for your inconvenience ...I hope you have luck in getting some sort of closure and satisfaction from this company ..Others who read about your plight should take heed as this could happen to them if they travel and rent a car..I guess you have to read that fine print to see what it really involves when you choose to rent a vehicle from them...

tony1963tony · ‎01-21-2023

No, I'm not going to sit back and just "take it" while Avis Budget Group takes advantage of us by creating reservations, only intending to honor them if NO ONE ELSE COMES ALONG AND RENTS THE VEHICLE AT A HIGHER PRICE.

Right now I have to exhaust my 60-day resolution period with Expedia under their Terms of Use. After that, I have to take action through arbitration or small claims court. I am watching to see what AARP does about this since they are involved in the transaction.

There is no way that AARP should stand for this. If they are going to be a representative body, then let them do so. I've written to their legal counsel, so let's see his response.

MariamaA859467 · ‎01-23-2023

You can always contact AARP for help if there's an issue with an AARP provider. Please use this link (https://help.aarp.org/s/) to contact us by phone, chat or text.

Description of your issue
Mention that you are requesting an escalation

We look forward to hearing from you!

tony1963tony · ‎01-23-2023

I have called in the complaint to which I am currently awaiting a reply. I also wrote to your legal counsel, as per my original post.

AARP needs to take drastic action to preserve its representation with members.

MariamaA859467 · ‎01-23-2023

Hi Tony, here to help! We certainly understand your concern regarding the service you experienced with Budget Car Rental. In order for me to be able to check on the status of your complaint, I will need some additional information. At your convenience, please send a private message using this link

https://m.me/aarp and provide the following details:
- AARP membership number (or home address)
- Best email address & telephone #
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate you informing us of your concern. We look forward to hearing from you soon!