Thrifty Car Rental
Thrifty Car Rental
1.5
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- ilovegreecetoronto119 contributionsDo not book Thrifty through ExpediaBe aware Thrifty does NOT honour Expedia bookings. We had a confirmation receipt but they would not honour the price. The managers special is an EV vehicle WITHOUT a plug. If you want a non EV vehicle it’s an upgrade.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 10, 2024
- Juan P1 contributionDeceptive company behind offers of good prices that are not fulfilled.Deceptive enterprise, changes conditions in destination, cheats by signing things in fine print q one not only does not ask but q asks otherwise. So you sign things you explicitly reject. One has no way of complaining pq deceived signature. Better to hire services q apparently has some higher charge q these types of companies q knowingly add costs q do it cheating and the q hires them cannot dsps know q hire you.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 2, 2024
- zTravelFamMcLean, Virginia27 contributionsTerrible Experience with Thrifty - Overcharged and No Customer SupportI rented a car from Thrifty in June at the Portland, Oregon airport, booking through Travelocity. The initial price seemed reasonable, and I thought everything was in order. However, after returning the car, I was shocked to find that Thrifty had charged my credit card nearly **three times the agreed-upon price**. I immediately tried to contact them through their website and by calling their customer service line. Despite multiple attempts, I received no response. I also reached out to Travelocity, hoping they could assist, but I still haven’t been able to resolve the issue. This entire process has been extremely frustrating and exhausting. I’m incredibly disappointed with the lack of communication and support from both Thrifty and Travelocity. I would **strongly advise against using Thrifty** unless you’re prepared to deal with hidden charges and no customer service to help.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 22, 2024
- Steven S8 contributionsCharged full price for a downgrade!Thrifty downgraded my rental to a much smaller vehicle than we needed for this trip. Not enough seatbelts for everyone or space for luggage. They offered no alternative and still charged me full price. There were multiple vans and full size SUV clearly parked on the lot. Do not use Hertz/Thrifty!Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 28, 2024
- Karin m1 contributionWorst Experience Ever!Worst experience of my life yesterday afternoon at Bradley International Airport. Made my reservation in July for a Managers' Special (thought I would try something new). After checking in online and attempting to do a counterless check in, app kept telling me there were no available cars. Finally had to go to counter. The nasty, rude, ill-mannered woman at the counter told me 'that is only a reservation. It is Friday afternoon. We have no cars.' WTH!!!? It ended up being a loud yelling match with cussing in the big main room in front of everyone. That woman needs to be fired!! What is wrong with your company? Is this what you consider customer service. I am still reeling about the situation! In conclusion, I did get the absolute worst car on the lot! Scratched, dented, and with 60k miles on it. Not worth more than $25 per day. Now I can get to MA to care for elderly mother. Thanks Thrifty, for the making a tough trip harder than it already is!!Visited October 2024Traveled soloWritten October 5, 2024
- Mihaela1 contributionWorst experience in Iceland.We arrived in Iceland later that day with a small child. The guy who works at the agency said we don't have a car because we didn't arrive at the scheduled time. The flight was delayed. The vehicle was paid for three months in advance. Very uneasy feeling. The guy who worked at the agency rigidly and inflexibly stood behind the fact that there was no vehicle for us, at the same time he turned on the phone his menager and kept us unsupervised to coordinate communication with us in another language. We left with the promise that our money would be returned. No refund of our money. Please pay attention to the agency Thrifty in Iceland, very inflexible, rigid, without understanding that child is with us and in the end without a refund of the money. It is very sad for the agency and for Iceland itself that they have such representatives of their country.Visited October 2024Traveled with familyWritten October 14, 2024
- Kara B1 contributionNo clue about their field office hours, cost me more moneyI had a reservation for 11 pm tonight. The flight wasn't landing until after 10 so I called the corporate office and they said the office was closed at 10 pm so I cancelled the reservation. I got to the airport and it was indeed open. They told me they could not reopen the reservation and there was no car for me. My wife called corporate back and they reopened the reservation, but could not confirm if the office was still open at 1105 pm. The corporate office giving us the incorrect closure time and telling us that no one would be there to put me in a car cost me an additional 270.00 for a reservation somewhere else. This is completely unacceptable.Visited October 2024Traveled on businessWritten October 16, 2024
- Sherry HSalem, Oregon5 contributionsTerribleAwful 😞 no service we had a paid reservation and it was confirmed after flying for hours they didnt open rental office at all during regular business hours. A sign sent us over to another rental company which had no car for us and we were told we had to wait for 2-3 hours for a car!!!! Do NOT use Thrifty!!!Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 17, 2024
- Tony S4 contributionsThrifty Rental - Gas Cars cost moreI booked a rental car through Expedia and ended up renting with Thrifty. When I got to the desk to get my car, they mentioned it was an all-electric vehicle. I said, "Nope, I've had one in the past, and it was a real pain to keep it charged." They said that's what I booked, but I could have a gas vehicle for the low price of an additional ~$ 150.00. I paid the extra money, but I am miffed because I have not located where they said electric vehicle.Visited October 2024Traveled soloWritten October 17, 2024
- Lia H1 contributionTerrible CompanyAbsolutely shambolic service. Tried renting a car in the Los Cabo San Jose in Baja California and they tried to completely scam us. It’s a total ripoff and the customer service took ages with horrible music when we tried to cancel our reservation. Terrible experience and the worst way to start a holiday.Visited October 2024Traveled with friendsWritten October 19, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
1.5
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71
Luis M
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Family
I rented a midsize car in December from Thrifty several weeks before picking it up, as I had plans to drive down to LA for the Holidays. When I got to the counter I was told that my car was not ready and needed to wait for an hour.. after the hour went by, I went up and asked if my car was ready. The same person behind the counter told me that I had three other people waiting for their cars and I needed to wait longer. I asked him how long this was going to take, but this time, he told me that he could not give me a time, as he did not know when cars would come in. I was now a little mad that this guy had made me wait for an hour for a car that did not exist. I continue to ask him questions and I was trying to get him to commit to a time, but he decided that it was best for me to talk to the manager. He showed up and he told me there was nothing he could do, as he explained people extend their cars and also they come in later than their actual time, but I told him that was not my problem, as they knew that I needed a car and it should have been ready for me to pickup. This is not a Mom and Pop car rental, this is an established business, with car agencies all over the country, and this is not the first time I rent from them, this year alone I have gotten cars from them in Hawaii and Florida without any issues, I was not expecting this in California San Jose, the Silicon Valley area. The manager Mathew Stockton did his best to try and get me a car, as I was walking I saw him speaking to other rental car agencies, as I was also asking every car rental agency at the airport, but everyone told me they had no cars available at that time. He later told me he had found a car, but he never came back to me and I left after waiting for two hours without a car but before I left, I asked one of the attendants to cancel my reservation, but to add insult, he explained that they had already charged my credit card a $200 deposit, and I needed to contact my card company for a complete refund, I asked him to do that, but he conveniently told me that it was up to me to get my money back. I am not sure I will ever rent anything from Thrifty again as I would rather pay a few more dollars to get good service and a rental car available as per my reservation. It is hard for me to understand why people treat people like idiots, the manager actually told me when we spoke “I understand how you feel”, but I quickly told him.. I don’t think you do!. Making a customer wait over 2 hours and still no car available is not great customer service and it also ruin my holiday plans.
Written December 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tour38167167882
Hartford, CT1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
I booked a Thrifty Rental through Expedia and prepaid, owing only $136.00 at pick-up. The car I selected was a full size sedan. At Phoenix airport the Thrifty agent told me there were no cars, a wait of 3 to 4 hours and 90 people ahead of me. My only choice was an “upgrade” to an SUV, which would cost $500 per day but he’d give me the AAA discount. Desperate because I had an appointment and needed to get to Prescott by dark, I signed to get the car.
When I checked the receipt, it turned out they were also charging 41.99 for collision (which I had prepaid thru Expedia), $9.99 per day for roadside assistance (the guy knew I had AAA). All told it came to more than my ticket to New Zealand. I’m a senior citizen and couldn’t be stranded in Phoenix. I couldn’t wait till dark. This was one of the most expensive lessons I have ever learned. Thrifty won’t honor your Expedia bookings or deduct what you already paid. You’re pressed into upgrading or you can go without a car. They say it’s your freedom to choose. I will never use this company again. Fox on this other hand honored the Expedia contract and was no problem in LAX.
When I checked the receipt, it turned out they were also charging 41.99 for collision (which I had prepaid thru Expedia), $9.99 per day for roadside assistance (the guy knew I had AAA). All told it came to more than my ticket to New Zealand. I’m a senior citizen and couldn’t be stranded in Phoenix. I couldn’t wait till dark. This was one of the most expensive lessons I have ever learned. Thrifty won’t honor your Expedia bookings or deduct what you already paid. You’re pressed into upgrading or you can go without a car. They say it’s your freedom to choose. I will never use this company again. Fox on this other hand honored the Expedia contract and was no problem in LAX.
Written November 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katy B
Rathdrum, ID164 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
Our actual rental location was in Philadelphia at the airport . It started out great. Book online, great deal. But then you show up to the counter. My boyfriend was going to be the driver but my card was paying. (He does not use credit cards) So we both had to be drivers on the car because the credit card didn't match the driver. So an extra $13.50 a day. We returned our car a day early but no refund as we got a non-refundable price. So that's on us . But upon returning the car it was complete chaos and they basically just throw you out of the car and stick you on a bus . We had to grab all of our things as quickly as we could so they could push us through . We turned in our car with a full tank of gas, I even took a picture of the dash to prove that it was a full tank of gas. They claimed that we did not turn it in with a full tank of gas and charged us $10.99 a gallon, when the front counter had a signposted saying it was $3.50 a gallon, And there is no one you can speak to. There is no customer service. You cannot get a real person. They tell you to email them a receipt to prove that you bought gas prior to returning your car and that is the only way you can get a receipt but there is no emails provided no way to contact them in their contact forms other than a phone number that then tells you to email them. They are frustrating and nickel and dime you with hidden fees. I will never use thrifty again. I feel that they are a dishonest company that takes advantage of people. I don't care if I have to pay more, I would rather give my business to an honest company.
Written December 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig I
2 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
I booked a compact car with Thrifty at the Jacksonville Airport and was told by the rude and inconsiderate agent that the only car they could give me was an EV. If I wanted an EV I would have booked one. I offered to take ANY gas powered car they had and was told that I would need to pay for an upgrade for a different gas powered vehicle. It was not my fault that they didn't have the car I booked! I ended up taking the EV and then had to pay an extra $29 fee to have it charged when I returned it. This fee was basically mandatory since there are no charging stations close to Jacksonville airport. If you are basically forcing me to take the EV you should have at least waived the charging fee. Shady business practices!
Written November 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A2660JPmarym
Sylvania, OH3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We rented a car from Tampa Airport on August 26th for $52.23 per day x 3 days. We also paid for the full tank of gas up front at $57. We were to return the car on August 29th at 2 pm to Tampa Airport by 2:15 pm. The Hurricane came and we had to evacuate our hotel on Monday August 28th and the Tampa airport was closed which cancelled our Flight for August 29. We called Thrifty emergency line and explained what was going on. Thrifty informed us that we could return the Rental Car anywhere within 500 miles without penalty. Thrifty suggested Atlanta airport which was within 500 miles. We purchased flights for the 29th and drove to the Atlanta airport. We turned in the car. We received an updated bill for $1088 for the car. We followed Thrifty's instructions, and were told there would be no further charges. I just got off the phone with Thrifty and they said that there was nothing they could do.
Written September 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana C
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Family
Dear :Customer Service Team/Manager
I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with the customer service I recently experienced at Thrifty Rental Car. Unfortunately, the service I received fell far below the standards I expect as a customer and left me frustrated
On June 15/24 at la Guardia Airport I drope the rental,one day before my contract I ask the from desk lady if she will give me a receipt she said not paperwork just leave the car keys inside the vehicle. I left few days later I found out I was overcharged I still waiting to resolve this with your staff, but not way to talk with someone only through email,Not only was the issue unresolved, but I also felt neglected they overcharged
This experience has left me questioning my decision to rent with Thrifty. I expect a rental car company to provide reliable vehicles and professional service, yet my experience was far from satisfactory.
I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with the customer service I recently experienced at Thrifty Rental Car. Unfortunately, the service I received fell far below the standards I expect as a customer and left me frustrated
On June 15/24 at la Guardia Airport I drope the rental,one day before my contract I ask the from desk lady if she will give me a receipt she said not paperwork just leave the car keys inside the vehicle. I left few days later I found out I was overcharged I still waiting to resolve this with your staff, but not way to talk with someone only through email,Not only was the issue unresolved, but I also felt neglected they overcharged
This experience has left me questioning my decision to rent with Thrifty. I expect a rental car company to provide reliable vehicles and professional service, yet my experience was far from satisfactory.
Written December 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fearless11815536051
2 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
We rented a Thrifty car through DoYou Spain and paid in full, including additional insurance, in advance. However, when we arrived at Alicante Airport to pick up the car we were told that we had to take out additional required rental fee and that there were several additional fees that had to be paid. We ended up paying an additional approx100% of what we had already paid - which was supposed to be 'in full'. Try to argue that we have already paid for the rent, but it was no discussion if we want to receive the car.
We will never use Thrifty/Hertz or DoYou Spain anymore- And I would recommend others to stay away from them.
We will never use Thrifty/Hertz or DoYou Spain anymore- And I would recommend others to stay away from them.
Written January 15, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nitin M
1 contribution
Nov 2024 • Solo
I recently had an absolutely frustrating and nightmarish experience with Thrifty and dealing with unashamedly rude and unprofessional Staff at SEATAC Thrifty car rental area; and I feel compelled to share it. I had this terrible experience on Nov 26 at 340 pm. I had made a prior booking and ensured that all my documents were in order, including my valid driver’s license. However, when I arrived at their location, the staff (old lady with specs) refused to give me the car, claiming that my driver’s license was chipped. First she was trying to find error with my name on the license, when I clarified it by showing my international drivers permit which was absolutely intact, they found issue with my main drivers license slightly being chipped from top edge, it shows my full name, dates of issue, place etc. clearly.
This was not only shocking but completely absurd since I had rented a car from the same Thrifty location earlier that same month with same documents with no issues at all. Nothing had changed about my documents, my booking, or my license. Despite explaining this and showing proof of my earlier rental with them, the staff were rude, completely unhelpful and when I insisted that my drivers license is valid, the same lady threatened me that she'll call security if I don't leave! Can you believe this!
No matter what I said or did, they were adamant that they couldn’t give me the car. Their dismissive attitude and lack of any effort to resolve the issue left me stranded and deeply disappointed. I trusted Thrifty to honor my reservation and provide the service I paid for, but instead, I was met with unprofessionalism and outright refusal for no valid reason.
I would strongly caution anyone considering renting from Thrifty. My experience was nothing short of a nightmare, and I wouldn’t wish this level of inconvenience and disrespect on anyone. I ended up paying USD 400 over and above what I paid for reserving the car way ahead of time and I wasted 2 hours finding next available car If anyone from Thrifty is reading this, you must suspend your rude staff for this misconduct and biased behavior against me and compensate me for this ordeal and loss of time and money.
This was not only shocking but completely absurd since I had rented a car from the same Thrifty location earlier that same month with same documents with no issues at all. Nothing had changed about my documents, my booking, or my license. Despite explaining this and showing proof of my earlier rental with them, the staff were rude, completely unhelpful and when I insisted that my drivers license is valid, the same lady threatened me that she'll call security if I don't leave! Can you believe this!
No matter what I said or did, they were adamant that they couldn’t give me the car. Their dismissive attitude and lack of any effort to resolve the issue left me stranded and deeply disappointed. I trusted Thrifty to honor my reservation and provide the service I paid for, but instead, I was met with unprofessionalism and outright refusal for no valid reason.
I would strongly caution anyone considering renting from Thrifty. My experience was nothing short of a nightmare, and I wouldn’t wish this level of inconvenience and disrespect on anyone. I ended up paying USD 400 over and above what I paid for reserving the car way ahead of time and I wasted 2 hours finding next available car If anyone from Thrifty is reading this, you must suspend your rude staff for this misconduct and biased behavior against me and compensate me for this ordeal and loss of time and money.
Written November 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sightseer794074
1 contribution
May 2023
Horrible dishonest company. I booked a car rental in San Francisco for $53.04 on Travelocity, and ended up with a credit card charge of $272.76, even though the agent told me their would be "no extra charge". When I tried to contact Thrifty, there was no phone number to complain. I wrote old fashioned letters to two Thrifty addresses, including their main headquarters (which was returned by the US postal service, address unknown), and their customer service address, and to Hertz, which apparently purchased Thrifty. I have not received any reply. Fortunately my bank (Bank of America) upheld my dispute and I will not have to pay the extra $219.72. I advise you NOT to use Thrifty or Hertz, the parent company, as they provide no easy way to dispute a charge, and do not bother to answer written inquiries.
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew Wheeler
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Booked the car two months in advance and paid for it when I booked it. But since I booked it with my debit card they charged a $500 deposit, and then charged me almost $400 for insurance, which I had declined as my insurance covers the rental. When I pointed this out, the girl said she would refund it and it would take 24 hours. It took a week. When I went out to get the car, they were out of the size I booked and gave me a "free upgrade" which was a banged up Jeep Compass with scratches and dents, very worn mismatched tires, chipped windshield and non functioning backup camera. The girl that waited on me at the Denver CO branch was extremely rude and demeaning towards me, and I got the impression that she just hated her job apparently, because she clearly had no customer service skills. Won't rent from them again. This was the Denver office, but that wasn't an option here.
Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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