BA/AVIS problem with changing booking after outbound travel - just be aware of what can happen

[stanleycamel]

Mr SC original car booking was (booked through BA - BAEC and Avis preferred member)

Pick Up MIA 7am 5th Oct
Drop Off MIA 7am 6th November

BA's Important travel information made it clear that any rental for over 28 days would require a separate contract when signing the Avis documentation (no "skip the line" or name on board due to rental length) and to check with Avis when car picked up - which Mr SC did and he was told the paperwork was in order. One document gave one contract reference number with correct pick up/drop off details.

Last week we realised that we would have to change the drop off to MCO with exactly the same date/time so rang Avis to see what we could do - OR NOT AS THE CASE MAY BE. Have done similar with Alamo before with no problem...

So far 4 phone calls all over 30 minutes long over the last few days with various explanations with no progress. For example

You need to ring back for another contract number after 28 days.
You need to ring back for another contract number after 30 days
I need to transfer you to a non-existent number for you to be cut off

And todays was the best of all - yes we can do that sir but we will have to reprice the second contract of which we have no reference number and that will be $3300 for a new one way contract (and no I haven't added an extra zero) - needless to say we will be visiting the Turnpike. What a load of c**p and I am not given to bad language - Mr SC was so stunned that he didn't ask for the second contract number but I might ring them back and ask for one.

I have to say BA when contacted were very quick to respond with answers but sadly there is nothing they can do mid-travel.

So if you are booking a long term rental over 28 days I am using this post to make Dibb members aware that you could encounter problems with Avis if you need to make the slightest change.

It is a complex problem (for Avis at least) but just wanted to raise awareness of what can happen - Alamo for me next time.

[Mr Tom Morrow]

It's like a scene from Little Britain. The computer says no.
God save us from rental clerk help desks, or not as the case may be!

Hope you get a resolution.

[stanleycamel]

Update - dropped car of at Miami (did as I was told by Avis ) - no charges - yet - but invoices will be carefully checked especially for tolls/cleaning etc.

A strongly worded letter to BA will follow...