July 4, 2006
Travelocity.com car rental trouble
First, I just read Javaun's comments on Portland Oregon and the surrounding area and if you haven't read it yet, go do so. Javaun has done all of us a favor with some excellent information based on his own vacation experience.
Now Javuan shared some great experiences, but sometimes there's trouble. The travel troubleshooter had to take on a Travelocity.com case again (remember I have vowed never to use Travelocity in the past). It seems that they promised someone a full-sized SUV Thrifty car rental. Problem is, Thrifty Cost Rica doesn't even have such a car...
They got a car from another agency, did their traveling, and contacted Travelocity.com when they got home. No response. The troubleshooter got Travelocity to pay the difference, but again we see a big company just ignoring complaints until they get in the newspaper.
Posted by James Trotta at July 4, 2006 2:47 AM
You always have to be careful when using a third party, but you must be especially careful when dealing with reservations outside the U.S.
Unless you are certain that the travel agency or travel providor (Travelocity can't decide which they would like to be) has negotiated a direct or inside link to show actual inventory, then go directly to the source. This problem can happen even when booking directly with Thrifty's web site due to differences in contracts with franchised locations. Buyer beware, and use a reputable travel agency/providor.