FlightCar

I have used FlightCar four times now. They are diligent in working to iron out growing pains. My experiences have been good. The renter must understand, this is not a traditional car rental company and some patience is required while you save or make money. If this is not OK, you might be wise to use the traditional and larger/older companies that are twice the cost.

This is a neat new service which offers travelers free airport parking in exchange for renting their cars out at much lower prices than traditional rental car companies. In addition to providing free parking, they will wash your car and also compensate you if you car is rented while you're gone. For someone who is always debating the best way to get to the airport (and in need of a car wash), I decided to try them out before going out of town for the weekend.

I was able to schedule a drop off just six hours in advance by calling the service -- the FlightCar website doesn't allow you to make appointments online less than 24 hours in advance. Everything went smoothly in the morning. I was especially impressed by the professionalism of the staff, uniforms and branding given how new the service was. When I got back from my trip, I was pleasantly surprised that they washed my car even though it wasn't rented out. However, the shuttle back from the airport didn't show up for 25 min, which was a little longer than expected.

My experience is pretty limited so far, but I will definitely use them again and see how the experience is when someone actually rents my car. I have also not rented from them yet, but hope to try them out after they expand their locations beyond just San Francisco and Boston.

I've used this service and everything went well. I can't complain about anything.

Okay... said I'd be back. Bumped my rating from 1 Star to 4 Stars. Had I drove my car home, it would have been a 5 Star review. After Flightcar rented my car long term, while availability I offered was short term, Flightcar delivered my car to my home moments ago. It looked better than I'd left it with them - cleaned inside and out. No dents, no dings (although it is quite dark outside), with a full tank of fuel. For the inconvenience, Flightcar also handed me a check for $50. Bottom line - Flightcar delivered as promised. I was a little inconvenienced yes. However, life ain't always perfect. Flightcar made good on their miscue. Here's how it started:

Thought I'd give it a try. Why not? Free airport parking, chance to make a little dough - how much wasn't a concern. In fact, I seriously doubted my car would be rented, as I was only gone for a few days. The day after I dropped it off, I received an email congratulating me that my car HAD been rented. I will admit a bit of "rentee" remorse set in. Lots of crazy thoughts swirl. Add cynical comments from family members who would never share their ride, and it all becomes good fodder.

We arrive back to SFO as scheduled. Flightcar's limo happened to be picking up others at the same time, so the wait was nil. All I'll need to do is pick up my washed and vacuumed ride, check it for any damage, collect my rent check, and head home. But wait... my car is still out. Flightcar thought I'd be away for 10 more days. What $#@!?

They immediately offered me a loaner - someone else's ride. Not sure how that works? Does that rentee get rent? Flightcar told me I could swing by the next day to trade back. Hmmm... that ain't gonna work - I gotta work the next day. Normally I fly out of Oakland, but SFO was the better deal for the flight. Point is, I live a good hour away from SFO, and swinging by the next day to retrieve my car wasn't in my plans.

Flightcar promised instead to deliver my car to my home - much like the airlines will deliver your "lost" bags. So... I have someone's car in front of my home. Someone has my car in front of someone's home, and at some point, it will all get straightened out. When... not exactly sure. I'm waiting for a call.

Believing in karma led me to venture towards Flightcar. I'm hoping instant karma is my fate. I'll do the right thing, and edit this review once the whole story can be told. In the meantime, I'm compelled to post this review. Things aren't always as they appear when looking out that side view mirror...