How not to design a website.
expedia.com. One of the world’s most popular travel websites.
I asked “....but i couldn’t see a way to specify a manual car and see the rates….”
The answer is, I think, “don’t ask us”. Seriously. At least that’s what the customer service reply seems to indicate (my bold). It’s either that or a really, really bad non-answer.
Manual transmission cars are available. Here’s how to search for rental cars and make reservations:
1. Go to the Expedia.com home page, http://www.expedia.com, and click the blue “Cars” tab at the top.
(If you have already have set up flight arrangements, access your itinerary—via the “My Itineraries” link at the top of any Expedia page—and click on the “Add car rental” link.)
2. In section No. 1, “Where do you want to pick up your car?” select one of the three choices: “At an airport,” “Near a Place,” or “Near a US address.” Then enter the pickup location and date. For one way rentals, check the box to indicate “My drop-off location is different from pick-up location.”
3. In sections 2-4, enter your car-class preference, discount code (if applicable), and car-company preference.
4. If you need special equipment, such as a ski rack, car seat, or car with left-hand control, click the link titled “Need special equipment?”
5. Click the green “Search” button.
6. Make your selection from the options shown by clicking the link titled “Verify rate and continue.” During the purchase process, you’ll be able to see details on the rate, specify the driver, and enter information on frequent-traveler programs.
If you have further questions regarding this issue, feel free to reply to this e-mail or contact Expedia customer services at 1-800-397-3342 and reference case ID 40856292. You can also visit the Expedia.com “Customer Support” page (http://www.expedia.com/daily/service/default.asp) for more customer service information.
Thank you for choosing Expedia.com.
Glad to see their customer service instructions reflect the realities of their website.
Needless to say I had already booked the crappy automatic Ford Focus, basically because their site was cheapest overall.
