I've been planning this trip for 25 years--a bucket list dream to cruise a convertible from Miami…read moreto Key West. Naturally, I trusted National Car Rental to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. What could possibly go wrong?
Picked up the car at Miami Airport. Smooth. Drove it straight to Key West Airport. Glorious. Handed it over the same day. The return attendant told me, "Just leave the keys in the car." Sounds like a solid plan for a company that rents hundreds of thousands of vehicles. What could possibly go wrong with that?
Took a photo of the car. Took a photo of the spot. Thought I was done.
Plot twist: The next day, National channels the energy of an overzealous ex. I get two phone calls, a text, an email, and even a notification in the app, all dramatically declaring that the car is overdue. (Honestly, I haven't been pursued this aggressively since high school.)
I call their 800 number. They tell me the car is returned in their system... but, oopsie, the local office and app just haven't caught up. "It'll update soon." Comforting.
The following day, Miami calls me again, insisting the car is still out gallivanting around Florida like it's on spring break. I explain (again) what happened. Their theory? The Key West office is "running behind." Ah, yes. The ol' "we're too busy to check if a literal car has been returned" excuse.
More calls. Another complaint. A case escalated.
Two days later, on June 7th, I finally receive a receipt confirming that the car is no longer missing. No apology. No explanation. No acknowledgment that they could've maybe, I don't know, used GPS to locate their own vehicle? I mean, if Domino's can track my pizza's every move, what's National's excuse?
All in all, a magical experience--if your definition of "magic" includes gaslighting, suspense, and mild heart palpitations.
I won't be using National again, but I will treasure this experience forever. Just like the time I accidentally signed up for a timeshare presentation in Cancun.