Summary: Avoid this company – misleading information, unprofessional conduct, and clear pressure tactics turned a simple car rental into a stressful and expensive experience.I rented a car through Booking.com at Katowice (Pyrzowice) Airport on Sunday 1st February. I’ve rented from this airport before without issues, but this time – with a different provider – it was a complete disaster.Firstly, the company has no desk or cars at the airport. This was not clearly shown when comparing options. After landing, I had to call for collection and was told someone would arrive in 5 minutes. I waited over 20. I was then taken to an off-site location where the paperwork was completed inside a car – there was no proper office at all. It felt extremely unprofessional.The biggest issue was that they refused to accept my credit card because it shows my initials (first and middle name) and full surname. This is how my bank issued it and I’ve used it many times for car rentals, including previously at this airport. However, the representative then said he would accept the card if I bought their insurance package (around £200 for five days). I have annual excess insurance and declined. I offered to pay the £1000 deposit as required, but this was refused.It was hard not to conclude that the “card issue” only existed because I declined their insurance. It felt like a clear attempt to pressure me into paying extra.I contacted Booking.com support on the spot and was told the card should be accepted. The agent offered to email the rental company, but I was informed their customer service was closed because it was Sunday. I asked for a manager – none was available.In the end, I was left stranded and had to rent from a reputable company at the airport for around £200.The whole experience felt misleading and predatory. The cheap headline price is not worth the stress or the risk of being pushed into unnecessary insurance. I strongly advise others to avoid this company.
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