ON THE GROUND: We flew into Tampa International Airport and took the train to the main terminal, then followed the signs for the train to the Rental Car Center — yes, a two-train journey. Tampa’s Rental Car Center is super, but it received terrible reviews when it opened, as nobody could figure out where to go. I found this odd as there was always good signage — I just think people liked the old setup right across the street. Passengers often ask me where the car rental is at Tampa, and I point and say, “Just follow the signs like everywhere else.” I am on a mission when going through the airport: Get there as fast as possible!

PICKUP: As I had booked the car rental through Travelocity.com, I had to go to the counter; I had not updated my profile (due to COVID, all the Enterprise brands are now directed to the National check-in counter). A nice guy named Hudson took me through the ropes. I had rented a pickup truck, as I was planning to move a few items during the trip. There were lots of conversations going on behind Hudson by his supervisory team, asking if Alamo or National had any pickup trucks and chatter like that. I paid no mind to this as I was offered my receipts and asked if I knew where to go. I replied, “Turn right and follow the signs?” and he said, “Right!” Off we went, following the signs to the proper escalator — each rental car company is on a different level. The couple behind us tossed out an expletive when they realized they jumped on the wrong escalator as it sailed past their selected rental car company.

An Enterprise representative named Taylor greeted us. She was smartly dressed and wore a nice patterned mask; I think it was sunflowers. She was friendly but informed me they did not have any pickup trucks. I told her this was upsetting and I should have been informed when I checked in so I could select another company. She promised she would make this right, but none of the affiliated companies (National, Alamo) had a pickup truck. Taylor led me to several large Ford Expedition XL SUVs. I explained this was not the same as a pickup and I would require a discount; she said this was an upgrade. The first vehicle smelled terribly of cigarette smoke; the second, silver one was better but not completely clear of previous smoking. Taylor was charming and turned me around, then I joked I was the director of global sales for Enterprise and was testing her — she believed me at first. I would say she had a way of defusing the situation and turning my displeasure around. Taylor then took me through the vehicle, showing me how the back two seats flipped down with a switch — really cool. We then walked around the car for inspection of dents, scratches and dings.

PHOTO: © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

ON THE ROAD: I have to say, this was a great vehicle. The best was when I filled the fuel tank, the dashboard read 578 miles until empty! Wow, that meant I could take my 345-mile ride and never have to refuel. The SUV was comfortable and handled well in the rain (which there was a ton of ). Best of all, it had more than enough room for everything I needed to transport. I would have had to cover everything to protect it from the rain had I received the chosen pickup. The SUV had a good sound system with Sirius XM, one of the best backup cameras and really good power. I could see myself owning one of these.

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