Call my cynical, but do you think that working for a newspaper has anything to do with the quick response?

As I mentioned above, I used a non-work e-mail address to book and correspond with Hotwire. Also, I should point out that when I got the phone call today from the company responding to my blog about the incident, the woman I spoke to couldn't find my reservation at first because I'd listed my beau as the driver and booked with a name that's different from my byline. I think if I'd used my Post e-mail or mentioned the paper in my correspondence, I'd have run the risk of being singled out for special treatment. For that reason, I'm very careful to travel and make travel plans without revealing (except when necessary) my affiliation with the paper. I try my best to travel the way the public does, in order to better report the snags and bad service as well as discoveries and pleasant surprises.

Was your name listed anywhere in the reservation like a secondary driver? I am sure many of the travel services have flagged your name in the reservation system along with those of your colleagues. Washington Post is national media so there will be special treatment.

From the first time you mentioned your experience its likely someone who works at hotwire spread the word and they looked into your situation prior to your calling them. I am also sure they could have cued into you by going through their database knowing the date, travel from DC to Boston on a specific date and rented a car--even if your name didnt appear I am betting they could have narrowed it down to a few people at most.

Jeesh, you people are cynical! I had a self-induced problem with a car rental in San Francisco a few weeks ago. I'd changed reservations several times as pricing dropped and finally ended up with a rate less than half of what I'd originally found. Unfortunately, in my rush to pack at the last minute (not my usual style) I left the paperwork at home and could not for the life of me remember who I'd finnally booked with. I phoned 4 agencies near the hotel, since I knew the one I chose was within easy walking distance. One left me on hold for ages. Two transferred me to their 800 numbers - both in India - and neither would tell me whether or not I had a reservation for the next day. I finally called Hertz, where a very well trained customer service agent found my reservation and THEN offered a better rate for my rental. That's it. From now on its Hertz, Hertz and only Hertz for me.

Karen, you're just being naive. Of course they knew who they were dealing with, and it was a stupid situation talcot got into in the first place.

I'm a big believer of completing the surveys sent out after a car rental. My company uses Avis and every time I fill out a survey I receive a complementary upgrade the next time I travel. I've driven some pretty nice cars over the years at no extra cost.

Wah wah wah,

What is this country coming too. We have become a nation whiners, No wonder this economy is so screwed up. Let me tell you people, the world is not a perfect place. Why does everything have to run so perfectly. Do you honestly think you are the only one renting a car. Do you really think that when you reserve a car they are actually holding one just for you. Get over it stop complaining as long as the rates are good I gurantee you won't be faithful to the company that provided excellent customer service. You will continue to be cheap and go with the company that gives you the better rate.

I am sure the Washington Post doesn't make mistakes. LOL

I recently used the Hertz web site to reserve my car in advance at BWI. My rental period was for eight days and I used a coupon for a free week. I printed out the receipt and took it with me. All the fees and charges were spelled out. Yet, when I got to the counter with receipt in hand, the charges on THEIR computer printout were significantly higher than my receipt!

The Hertz agent blamed the discrepancy on their "pricing engine". Only TWO agents were on duty and the line was backing up to pick up cars. The Hertz agent was going off duty in a few minutes. She had no interest in trying to resolve the discrepancies.

I managed to have one fee adjusted, but I am very
dissatisfied with the lack of service at the BWI Hertz
counter.