A South Florida traveler’s holiday trip hit a major snag when a rental car reservation made through a third-party broker fell apart upon arrival. After facing two failed attempts to secure a vehicle and struggling to get a response from the booking company, the traveler turned to NBC6 Responds, ultimately securing a full refund.
Key Takeaways
- A traveler was unable to secure a rental car despite having a reservation booked through EconomyBookings.com.
- The traveler was asked to pay for insurance twice, first through the broker and then again by the local rental company.
- After failed attempts to resolve the issue directly, NBC6 Responds intervened.
- The traveler eventually received a full refund of $533 for both reservations.
The Rental Car Fiasco
Wali Omarkheil arrived at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in late December, expecting to pick up a pre-booked rental car. However, he was informed that no vehicles were available.
Omarkheil had booked the car through EconomyBookings.com, a service he had used previously without incident. He had paid $369 upfront, which included full coverage insurance.
When the initial reservation didn’t pan out, a representative from Economy Bookings contacted Omarkheil, offering to rebook. He agreed and made a second reservation, paying nearly $300 more for another vehicle and insurance.
Second Reservation Fails
Upon attempting to pick up the second vehicle, Omarkheil was told by the rental company that he would have to purchase their insurance policy, despite having already paid for coverage through the broker. Faced with this demand, Omarkheil decided not to rent a car and sought refunds for both payments.
Seeking Resolution
Omarkheil found it extremely difficult to contact Economy Bookings to resolve the issue. He sent emails and filed complaints but received no response. Frustrated, he reached out to NBC6 Responds for assistance.
Refund Secured
After NBC6 contacted EconomyBookings.com regarding Omarkheil’s situation, the company reached out to him and confirmed he would receive a refund. In total, Omarkheil was reimbursed $533 for both reservations.
Advice for Travelers
Wali’s experience highlights the potential pitfalls of booking travel through third-party brokers. Experts advise travelers to:
- Confirm reservations directly with the rental agency.
- Carefully review terms and conditions for any hidden fees.
- Verify insurance coverage requirements before arriving at the rental counter.