rude service counter agent who has attitude when asked a simple question where did my agent go? she did not have to throw shade. i just flew 10 hours across country and did not have to listen to this woman read more

Just wanted to make folks aware: if you pre-pay for a rental and cancel, Avis charges you $50. If you don't pre-pay for a rental and cancel, Avis doesn't charge you $50. I'm struggling to rationalize this fee, especially if your total rental was expected to be around $100. (This review is based off a reservation I had in Santa Barbara, but the company customer support # seems to be Alaska somewhere. In any case, apply this experience to Avis in its entirety.) read more

Avis Rent A Car - Acknowledgement email snip. - Car Rental Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Overcharged by $205. Security deposit was supposed to be reimbursed in "24 hours"Poor Customer Service with lazy attitude. Don't rent a car here. read more

Ubered here after making a reservation earlier in the day- they didn't have a car ready, or even have the car. The lady at the front desk (Avis) explained 20 minutes maybe, the guy with the white shirt at Hertz (they share a booth) laughed and sneered, and muttered more like an hour, maybe not at all. He they went on a short rant that they don't honor same day reservations, particularly for a type of car like a truck. There's no one else in line, I'm the only client. I asked if they could call me, they said I should just wait. Really just here for my rental, on time, and if it's 20m it's fine, if it's 40' s still fine, but if it's maybe never then I will just ask for a refund and leave -- they won't make it clear. The interaction with the Hertz employee was weird, unexpected, and he was aggressive. He actually told me if I wanted a car I should just rent it from a competitor. Definitely bad vibes and bad energy, I'm not trying to be difficult, and I am not particularly in a hurry, but just need to know whether they'll have a car or not have a car ‍ Seems like the guy (maybe a manager) in the white shirt is the aggressive, maybe on drugs... maybe just a bad moment or a bad day and he misheard what I was asking. The lady was trying to help but he was making it less clear. I don't know what they're doing. I guess this is a good place to show up for a rental and them not to have it and then get glared at for asking for one. They say this happens all the time, particularly on Thursdays. They don't honor same day reservations, which I guess is fine as long as they make that clear when you book. --- Update: I ended up with the car, after a short wait. Again I had no issue with waiting, but the treatment of the staff from Hertz (the guy in the white shirt) was anything but patient, or kind. --- Update 2: Car hadn't been washed, still had some things from the previous renter in it. Must've been a crazy day for the team or something ‍ read more

I rented an SUV for a trip to Ensenada, Mexico from Avis. I tried multiple times to reach the Avis desk at the Santa Barbara airport, but each call was not picked up and instead re-routed to the "central" call center. None of the staff at the central call center who I spoke with had accurate information regarding my specific needs for this trip. I finally booked and pre-paid $529.06 for an SUV for my 4 day trip. I was assured I could purchase the necessary additional "Mexican" car insurance at the desk in the SB Airport when I picked up my car. Upon arrival I was given a very nice, large Suburban with plates from KY or TN (can't remember exactly), but was told they did NOT offer the necessary "Mexican" insurnace and I would need to get it over the phone. I explained that 3 different call center agents had assured me I could get the insurance at the desk. Sorry no. Try getting it on the phone. The next day when I had the car all loaded with luggage, sails (very heavy) and a passenger to make calls while I was driving, I was at last able to research the needed insurance on our drive from LA to the border. I was told over the phone (by an Avis agent from the closest office to the border) that the vehicle I'd been given was NOT even allowed into Mexico, that it could not be insured. I would need to change vehicles. They almost hung up before I was able to ask for assistance in locating the appropriate type of vehicle. She did let us know that while she couldn't reserve a van for us, she could see that there were plenty of these types of vehicles at the San Diego airport. Unlike every other person I worked with at AVIS , the agent in San Diego was very helpful. He changed us into the appropriate van (not as large or as nice) and sold us the extra "Mexican" insurance. He also mentioned that it was a good thing we were switching cars...any car with KY or TN plates would likely have been stopped. He siad border agents don't bother cars from CA or AZ, but they usually stop cars with plates from other states. After making the vehicle switch (including lugging the heavy sailbags into the new car) we were finally off! The San Diego agent assured me there would be no extra charges for this change, and everything would be on the same record locator number. Fine. After returning the vehicle to the SB airport, I received an addition charge on my Visa for $441. 83. After several days, over 2 hours, and multiple (4) phone calls with "customer service" (and I use that term very loosly!) I have received a vague explanation for the additional charges and a refund for $129.32. Avis says I dropped the car off 2 hours late so they charged me for an extra day. They also say the loss/damage/waiver insurance I apparently agreed to (although I don't remember this and am pretty sure I wouldn't have signed for it knowing the extra cost) amounted to the remaining $300+ of the extra charge. The refund came from one of the agents agreeing to drop the "extra day" charge. Avis caused me MANY extra hours of inconvenience due to their misinformed and incompetant employees, and would not give their client (me) consideration regarding extra, unexpected charges. It is an overly large, impersonal company with generally very uninformed employees who dish out misinformation. The exception was the experienced, patient employee at the San Diego airport. I wish I'd written down his name and I wish he were in charge of the overall operation! I don't appreciate the inconvenience, incompetence and disregard I experienced overall during this 4 day rental from Avis. I won't be using them again. read more

The worst customer service and a liar at the front desk at the airport. They provided me a car with two different damages that exceeded the threshold with balding tires. Upon going bs I 8th the desk the woman asked me to wait in the long line, I already waited in line and had an issue with the car they provided. She then told me they did not have any more of the class car I reserved, full size sedan. She asked if I'd take an EV, I replied no. She said they did not have any cars then. I asked about upgrading me since they could not provide what I reserved. She said she'd charge me for the upgrade. I asked why would you charge me since Avis cannot provide me with the car I reserved. Any other rental company, including Avis upgrades you if they cannot provide the reserved vehicle. She finally said that she could get a full size car, but it would be a twenty minute wait. Almost 40 minutes had already gone by to this point. I asked, I thought you said you didn't have any full sized cars. She said she. Ever stated that. Total lie, she offered an EV and refused an upgrade, never offered to bring another car. I tossed the key on the counter and said return my money I'll go elsewhere. She got annoyed and said she didn't appreciated being treated that way. She lied, refuse to do her job and us annoyed at the customer for being frustrated by her incompetence & lack of doing her job. Wow! BEWARE read more

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I was not pleased with my experience. There are several unexpected added fees. I said I did not want extra insurance coverage but gave it to me anyway, adding an extra $100. Nothing was explained by customer service at the desk in Santa Barbara. read more

Just when I thought Avis couldn't disappoint me more I found the worst of all Avis locations. Despite being a "preferred" member, which of course means nothing, I was given a car that was unsafe to drive (see photos) and smelled strongly of cigarette smoke. When I brought up this issue to the counter clerk he was completely unapologetic and said " I don't get to see what the cars look like when they come in and we're too small to have a service facility. I guess this will be their legal defense when a car with a tire in unsafe condition blows up on the highway and kills someone. Do yourself a favor and rent Hertz. I only continue to do business with this garbage company as my employer doesn't let me rent from Hertz. read more

Avis Rent A Car - Car Rental Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Quite possibly the worst customer service. There is an employee who appears to think that he is a gift to the world and is doing you a huge favor to get you a car. Yep- I get that it's graduation weekend, yep I get that you might be stressed- but you still have cars because you offered me one to only change your mind when I asked a question... not super tricky to answer politely- you are in CUSTOMER SERVICE and I wanted to know why I can make a reservation when there's no cars available... not a hard question to answer!! Grow up dude! You wanna change the price bc I ask a question!?!?! Seriously! Dear manager- this guy is NOT A good representative of your company! read more

My daughter was treated disrespectfully and the customer service was agist and rude. They rolled their eyes, laughed at her, and didn't know the current Avis policies toward renting to under 25 adult with proper discount code and documents. The manager, Denise Ambrose, was unwilling to check with customer service, was rude and refused to chat with me for confirmation - she literally just walked off into her office. Unbelievable! Instead go downtown. They were amazing, helpful, and kind. read more

Don't fall for their scam! I said I didn't want insurance coverage. they added it anyways and I initialed and signed without looking at the fine print. I was surprised when the charge upon returning was $50 more then expected. make sure you look at and read the contract before signing so you don't fall for this scam! read more

Once the plane landed and the lines started to form very quickly at the car rental counters Avis was like a well oiled machine and got Preferred customers in a single line, and out the door while still handling non-previously checked in customers. The car was newer with low mileage, very roomy but not sure how quickly these cars are turned in and rechecked out. Not sure how much cleaning/sanitizing goes into effect since I got in and found the previous drivers rental agreement in the visor sticking out. read more

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STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY. They give you a broken car and charge you extra for things you never agreed for!! When you try calling to get things sorted out they transfer you to a million different customer service lines and can't locate you on their system. read more

Steve was great! He made the whole experience a breeze. He was easy to deal with and also very efficient. I highly recommend!

Horrible customer service. Basic bate and switch when I clearly stated... No, I don't want an upgrade if there is additional charge. Then when I contacted Denise Ambrose (manager) she was ZERO help! Do not use this location. read more

Do not rent from Avis in Santa Barbara. I had a one night rental that I returned on-time and had a horrible key fiasco, but even though their car was on their lot and I overnighted their key, they charged me over $1,400 for bogus charges on an $84 dollar a day rental car. I have called them over 40 times and they do NOT answer their phone, customer service has also reached out to them to no avail. RENTER BEWARE! read more

I had a reservation to pick up my car at 8:58 pm Monday for a three day rental. My flight details were on my reservation showing the flight number and arrival time. My flight got in at 9pm. I was at the counter at 9:07pm and it was dark with nobody around. I asked the Hertz attendant and he said Avis closes at 9pm. So, I looked through my emails thinking I must have missed something. I did get an email at 8:33 pm thanking me for my reservation and look forward to seeing me at 8:58pm. It went on to say to visit the Avis counter with my drivers license and credit card. NOTHING was said about closing at 9pm. Seriously, you couldn't wait seven minutes? You could look to see my flight was on time. Great service! Both Hertz and National said they were out of cars. I had a 40 minute drive to my hotel with no car. Let me also mention that this is how Avis treats their highest status customer. I would really, really think twice about renting from this Avis location. Think about the extra costs you'll incur when you'll have to take a taxi to your hotel and back. Unbelievable read more

AVOID THIS PLACE LIKE A PLAGUE. Not only did they rent me a janky sports car that had a speed wobble at 60 mph on my anniversary trip which posed a safety hazard but they had the audacity to charge me for spills for the dirty car they rented me. Customer service at this location is terrible. Never renting from Avis again. read more

I was in there last Friday and everything went seamless. Steve was great. I had a special request and he handled it perfectly. And the manager Denise is truly the best. I love her read more

So disappointed in the customer service follow up. I think the company might want to rethink the detail company that works for them. Like a few reviews before me, I left a very special mothers day present in the car. My fault, I know. Same as other guy, within 12 hours it was gone. This is not something that you would throw away. It is something that will be sold again on ebay or craigs list. My brother was at the counter at 7am the following morning to try to get my gift. It was already gone. This was a Sunday night and the counter closes at 9. I was trying all night to reach them, but they don't answer the phone. They never answer the phone. So disappointed in humanity. I want to make a formal complaint, but there is no where to do it....... read more

Rented a car yesterday 11/27, and accidentally left a piece of personal property in the vehicle. Less then 12 hours later I went back & it appears the porter ( person who "cleans" and gets the cars ready to rent again), threw it. Now I just picked up a rental for a work trip and I find empty liquor bottles in the car. What he hell is going on at this location? read more

Avis Rent A Car - Car Rental Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I am a big fan of Avis, and especially of Avis at Santa BarbaraAirport. The counter is a 60 second walk from the gate. The car will be, at most a 90 second walk from the counter. No bus, no train, easy peasy. The staff is very friendly, and very helpful. The counter can, at times, get busy, as there are usually only one or two employees, but after all, you are in Santa Barbara. Take a deep breath. The cars are almost always in good shape and clean. read more

This is my very first Review, and I am going to perfectly honest with the review. The guy name "Nathan", with lots of facial hairs was very rude. well, first off, he nicely answered all my questions as he supposes as an employee. But as soon as he realized we already made reservations online with the "better deal" than what he offered to us, He immediately changed his attitude. IDK if he was lying or not, he told us to wait 45 MINUTES when we showed my reservation from online, although it says the reserved car was available at this place. When I complained about the wait and asked for explanation, we went into the door behind the counter and brought a bunch of keys. He threw them on the counter and said "THESE ARE HOW MANY CARS I TAKE CARE OF" and basically made us feel unwelcomed. I can't remember the exact words he said, but he did not treat me as a customer. read more

By far the worst rental company at the airport. I should know--I deal with all of them for my job. My recommendation is Hertz. They have the friendliest and most helpful staff. Enterprise is great as well. But never, ever use Avis. Avis staff is very unhelpful, and outright rude. It's next to impossible to get a hold of them via their office phone number. I'm not exaggerating when I say I'll spend a few hours of my day just trying to get through to them. And then, once you've managed to actually get on the phone with them, their phone automatically cuts out after 5 minutes-not joking, this is a company policy. And good luck getting back onto the phone with them. They've even written my number down so they can "call me back after the disconnect"--but they never did. Their documentation is also very poor. We've had multiple clients be charged for not filling up the gas tank when they return the car, even though they did fill it up, and had the receipt to prove it. Please, stay away from Avis if you want to maintain your temper and blood pressure. Their customer service is just one big rude, incompetent tangle of phone trees and angry, angry people. Go with Hertz! **Update: While waiting for Avis to "call me back", I've written this review, called them three times. scheduled 2 other rentals with two other companies, and had lunch. read more

Tahmina is the best ! Great check in and check out process . They did fantastic job . Easy to get in to parking and very close distance to the front desk . Highly recommend ! read more

Disclaimer: I am in no way connected with Avis or this employee. This is my first Yelp review and I actually signed up as a new Yelp user to create it. I reserved an SUV from a competitor of Avis whose counter is right next to Avis. I had reserved the SUV on Priceline just a few hours before. When I came in to pick it up, the competitor's attitude was like "Sorry, man. All of my SUVs are booked." I absolutely needed this for day trip I needed to take so I started to panic. The only reassurance the guy could give me was that maybe he might get an SUV in in a couple of hours. When I asked him how I could have successfully booked a non-existent SUV, he told me that this is common in the airline, hotel and car rental industry. His advice was to try Avis at the next counter because they might have an SUV in stock and often price match. While it may be true that airlines overbook, I also know they have an extensive set of procedures in place to deal with this, including bending over backwards to get you on an alternative flight, giving you a voucher for free travel, etc. etc. None of the inclination to help in any way was present with this agent. I went to Avis in a panic and the agent Steve Cirillo was staffing the counter. I told him my predicament and he immediately went to work finding an SUV that was eligible to be dropped off in the location I was traveling to, price-matching the competitor's price, reassuring me, etc. I asked him if it was true that car rental agencies overbook and he said yes. I told him about how when airline agencies overbook, they have these contingency measures in place and he agreed and told me that personally, if they have to break a reservation, he scrambles to try calling other agencies and doing everything he can to help the client. I told him that none of that helpfulness was present at the other counter and he found that a shame. The Avis car rental itself was one of the smoothest rental experiences I had. I drove the car to the alternate location, an agent checked it in within minutes, and a shuttle was there within minutes to pick me up. I'm grateful to Steve and Avis for saving my skin and am going to consciously choose to rent from them in the future if the circumstances support this. read more

Rented a large 12 passenger van. Staff was very friendly. Took the van to long Beach/Buena Park. On the way home it rained. The wippers did not work and had a small he to look thru. Due to the rain, the breaks squealing everything you hit the breaks. Did to these problems it took 4 hours to get home, instead of two., Avis was closed when I got back. I dropped the keys in the box and called the next day. They credited me next time I rent from them. I only rent ever couple of years. The credit is good for only 1 year. Who would want to rent again from this company. If they had offered me the small credit back to my card, I would have been happy to rent from them again. My grandpa Sawyer is turning over in his grave read more

Keep your gas receipt! First, we left part of our car seat, seat belted to the car and they can't find it. Secondly, we filled up the tank at a gas station a mile allow, showed them the receipt. On the final receipt they charged us for basically a full tank of gas. Providing the credit card charge was not enough, they refuse to refund the charge. So keep your gas receipt! read more

By far the worst customer service I have ever experienced. The manager "Paula" is incredibly rude. I could hardly get a sentence in before she cut me off, pushing me to contact a corporate office that has absolutely no one available to answer my calls or respond to my voice mails. I've been trying to simply speak with someone since February 2nd ! Not one decent non-automated voice there. An absolute nightmare. Paula refused to give me her supervisors name, (corporate companies always have a ladder of supervisors) and after cutting me off every other sentence, she hung up on me. It was shockingly horrible, I could hardly believe what I am experiencing. How is this company still functioning? read more

We returned our rental to the Santa Barbara Airport on time with a full tank and no damage but were charged DOUBLE the amount on the rental agreement. We called the airport location twice and the manager, Denise, doesn't return our calls. Still waiting for our refund. read more

Extremely slow on Sundays. With only one open line things take forever. In the meantime National and Enterprise were empty. I've been an Avis customer for a while but seriously starting to re-think this decision. read more

This agency left us out in the cold literally! After three confirmations over three weeks to include the day of the van pick up our party of 13 showed up at the airport to find our van there in the AVIS parking lot but no one to issue it to us. As stated, we did confirm the day of delivery that some one would be there to give us the van when our flight got in at 9:30 PM. No one was there and they never showed. We called there hot line and were told by their call service that we did not have a reservation even though we had a confirmation number. Then they hung up on up on us. Over the next hour we were hung up on at least 10 times. We were told that they could not get some one over to the airport to help us because they we home resting! Mean while we had little children and senior citizens waiting and stranded. Ultimately we had to find our own ways home. Some of us were 2 and a half hours from home most at least an hour. I personally did not leave the airport until well after midnight. Unbelievable, I would highly recommend never using this company to rent a car, they are cold hearted. incompetent and unreliable. read more

Big applause to the employees here! I was in Santa Barbara for summer intern, but I don't have a car. In order to make my stay comfortable, I drove most of my stuff and some furniture to Santa Barbara for this 3-month intern using a minivan rented at Bay Area's AVIS. When my intern ended, I have to go back to the bay area for school. I reserved a minivan online using a discount code (much much cheaper than u-haul), but when I was picking up the van, they said they can't rent me an minivan because I was under 25. I freaked out a bit, do I have to dump my stuff or use expensive u-haul? Both options are very expensive. I explained my situation to them, and they offered me a 7-seat SUV at no extra charge! I'm so relieved. I drove back to the bay area in this huge SUV with my bed, desk, bike and tons of my personal belongings (packed in Home Depot boxes). I have to say their customer service is awesome, they do look things from a customer's perspective. Keep it up! read more