KINGSHILL — A tourist visiting St. Croix posted a warning to social media today saying that people should avoid a national rental chain based at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport.
The visitor said Budget St. Croix’s offices were closed when her airplane arrived at the St. Croix airport recently.
“They (Budget St. Croix) were closed when we arrived at the airport,” Jill M. Canfield said on Facebook. “Despite our reservation and their posted hours. We were stranded without any transportation (no cabs available).”
Canfield said she checked the airline’s scheduled time of arrival and Budget St. Croix’s hours of operation carefully before departing from the U.S. mainland.
“Our flight was delayed, but we arrive only shortly after the two hours window during which they’re supposed to hold the car,” she said. “We were told this morning that the minivan was still available, but later said it was not and we must reserve a smaller car for more money.”
The St. Croix tourist said her interactions with Budget St. Croix left her with a bad taste in her mouth.
“Warning if you’re coming to St. Croix — avoid Budget Rental cars,” Canfield said, adding: “Switched to Centerline Car Rental and they could not be nicer.”
Budget St. Croix did not immediately return a message seeking comment and clarification of the matter.
Meanwhile, others on social media warned: “caveat emptor,” let the buyer, or renter, beware.
“We used Budget (St. Croix) our last trip and all was fine,” Michelle Heim-Richards said. “Actually had a bad experience with Centerline (Car Rentals) on one of our trips.”
“Always Centerline,” Reggie Hunnicutt said. “I’ve rented from them for the last 21 years.”
“I used twincitycarrentals.com the car was waiting called them they delivered keys in about 5-10 minutes,” Jeffery Tolman said. “They are local to the island.”
“I’ll be the first to respond by saying thank you for the head’s up,” Jo Dee said, “and glad you got your issue resolved.”
“Oh no. We have a car reserved with Budget the first week of December,” Erica Lynn Gerring said.
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Ms. Canfield’s reservation was at 5:30 pm on 11/11/22. There was no flight information in her reservation so the agents would not have known if she was on an incoming flight or already on the island. Not all of our customers are from incoming flights; we also have customers that are already on the island. Ms. Canfield did not contact the location to notify the rental agents that she was arriving on a flight and that the flight was delayed; furthermore, our rental counter closed at the same time as the other car rental agencies at the airport, which is after the arrival of all incoming flights.
Ms. Canfield’s reservation was at 5:30 pm on 11/11/22. There was no flight information in her reservation so the agents would not have known if she was on an incoming flight or already on the island. Not all of our customers are from incoming flights; we also have customers that are already on the island. Ms. Canfield did not contact the location to notify the rental agents that she was arriving on a flight and that the flight was delayed; furthermore, our rental counter closed at the same time as the other car rental agencies at the airport, which is after the arrival of all incoming flights.
Ms. Canfield’s reservation was at 5:30 pm on 11/11/22. There was no
flight information in her reservation so the agents would not have known
if she was on an incoming flight or already on the island. Not all of our
customers are from incoming flights; we also have customers that are
already on the island. Ms. Canfield did not contact the location to notify
the rental agents that she was arriving on a flight and that the flight
was delayed; furthermore, our rental counter closed at the same time as
the other car rental agencies at the airport, which is after the arrival
of all incoming flights.