Car Hire at San Francisco Airport

Incorrect information

Cons: My husband booked my car in advance online. When I arrived at the pickup at SFO, the agent took three times as long as the agents around her. In addition, she claimed the cost was going to be $170+ when we booked for a rate of $70. I brought this to her attention, but she claimed fees and taxes brought the cost up. She also said the car had to be returned that day by 6:00. We later discovered we could not return the car that day and that we would only be charged $90. Totally unnecessary worry thanks to an impatient and incorrect agent.

the car was fine, the rental experience was less t

Pros: the car was clean and the price was decent

Cons: the customer service, particularly at check in, was sadly lacking. I was in line for an agent when an employee told several of us to step out of line to use the kiosks. Since I had a reservation, I assumed this would be an automated process, so it made sense. But no, it was just a video conference line to other agents, who did not answer. So, we stood at the kiosks for 20 minutes, waiting while the people who had stayed in line got served. Not one of us at the kiosk even got a response. Finally, we went back into line- the back of the line- which by now was considerably longer. An agent spent a further 20 minutes fooling with the kiosks, instead of getting behind a desk to help the now stacked up customers. when we got to the desk- it took an inordinate amount of time, especially given that I had a reservation. I wanted to add a driver. The agent told us that the second driver would have to sign up at the exit gate (not true) - no one said anything about tolls, so when we crossed the bay bridge we were left wondering if we should pay cash, or the rental car would be charged.... directions to the car in the garage were abysmal- which I know sounds petty, but when your 71/2 months pregnant and schlepping luggage just makes a poor impression worse. returning it was easy enough, we'll see what happens with tolls. It was nothing catastrophic, but overall, it just left a bad enough taste that i'll try another agency for my next trip.

Pros: The car.

Cons: The staff of SFO hertz led by the leader of the worst, the supervisor (name tag not worn) Shirley. I can imagine why she wouldn't wear a name tag because it makes it easier to identify her. She was dismissive, rude, condescending and unhelpful. Which is why her staff was busier taking to themselves than helping people. And when they do help people, they're a lot like Shirley. Bad. Very bad.

Stranded at 1 a.m.

Pros: I didn't appreciate the Hertz company policy that allows you to reserve a car with a debit card only to be denied that car when you arrive with that card, a pre-paid credit card, and plenty of cash. The Hertz company should not allow you to reserve a vehicle with a formore of payment they won't accept. I am very displeased and will ensure that none of my family or friends will ever use this rental company. I will do everything in my power to vilify them to the fullest extent.

Cons: Customer service was laughable, how can you have an office full of people at 1 in the morning when your only job is to look up a name, accept payment and tell them "the keys are in it, just go pick one." Ridiculous.

too long on waiting times for pickup

Cons: Waiting in line at SFO for 5 minutes until on of the Hertz employees finally told us we were on the wrong floor. Waiting in lines 35 minutes to exit the garage [SFO].