Avis car booked through BA holidays package not available

rachel42

Back in late September I arrived in Alicante quite late as our flight had been delayed, got to the avis desk and was told the only car available in the classi i booked was an automatic. I dont have experience of driving an automatic so I didn't feel comfortable (or safe) and was offered a much larger, manual vehicle at the same price.

Initially I said yes but when I got to the vehicle realised it was too big for me to feel safe driving and went back to avis. I was then told that the previously available small car had now been let (only 5 mins had passed!) and they refused to let me have anything else. After telling them I didn't feel safe to drive the larger car and pointing out that she had initially also offered a VW Golf as an alternative,she said I could hire that but it would cost me 30 euros per day extra.

 By this point, it was past midnight, we had been travelling all day plus I had my 81 year old rather frail mother with me - i felt I had no choice but to agree. 

This was booked as part of a flight and car package with BA. I have complained twice to BA about this but only got a standard, automated acknowledgement. When I checked the status of my complaint it was showing as closed!

Do I have any recourse against either BA or Avis?  Any options?  Can i do a section 75 claim? 

daveyjp

Whenever I've hired cars any specifc requirement for a particualr group of car  is always subject to availability and they offered what was available.

I would seriously consider getting experience in automatics and larger vehicles so you have confidence in driving whatever is available.

Ayr_Rage

As the goods were supplied you have no right to a Section 75 claim.

You were offered a vehicle in the class you booked which you declined, then a larger manual vehicle for no extra charge which you also declined.

I think Avis has been very reasonable and you have no real complaint here.

MattMattMattUK

rachel42 said:

Back in late September I arrived in Alicante quite late as our flight had been delayed, got to the avis desk and was told the only car available in the classi i booked was an automatic. I dont have experience of driving an automatic so I didn't feel comfortable (or safe) and was offered a much larger, manual vehicle at the same price.

Initially I said yes but when I got to the vehicle realised it was too big for me to feel safe driving and went back to avis. I was then told that the previously available small car had now been let (only 5 mins had passed!) and they refused to let me have anything else. After telling them I didn't feel safe to drive the larger car and pointing out that she had initially also offered a VW Golf as an alternative,she said I could hire that but it would cost me 30 euros per day extra.

 By this point, it was past midnight, we had been travelling all day plus I had my 81 year old rather frail mother with me - i felt I had no choice but to agree. 

This was booked as part of a flight and car package with BA. I have complained twice to BA about this but only got a standard, automated acknowledgement. When I checked the status of my complaint it was showing as closed!

Do I have any recourse against either BA or Avis?  Any options?  Can i do a section 75 claim? 

As far as I can see no, no "recourse" and no section 75.

Grumpy_chap

The difference between a RHD manual car and a LHD manual car is a bigger change to become familiar with than the difference between a RHD manual car and LHD automatic car.

user1977

Grumpy_chap said:

The difference between a RHD manual car and a LHD manual car is a bigger change to become familiar with than the difference between a RHD manual car and LHD automatic car.

Indeed. The only time I've ever driven automatics has been two holiday hires, and it's been fine - if anything it helps to save you from the extra confusion of changing gear with the wrong hand.