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Thrifty Complaint - $50/day for child seat rental ($39/day for the car) - Car Rental
Car Rental - Complaint
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -- I booked a car for pick up in Salt Lake City on Travelocity and for 7 days it came to $328 (fairly reasonable). The site asked if I need optional equipment, and since I have a 14 month old son, I indicated I needed a car seat (which would save me bringing my own along). There was no mention of extra charges. When I arrived in SLC after a long flight from Boston, I was told by the staff that the car seat rental was $50/day or $350/week! The $20,000 car, by the way, was $39/day, and the car seats are $100 Cosco specials! When I complained, the desk staff asked my if I wanted to talk to the manager, and I said "sure". The manager was rude, and wouldn't budge on the charge. When I said it was a ripoff, he said he was going to call security and have me thrown out of the airport! I immediately canceled the reservation and left. Shortly after, two policemen arrived and asked me if I had a problem. I told them what happened, and they agreed it was a ripoff. They told me to go to Dollar, where they "only" charge $10/day - expensive, but at least not extortionate. On the Thrifty website, by the way, the car seat rental rates are listed as being between $5/day (Dallas) and $12/day (LA). I will never rent from Thrifty again, and advise anyone with small children to do the same. I would also advise Thrifty to immediately fire their manager at SLC.
Comments:
Posted by Skye on 2009-08-15:
Why would you think optional equipment, especially a car seat would be free??
We recently went back to NY to visit family, and we had to bring two car seats with us. It's really not a hassle to travel with them. I wouldn't feel safe if I rented a car and had to rent the car seat. I would always be afraid it may have been in an accident.
We recently went back to NY to visit family, and we had to bring two car seats with us. It's really not a hassle to travel with them. I wouldn't feel safe if I rented a car and had to rent the car seat. I would always be afraid it may have been in an accident.
Posted by trp2hevn on 2009-08-15:
While I don't think you can put a price on your childs safety, I agree that $50/day is absurd. I wouldn't expect it to be free, but I also wouldn't expect to pay that high of a price for a car seat. I'm sure the rental agent makes commission on it too.
Posted by Eloise on 2009-08-15:
Skye, You are right on. I bring my own car seat(s) because you don't know anything about the used seat they give you. Even a fender bender can damage a car seat.
I've got to agree Thrity's rental fee was really high. As for the OP's complaint that even $10 a day was pricy. Come on! This is your child's safety. If you were concerned about the price you should have brought your own car seat.
I've got to agree Thrity's rental fee was really high. As for the OP's complaint that even $10 a day was pricy. Come on! This is your child's safety. If you were concerned about the price you should have brought your own car seat.
Posted by yoke on 2009-08-16:
I always brought my own carseat for the kids. I would not want my kids in a dirty carseat.
Posted by Eloise on 2009-08-16:
Me to Yoke. For about 3 years I had 2 in car seats. A pain? Yes. But like I said before my kids are well worth it.
Posted by BokiBean on 2009-08-16:
My sis works for Hertz and she says that they also charge a ridiculous amount for car seats. She also says that she warns people about the price, something Thrify could have done for this OP.
Skye said that bringing your own ensures that they are in good working order, and have never been in a wreck..that's good advice!
Skye said that bringing your own ensures that they are in good working order, and have never been in a wreck..that's good advice!
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