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Recent Comments:
4 car rental scams you should be aware of {Gadling}
Oct 22nd 2007 9:23AM A few tears back while vacationing in the greater Orlando, Florida area, I had a similiar experience. Upon arrival at the airport I was directed to the rental car agency to pick up my reserved rental. All went well until the rental agency stated before handing me the keys, that they would not except my proof of insurance. They insisted that I buy their insurance and that if there was any damage, regardless how small that I would have to pay in full at the time of return. This was not disclosed when making the reservation and the other nearby rentals stated the same policy.
Needless to say this put a damper on my entire vacation experience. I called my insurance agent and was assured that I was fully insured for any damages etc...I refused to sign the rental agency insurance waiver and went ahead with the vacation.
Upon returning the vehicle later the next week, I was fortunate that there was no damages and returned home. I wrote a letter to the rental agency headquarters explaining my situation and displeasure. Then about a few weeks later I rec'd a return reply. To my surprise they sent a check for $100 for any inconvenience and thanked me for my concern. They also stated that apparently some rental reps were taking advantage of tourists with this same scenario and it was not the rental agency's policy to do business that way. The entire operation was under investigation.
Since then I have never rented another vehicle while traveling and I'm hopeful that others are not taken advantage of.
Cruise Safety {Gadling}
Apr 24th 2007 1:49PM I usually cruise every Feb for the past 6 years, mostly with Princess. Ship safety is a priority, but some passengers just don't get it and abuse common sense rules. The only recent problems I occurred was at disembarkment. Unknowingly a late charge of $11.95 was submitted and I rec'd an overhead page to report to the Purser's Desk right away. Waiting well over an hour in a very long line for a lousy $11.95 was sort of dumb. I guest they thought I was a deadbeat and may skip out, even after having express checkout at midnight the night before and spending approx $2,000. I guess they could not afford a stamp and an envelope to send me a bill.
The other problem was the wonderful (lack of a better term) Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport with its lack of direction, staffing and coordination. After standing in line for over 2 hours, we were told we were in the wrong line. Moved and stood another 2 hours. There were no signs or reps available to handle several thousand of passengers when all the ships come to port at the same time. This is even with our checked in travel bags being open in plain view to the entire airport. I plan to avoid the Ft Lauderdale airport at all cost, travel light and to book future cruises with cruise lines that don't lose sleep over $11.95 and a staff that could use some newer ideas of clearing one's bill prior to leaving.
Sincerely,
W. McMichael
Delaware
