rental cars in LA

[indigo_rose99]

Evidently it is ALL rental car places in LAX, not just Thrifty. 

It took 45 minutes to reach the front of the rental car line.  I went through the paperwork process and then she said those words I have come to dread, "Go to Section 1 and just pick out any car."

Um.  No?  I'd like Option B.  I'd like YOU to walk out there with me and take me to this supposed car.

"Oh, there will be many cars to choose from."

(more politely than this) I have reason to believe that you lie.

"There will be someone out there to help you."  And could you please go away now?

I went away.  I found Section 1.  And then I RAN to the first car, opened the driver side door, pulled out the key, and put it in my pocket.  Then I went to look over my options.

Before you think She is a crazy woman, no less than TWO people actively tried to take the car from me.  One, while I was clearly putting my luggage in it, and the other while I was ACTUALLY SITTING IN IT.

Oh, and my options?  There were none.  By the time I had the key in my pocket, there were four cars.  Every one of them had a human in them.  When I asked about driving something smaller than a PT cruiser, the employee person said, "Well, there is the one that is just now pulling out.  It is a little bit smaller.  If you wait, other cars will come."  I took the PT cruiser that belonged with the key I had grabbed so hastily.

So, now I want to find a Thrifty and a Dollar rental feedback form. (later note:  Done.)

Comments

[fraeuleinchen.livejournal.com]

Your description of this 'selection process' reminds me of a game of musical chairs, except without the music and devoid of fun. And you're *paying* them for the chair/car!!! Crazy.

[indigo-rose99.livejournal.com]

Exactly!

I have to wonder what 'genius' came up with this. I am sure it is some sort of "cost savings" effort. Ugh.

[raaga123.livejournal.com]

Just out of curiosity, how did someone try to take your car while you were sitting in it? Sounds like a great story...

[indigo-rose99.livejournal.com]

Ugh. Much less interesting than it sounds. *rueful smile* Perhaps with some wine sometime next week...

[pamwheatfree.livejournal.com]

By the way, they do something similar in Houston with all the rental car places but there really are cars to choose from. They send you to an aisle that only has the kind of car you rented. So there will be five medium sized cars all sitting together. They always have cars even when there is a huge line in front of you at the counter. Maybe this is what LA is attempting to do but without the resources.

[ovrclokd.livejournal.com]

*makes mental note never to rent from thrifty*

at least you've figured out how to win at their stupid game...