RIP-OFF Britain reaches gargantuan proportions on some car-hire rates. Last week, I attempted to book a 24-hour, one-way rental between Prestwick airport and Dundee. When I went to Hertz.com, the German version of the site opened automatically, probably due to the web address of the German company for which I work. It was not possible to change to the UK site (probably due to some other IT whim).
I went ahead and up came a list with a Mercedes C180 at a respectable 125.87 (£85.31). When I tried to book, "Germany" had already been fixed in the mailing address and thus it failed. I rang Hertz, and reservations advised that I should book through Hertz.co.uk, not Hertz.com.
I complied, to find that the same car was on offer for £289.52 - a mere 239% increase.
Richard Dunn, London
Hertz replies: "Tariffs can vary because the costs incurred vary by country. For instance, marketing and other operating costs will affect prices charged, as well as a particular country's market conditions. All this must be taken into consideration. It does not always mean that any one location is always cheaper or more expensive; prices are dynamic and vary upwards or downwards."
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WE RECENTLY flew from Dubai to Singapore on Emirates, and had the misfortune to sit next to an obese lady. This meant that I couldn't access my tray, and had to spend the flight leaning to one side into my companion's space. We had to eat one at a time, and I spent a good couple of hours sitting on the floor, as it was more comfortable.
We were in the emergency-exit seats; the attendant couldn't offer us two other seats together and we felt it wasn't incumbent on us to move, anyway. Emirates has refused to compensate us in any way for our discomfort.
In addition, we have always been led to believe that emergency-exit seats can only be taken up by fit, able-bodied folk.
Simon Gibb, Peebles
Emirates replies: "We regret any inconvenience experienced by Mr Gibb. Emergency-exit seats are allocated upon check-in at the discretion of the check-in agent. We do not believe that passenger safety was compromised."
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