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UNFAIR CHARGES

When Mike Welden returned his Budget rental car after his Palm Springs vacation, he thought he was done with the car. The retired social worker had enjoyed a pleasant two-week trip through California without incident. But Budget wasn't done with him. Three weeks later, Welden's credit card got dinged with a $450 cleaning fee. The company claimed their vehicle reeked of cigarette smoke.

Budget hits non-smokers with a mysterious $450 cleaning fee. Do they have to pay?

April 14, 2026April 14, 2026 by Christopher Elliott

When Mike Welden returned his Budget rental car after his Palm Springs vacation, he thought he was done with the car. The retired social worker had enjoyed a pleasant two-week trip through California without incident.

Categories Advocacy
Marcy Schackne is mad.  She recently waited 2½ hours at LAX just to talk to a car rental agent. After completing her paperwork, she inspected three vehicles that were "beyond dirty" before finding one suitable to drive

Car rental rage: Why everyone’s losing it at the counter right now

April 8, 2026March 30, 2026 by Christopher Elliott

Marcy Schackne is mad. 

She recently waited 2½ hours at LAX just to talk to a car rental agent. After completing her paperwork, she inspected three vehicles that were “beyond dirty” before finding one suitable to drive

Categories On Travel, Popular
Avis charged me $250 for smoking weed

Avis charged me $250 for smoking weed in my rental car. But I don’t even smoke! 

March 18, 2026March 18, 2026 by Christopher Elliott

Gary Mullen-Schultz thought he was getting a reliable rental when he picked up a vehicle from Avis in Sacramento. Instead, he got something else — a vehicle that reeked of marijuana. Now Avis wants him to pay $250 to get rid of the smell. Can it do that?

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
Hotels have finally gone too far when it comes to parking fees. 

Outrageous! Hotels are charging for parking — whether you have a car or not

September 7, 2025February 3, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Hotels have finally gone too far when it comes to parking fees. 

Categories On Travel

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