I really wish I could say nice things about our experience today with Avis at the airport. However, we arrived and were told that the car we prepaid for and reserved was no longer available. They told us we could have a minivan and we refused. They told us to wait and we did and 20 minutes later they had a vehicle for us. When we went to pay the security deposit they tried to charge us for the rental as if we hadn't prepaid already when we had. We explained and showed them the prepaid amount on our Apple wallet and they "ho hummed" over it and had three people looking into it for about 15 minutes while others waited in line for their rental cars. If this is how they treat their preferred members, i'd hate to see how they treat regular non members. Also, the man next to us was explaining that his rental broke down and had to be towed and he had to return to the Columbus airport for a new rental which interfered with his trip plans to Indianapolis. Hearing him go through what he went through really made us apprehensive to leave with our vehicle. No one did a look around with us for the car, so we took our own photos and documented on our end, but I've never not had someone do a look around before driving away from a rental car place. *** update*** am giving three stars because of the unpleasant check in experience, however the staff members were pleasant and did do their best- I just don't think they really know what they are doing at the check in desk and need to get better training. Rental car return went really smoothly and easily! read more

Avis in Columbus was terrible. Only one worker and a line of about 20 people. The staff didn't seem to care. Most of them acted like they didn't want to be there. One lady at the preferred counter upstairs was really rude. Big mistake using Avis or Hertz. Never again. read more

This location needs additional training for both staff and management regarding professionalism and customer service. This review is specifically about my experience with the Manager, Dave and the desk employee, Chris. Note: I'm unsure if Chris is his name because he of course refused to share. Therefore, I asked another staff member. I'm sure if it were for the purpose of a positive review, then he wouldn't have cared. I reserved a full-size car to pick up at CMH and return at CLE for business travel that involved extensive driving. Shortly before arrival, I received a confirmation email stating I had been assigned a Silverado pickup truck instead of the full-size sedan I reserved. When I arrived at the counter, I calmly explained my concern to the desk employee. A pickup truck comes with significantly higher fuel costs than a sedan, especially for long-distance business travel. I also acknowledged that rental companies sometimes face inventory shortages, and I simply asked whether there could be some form of compensation for the increased fuel expense. I shared that Enterprise previously handled a similar situation by allowing me to return the vehicle without refueling. Rather than addressing the concern constructively, the employee became dismissive and argumentative. He repeatedly insisted there was "no difference" because both vehicles were considered "full-size," which is inaccurate. Even Avis's own website defines a full-size vehicle as a sedan and specifically highlights fuel economy as a benefit of that vehicle class. A pickup truck is clearly not comparable in fuel efficiency or operating cost. The employee eventually offered to look for another vehicle but could not provide any estimate on timing. Since I was already delayed and needed to get on the road for work, I again asked whether there could simply be reasonable compensation for the added fuel expense. Instead of working toward a solution, the employee continued responding defensively and dismissively. When I requested a manager, Dave came to the counter. Unfortunately, the situation worsened. The employee had not briefed the manager on the issue beforehand, so I had to start the explanation over while the employee repeatedly interrupted me. When I questioned why he had not already explained the situation to the manager, he became increasingly hostile. The manager ultimately offered $20 in compensation despite the fact that I would be driving hundreds of miles in a pickup truck instead of the sedan I reserved. When I respectfully questioned whether that was truly the best solution they could provide, both the employee and manager became defensive rather than solution-oriented. At one point, the employee described me as "confrontational" simply for raising a legitimate customer concern. The interaction escalated further when the manager threatened to cancel my reservation entirely, claiming they do not tolerate "verbal abuse," despite the fact that I remained focused on resolving the issue while dealing with rude and dismissive treatment from a staff member. Eventually, I was forced to wait for another vehicle that had just been returned to the lot. I ultimately received an SUV that had not been cleaned properly, although it was newer and manageable for the trip. As someone who travels frequently, this was one of the worst customer service experiences I have encountered. I understand inventory shortages happen. My frustration was not about the vehicle availability itself -- it was about the lack of professionalism, accountability, and willingness to handle a reasonable customer concern respectfully and constructively. A good manager should be able to de-escalate conflict and guide employees toward solutions. Unfortunately, that did not happen here. read more

Customer service!!! First there was only one employee trying to serve 10 people in line. Then they told us that someone would drive the car to us and that took 15 minutes. When the car finally arrived the employee simply got out of the car and walked away without even looking at us. The. When we got into the car the displayed showed "maintenance required." It's doesn't inspire confidence driving out of the airport with this displayed on the dashboard read more

Avis Rent A Car - Display of the car dashboard showing maintenance required - Car Rental Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Avis rented me a vehicle even though they knew I was flying in at 1230AM. When we got to the rental counter no one was working. I called the customer service number and they told me there was nothing they could do because they were closed. They said they did not have my flight info or what time I would be picking up the vehicle. I told the rep my confirmation said otherwise at which time she did not have anything to say but sorry they weren't open. There were 3 other people who were also stranded other than me. Apparently it is a huge issue with Avis at CMH. read more

This is the one rental car company at CMH that will not stay open for delayed flights. Do not use them if you have a flight at night, they will leave you without a car. read more

Wish it was possible to give ZERO stars. Desk workers were rude, and acted like I was a bother. Waited 15 minutes while the desk worker discussed the upcoming party/clubbing details with someone on her phone. Car was not ready, waited 25 minutes for it to get "serviced" which really means washed. Little to no communication, car itself was filthy, had a terrible shimmy/vibration. Bald tires made rain soaked highways difficult and dangerous. AVOID if possible read more

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I rented a vehicle from the Avis location at the Columbus, Ohio airport two days ago, and it was easily the worst rental experience I've ever had. The car I was given was dirty, had rips in the seat, and even had dog hair in the back. But the bigger issue was that the vehicle did not work properly from day one. After driving only 21 miles total -- from the airport to my home and back -- the car completely failed. When I tried to leave again, the car would not start at all. I had my newborn baby in the back seat and my pregnant partner with me, and we had to unpack everything and switch cars just to get to several scheduled appointments on time. It was an extremely stressful and unsafe situation. I tried calling roadside assistance, and instead of helping, they told me they would charge me for coming to get the vehicle -- even though the issue was due to the poor condition of the car, not a flat tire or lockout. Because I had appointments for my child and mother - I couldn't miss, I had to wait to get a battery jumper to start the car myself so I could return it. When I finally made it back to the airport and explained everything, customer service still refused to refund even the two days of rental, despite the car being unusable. This was especially disappointing since I had just spent over $1,400 with Avis on a previous rental. Clearly, loyalty doesn't matter to them. I walked away feeling completely unvalued as a customer. If Avis thinks two days of rental fees are worth more than a lifetime client, that's their choice -- but I will never rent from them again. Unacceptable experience from start to finish. read more

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Never again. I didn't realize Avis was associated with Budget or I never would have chosen it through the Costco travel portal. Upon arriving from the shuttle to the Avis area, our good mood tanked upon seeing a line of over 10 people. It ended up taking 55 minutes of waiting in line before we got our rental contract. Part of the problem is that there was one person working in front of the Budget sign and one person working in front of the Avis sign. Then, with several people still in front of us in line, the lady working in front of the Avis sign announced to the Budget guy that her DoorDash order was arriving. She walked out from behind the desk, playing on her phone, never to return. No employee ever came to replace her. So it was all left to the guy by the Budget sign to take care of everyone, including the ever-growing line of customers behind us. I hate to think how long those poor people waited. We had a great view of the Alamo/Enterprise counter as we waited for nearly an hour and observed many customers come and go, getting their rental cars and going on their way. I know where I'll be renting from now on. As I hoped they would, Avis emailed me a customer satisfaction survey. I described our experience in detail (the Doordash employee who bailed did not have a name tag that I could see), including the date and time we were there, and the time we finally got our rental contract. I received a nice, tepid response from some manager, apologizing for the experience and saying he hoped I would give Avis another chance. Oh well, at least Avis acknowledged my experience. The rental car return was smooth and easy. read more

bait and switch, do not rent here. reserved rental with a one way drop off in canton. when i arrived they said it was an electric car and needs to be80% when I return in canton. I said where are electric stations in canton, salesman said he was not sure and doubt many...I said ok I'll just take your comparable gas car...salesman said that is $25 more.. I contested to no avail. bait and switch I would avoid this rental company read more

Really nice people and staff, but system messed up. i'm preferred, not even on the list. With reservation number found, i was assigned a car. ooops, low tire. second car assigned, i made it out, but car wasn't in my name. on return, not if the lot staff could check me in. they directed me to the booth when i asked for receipt. Ooops, can't find it. hopefully i get receipt read more

Avis Rent A Car - Car Rental Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Rented a Long Range Tesla, Got an email saying car was available. Took the time to goto airport for rental and I get there and they try to give me a Chevy Bolt for $500! What a worthless location. Rude and clueless. read more

Don't trust them.They'll lie to you about everything. And when you do get a car, it'll be a death trap and a dirty one at that. My rental, kept pulling me left the center because the front end was out of alignment. The front tires were bald. Key fob didn't work. Cruise control did not work. The vehicle was filthy inside and out. Still waiting since 8/12 for refunds that were promised to me phone numbers off their website that don't work. Nonexistent customer service. Rude and kept interrupting me. I may end up having to take them to court. read more

customer service ELGIN told me that call customer service to add discount for service men called the 1800 number and told me that once you book and got the car there is nothing they can do and should apply the discount while booking.. but the thing is even tho you go to the website theres no option for that one either... so basically after less than 30 mins of getting the car i returned it.. and went to enterprise... will never do business again with this company its all about profit read more

Avis Rent A Car - customer service that is pretty much useless coz theres no service wont even try to work with you.. its a SHAME - Car Rental Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Front desk: I came to Avis in time of need months ago, when Enterprise messed up my reservation and tried to give me a small car, in lieu of a truck/suv. I'm a large man, I don't fit comfortably in small cars. Avis gave me one of their extra trucks that day and I've been a customer of theirs ever since. Today, my visit was consistent with all previous, Avis customer service recognized me and upgraded my vehicle and treated me very well. 5 stars. Vehicle: As stated, I've driven their trucks and SUV's, normally for day trips as I drive to work meetings in Cincinnati and Cleveland. (Work pays for the rental, so I don't have to use my personal). Every time the vehicle has had less than 10k miles, very clean, and smelled like new. 5 stars. Conclusion: At this time, I have nothing bad to say about Avis. Even when I fly to other states for day meetings, the Avis there has been consistently great. Not only that, but I could literally drive these cars to the moon and back forever and they wouldn't mind. 5 stars. read more

Avis Rent A Car - Car Rental Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Wish I could give zero stars...What a terrible company/experience. The personnel were rude and cold, the car was dirty and the tires were nearly bald and they did not inform us of an additional charge to add an extra driver and then said "oh too bad, its in the rental contract" after I asked about the additional charge. They advertise a much cheaper rate to suck you in and then its all a bait and switch. The price was much higher than the "prepaid" price advertised on their website. DO NOT rent from Avis! read more

Adam helped my husband and I ! After receiving no help from other car rentals Adam was helpful and so nice despite it being 2 in the morning. Thank you Adam for the great costumer service and helping me out! read more

Complete trash of service, waited over an hour and two buffoons at the counter. Use any other service. Could have rented a horse from 1876 faster. read more

We found out upon arriving at the airport that our reservation didn't actually do anything, it didn't hold a car or anything. The Columbus location only had a few cars left, all of which were EVs which don't make much sense in a place with very little charging infrastructure. I'd specifically not reserved an EV for that reason. Avis wound up being the only place that was open and also had a car so we had to take it. After we gave up and got in line to rent the car, we ended up getting the last car they would rent out. There were at least 5 people in line behind us who also had reservations but didn't get a car because the company didn't plan or care about reservations. We had to charge the car and found the fast charge feature didn't work. It wouldn't charge above 17kW, even after trying multiple fast chargers that we could see worked for others. Because of that, we had to waste 3 hour stuck at a gas station charging the car. We were given a defective car that we didn't want in the first place, but had no choice if we wanted a car. read more

Do not rent from them , I repeat do not . They will over charge your card after you return a rental and can't speak with anyone, they will keep giving you different numbers to call . So unprofessional!!!! read more

Absolutely garbage. I rent here on business at least once a month. I have rented 15 cars from here. Staff is slow, always a line, I have priority status and they always give my car away. Cars are not washed well, sometimes don't have gas. This is ran like amateur hour. read more

I have been getting the runaround from Avis Customer Service ever since I contacted them to resolve my issue. Wish I had read these reviews before renting from Avis/CMH Airport. Long story short, I reserved and prepaid (directly on the Avis website) for my vehicle. I was quoted a higher rate for the car when I went to pick it up, and when I said that I had prepaid in full, the agent assured me that I was not being double-charged. Well, that was a lie. Not only was I being double-charged but in my attempt to get a refund, Avis told me that they would refund me the lesser, prepaid amount. What is the point of reserving and paying in advance if not to get the better rate? Very disappointed in the Avis Customer Service Team--you need to do better. read more

DO NOT RENT FROM THIS LOCATION. Even if you are Avis Preferred. You will be sorely disappointed. Arrived to see that only 3 of 43 Avis Preferred members on the board had an assignment and was give a sticky note with revelation number on out and told to go stand in another line. No sense or concern or urgency from any employee. Having over two dozen customers waiting for a car, some for 45 minutes plus, was certainly no cause for any added hustle on their part. Finally received car, not type reserved/requested, and took it just to be able to leave... but it was disgustingly filthy on the inside. DO NOT RENT HERE. read more

Avis Rent A Car - Long line of very disgruntled and disappointed bustiers awaiting service. - Car Rental Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Today my husband had a terrible experience at Avis at the Columbus Ohio airport. We will never use Avis again due to the rudeness of the employee. My husband does not get upset easily and he travels every week. Avis, you need better customer service. read more

I waited in the pick-up line for 1.5 hours, which is almost equal to the time of my flight from Atlanta to Columbus! It was a Friday (Ohio State homecoming weekend at 9 am) and only one employee working. We were thankful when Darnell arrived. He swiftly worked and even simultaneously operated two registers to speed up the process. Darnell was kind to provide a complimentary upgrade for me patiently waiting. With extremely elevated car rental prices, I expect elevated customer service. Avis, do better, fairly compensate employees to improve retention and to improve wait times. Waiting over 30 minutes for a reserved prepaid car rental is totally unacceptable. read more

Worst Avis in the country. Poor customer service. They try adding fuel charges upon every return even though it is refueled less than a mile from airport. You have to go to the counter to get the fuel charge removed. Avoid this location if possible. read more

Update: I returned my car today. I was told I was going to receive credit at time of return. The person at front desk said he cannot issue refunds. I'm starting my to think Avis never intended to give me a refund at all and just told me what I wanted to hear. I knew it! DON'T DO BUSINESS WITH AVIS. Read full story below. read more

Beware of fraudulent fuel charges! I filled up the tank right outside the airport immediately before returning the car, and the agent checking the car in didn't say anything. I even asked if we're ok and if I can have a receipt - and he said we're all good, and that I'd get a receipt in email. I did get an email shortly after, but it only had a link to the receipt, which did not work until the next day.. read more

The Avis workers at the car rental return are beyond RUDE. apparently Payless is associated with them and you have to return in the same place. When navigating through the return lot I was trying to figure out where to go and one of the workers was behind me honking and screaming throwing his arms up at me. When I pulled through the area to park I rolled the window down to ask the next worker where I needed to park she replied "right there or don't , I don't care" ? Then I excited the vehicle and said "do you want me to leave the car parked right here ?" The person behind me was trying to get through and she said "yeah there or wherever" she had a serious attitude and was beyond rude. These people should be making it an easy stress free experience especially when most people are probably trying to catch a flight instead they talk to people like trash and do not give direction. It was very apparent they don't give a f about their jobs or helping people. Disgusted that I had to deal with them , I had no other problems with Payless rental besides their unfortunate partnership with Avis. read more

So it's middle of the day. The site at the Airport has to be the most disorganized rental center ever. So I'm sure they know exactly how many people are picking up cars on a particular day/ time. They know when flights are coming in. Just to let you know if you are in a hurry don't rent from AVIS. I hour flight from Baltimore, only to stand in line for over an hour. Just frustrating cause you can tell by watching the people that work here they could care less. read more

I had a great experience as a Preferred customer. Had set up the app prior to my trip. Notified of the vehicle selected for me, and I was nicely upgraded, which was appreciated. My car was in the space the app said it would be in, and the keys were inside. No lines, no fuss. The app said the rental documents were at the window, so I went up to get them. Not sure if I needed a hard copy, but that stopped me from the "get in and go;" no matter though, the kiosk was on the way out, so easy stop. Agent at the gate checked my ID and documents to make sure no one swiped my car - good to know. My Mazda3 was well-appointed for my needs, and the heated seats were a nice bonus on a chilly weekend. Returning was easy, just pull in and check out with the staff. Easy terminal access. *Make sure you grab a gas receipt if you didn't drive a lot of miles, you'll need to show it to avoid a charge. *Notified of an "incremental charge" almost as soon as I walked away from the drop off area - so until I see what kind of charge that is or trouble it brings if I have to refute it - 4/5 for now. read more

This is an incredible place!When I rented a car, the person at the counter said that it was around 120 a day including insurance. When I returned the car, I was charged more than 250 a day. I called customer service and he said that's it, the money is not refundable. Even though I've got a full tank back and they're still charging me for gas. read more

if I could give a -10 I would . I rented a car 2 weeks in advance and when I got off my flight and went to pick up my rental, they were sold out and they gave me a big ass passenger van. I WILL NEVER RENT FROM AVIS AGAIN!!! NOR WILL I RECOMMEND THIS SORRY COMPANY TO ANYONE!!!! Then I waited 1.5 hrs to get the passenger van and that is being a perferred customer!!!! DONT DO IT!!! read more

An hour to pick up my car here. I applaud the rental agent in the garage for showing up to work, despite him having a ferocious, hacking cough that you wouldn't want to get near. Four changes of cars before I got one that did not have a major, and obvious problem. Cracked windshields, broken taillights, etc. only to then find that the attendant at exit gate did not have certain paperwork he needed, causing us to go back inside one more time. These were not oversights, but rather a blatant disregard for their business and their customers. A horrible experience. Management needs to wake up and pay attention to their business. There is a reason this business has such a poor rating. read more

Its Monday 10/16/2023 at 7:30 pm. Preferred cars are absent from the app and from the Preferred Car Board. A continuous line of about 20-30 people are lined up. This single poor guy is absolutely a wreck from the stress. No cars available. My offer was a Tesla or a Truck. After declining both, I got an intermediate SUV Ford Explorer. This took 45 minutes in line. DO NOT RENT FROM THIS LOCATION. I will definitely try Hertz next time. The Budget desk in the same office was closed. These employees are all going to quit. They are overworked in total confusion. There is no supervisor available. Avis should take this franchise and give it to someone else or just close it altogether. AVIS COLUMBUS AIRPORT IS ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE. read more

Worst rental place. I made reservations and told them the price I was quoted, he gave me a different dollar total at time of check out. I told him they were different, he replied that this was just an estimate. When I turned the car in, I saw that he upgraded my car at $9 a day which I was never told. That was the difference, it wasn't the "estimate" This employees should be fired. It's shady business!!!!! Another trick is they ask if you want one or the other insurance, which are both extra. I've had to learn to tell them no insurance!!!!! So pissed at this company! HATE them! read more

Quick in and out to rent and return a vehicle. Got a Kia Fort that was a little older. It was clean, though it had a faint smell of cigarettes that I mentioned to staff when driving out of the airport. Got good gas mileage and had get up and go to match traffic. What's up Columbus? Why you all gotta drive like you need to hit 88 mph to go back to the future? read more

Rented a car for my trip to Virginia last month. i avoided toll roads and they still charged me $23.13 in fees $9.90 in a convenience fee and $13.23 in tolls. Scam artists do no rent any vehicles from them read more

DO NOT rent from here. I have never experienced such utter lack of service and active antagonizing. Here are the issues: 1. I am an Avis Preferred client, had to wait 10 minutes for employee to finish texting before being helped. 2. Employee/Attendant was leaning against a rental car texting, while a group of people were actively confused, and then called out and said "If you all have stickers, I am right here. You are supposed to make a line in front of me." as if it was the people waiting's problem for not knowing what to do. (it was not obvious) 3. I had to spell my name over and over, he kept repeating the wrong letters, I typed out the spelling on my phone, and he said "I AM NOT LOOKING AT ANYONE'S PHONE OTHER THAN MY OWN." 4. The Avis employee then kept saying "you're a tall lady, let's see if I can get you the smallest car possible. I'm getting you the smallest car I can find." Actively antagonizing. I paid for an intermediate size car, which was on the slip. He did not care and actively enjoyed taunting me to tell me he was going to find me the smallest car he could. 5. He then followed me much too closely in a dark garage. This isn't only antagonizing and gaslighting, but it is dangerous. Please do not go to this car rental. Whoever was working on Sep 11 at read more

I usually love to come to this place and get cars because they usually have the cheapest cars which is great. But when I got home one time I had a charge of $179 and some odd cents on my credit card. So I researched it for a few days to figure out what the charge was because it just came up and said Avis Rent A Car. Well I discovered that it was for an upgrade that I did not ask for and did not agree to. So I called them and was pretty much told "we don't care". So of course I disputed it with my credit card company and they agreed and gave me credit. But it had to go back to Avis and they sent a form with a signature so it got reversed. This is ridiculous, what ever happened to the customer is always right. I pre-ordered my car to get it for great price. So when I get there to pick it up, the representative acted like the car I ordered wasn't available and offered me another. I asked if there was an extra charge and the representative said no. I didn't think anything else about it and didn't know about the extra charge until I brought the car back and the employee that checked me in handed me my receipt. What a terrible company policy having your representatives upsell by lying and stealing from your customers. The first time was for $179 and I am still fighting with them for a refund since 11/2016. So of course I am not going to stop traveling because of one bad experience. So we needed another car for another trip, so again I got a great deal on a pre-pay and it just happened to be through Avis, again. So I decided to give them another try. No problems, no extra charges, cool. So third time is usually the charm, not this time. Pre-paid again for economy car for 6 days. Picked the car up, declined everything, read everything before signing, everything showed as declined. Then about 2 or 3 hours into the trip I got a notification from my credit card of a charge on my account. I pulled up my credit card account info and there was a $100.00 charge. This is probably a pre-auth but it is still there 5 days later. The $100.00 charge did finally come off my card but it wasn't until the following Monday. Good thing I didn't need that money for something important. read more