The Official October 2012 Car Rental Thread

[GrnMtnMan]

Enterprise has cut its prices for near-term rentals:

Compact Car---Alamo---Avis---Budget---Enterprise
10/13 - 10/21---$326---$253---$239-----$162
10/20 - 10/28---$313---$253---$248-----$168
10/27 - 11/4----$387---$253---$239-----$260

These are using Costco codes at MCO

Prices on 10/3
Compact Car---Alamo---Avis---Budget---Enterprise
10/6 - 10/14----$328---$257---$205-----$262
10/13 - 10/21---$403---$253---$239-----$351
10/20 - 10/28---$354---$253---$239-----$289
10/27 - 11/4----$557---$253---$239-----$530

 

[MyGirlLovesTink]

OMG, I rented through Budget yesterday and today all the rates have dropped on Hotwire. Can I cancel my reservation with Budget with no penalty? Also, how is Dollar or Thrifty? I've never rented with them before.

 

[FourBees]

Do you need an actually coupon for the VISA offer? I have a VISA but don't see where to actually print out a coupon.

 

[cluvsdisney]

Do you need an actually coupon for the VISA offer? I have a VISA but don't see where to actually print out a coupon.

I just used a code when I made the reservation. I wasn't asked to present a coupon nor did they blink when I paid with AMEX.

 

[n2mm]

If you have a Visa card you can use AD2338FDF for $30 off at Alamo. I don't have enough posts to post the link; however, you can find more info on the coupon through Google.

Thanks for the coupon code. Right now the SUNPROMO is still giving the best price, but can't attach a coupon to that one. Alamo is $20 lower than my National rate, so need to see a better discount before switching. I love the perks of National (free days, so it takes more than $20 to make me switch). Everyone should check several times a day as I do find the rates drop later in the day.

 

[HayGan]

Dollar is way down today for my dates. I would save about $80 going with them. Really not sure if the $80 is worth the trouble and not getting credit with National towards my Exec status - decisions, decisions

Alamo is slightly more than National for me (about $20 when you throw in taxes & fees!)

 

[crystalkunzel]

I just booked with thrifty. Rates are wayyy down! Oct 13-22 I booked a full size car for $186.10!!!!!!!!!! And I used promo code UPG for a free upgrade to either a premium or a minivan!

 

[crystalkunzel]

I just booked with thrifty. Rates are wayyy down! Oct 13-22 I booked a full size car for $186.10!!!!!!!!!! And I used promo code UPG for a free upgrade to either a premium or a minivan!

Here is the link to the printable coupon thats needed upon check-in:
http://www.thrifty.com/deals/regular/~/media/79D0765306D944189C93BC4B1860D567.ashx

 

[n2mm]

Just now!! my Alamo rate for this Friday's pick up just dropped like crazy -- almost half! I just booked standard for a total of $317 for 15 day rental (10/12-27). I guess it beat my National rate of $478 -- I love National, but that is a huge difference. I used the Insider code and the $30 coupon, which was better than SUNPROMO (which takes no coupon, but is 15%).

 

[budbeerlady]

Just now!! my Alamo rate for this Friday's pick up just dropped like crazy -- almost half! , which was better than SUNPROMO (which takes no coupon, but is 15%).

Thanks for saving us $30. I cannot use the double upgrade coupon with it that I had with the Vroom code but a midsize was $30 less than the compact I had reserved with Alamo. So if I check in online I can do like National and hopefully head out to the lot, right?

 

[MyGirlLovesTink]

I just cancelled and re-booked with Thrifty. I was able to get a full-size car for a 10 day rental for $186!!! Very excited! I have been worried for months as the prices were so high for so long. So thankful that they have finally come down a week before my trip.

 

[Karlzmom]

Booked National Exec for $402.XX for my 14 day one-way rental. Its about $80 more than my guarenteed SUV, but I find skipping the counter really appealing. I used the Airtran Code [though Continental One Pass gives the same rate] + $35 off coupon. I found a rate of $388 using the Ohio State code, but its not worth the risk IMO over $20!

I'm going to keep checking and sit on both ressies for now. Interested if anyone has a thought about one v. the other. I just can't picture paying over $300 at all...let alone $400!

 

[budbeerlady]

Booked National Exec for $402.XX for my 14 day one-way rental. Its about $80 more than my guarenteed SUV, but I find skipping the counter really appealing. I used the Airtran Code [though Continental One Pass gives the same rate] + $35 off coupon. I found a rate of $388 using the Ohio State code, but its not worth the risk IMO over $20!

I'm going to keep checking and sit on both ressies for now. Interested if anyone has a thought about one v. the other. I just can't picture paying over $300 at all...let alone $400!

Did you try the KLM code? It got me the best at National and I did join KLM airlines incase anyone asked I have proof. Right now Alamo is beating them by about $30 with the Sunpromo.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Thanks for all the updates...we don't leave until the 28th so,unfortunately on bid price drops yet...I'll keep checking though

 

[snoopy5386]

Just now!! my Alamo rate for this Friday's pick up just dropped like crazy -- almost half! I just booked standard for a total of $317 for 15 day rental (10/12-27). I guess it beat my National rate of $478 -- I love National, but that is a huge difference. I used the Insider code and the $30 coupon, which was better than SUNPROMO (which takes no coupon, but is 15%).

What is the insider code?

 

[n2mm]

What is the insider code?

You have to log into the insider part of Alamo and the code usually just enters automatically, but the number is 7015135. If you're not an "insider" you should join. It's easy and no cc involved.

 

[mieuxmew]

I just booked with thrifty. Rates are wayyy down! Oct 13-22 I booked a full size car for $186.10!!!!!!!!!! And I used promo code UPG for a free upgrade to either a premium or a minivan!

Help! I used the code UPG and reserved a full size car for $160 for 9 days. I do not see anything anywhere regarding an upgrade to a minivan, other than the code UPG listed. Should I be seeing something else?? Do you need to be a member of a club or do you just need the coupon? Is the upgrade guaranteed or only if available? Thanks!!!!!!

I have a standard car with Alamo which is the same price, but includes an extra driver and you get to pick the car. I have a minivan reserved with Dollar for $295. We have only 4 people but am concerned our suitcases may not fit. Using Magic Express for arrival but will be staying offsite for departure. Maybe I could ship a suitcase home via Fedex.

 

[FourBees]

Remember standard in Alamo is really full size as there is no standard isle.

 

[Karlzmom]

Did you try the KLM code? It got me the best at National and I did join KLM airlines incase anyone asked I have proof. Right now Alamo is beating them by about $30 with the Sunpromo.

Thanks for the thought but its outrageous for my rental. $620 for the base, plus a $250 drop fee plus taxes fees etc...

 

[HayGan]

I gave in and cancelled my National reservation in favor of an Alamo reservation. Used the insider rate with the $30 off Visa code. Total with taxes and fees is $204 for 10-12/22 for a standard size. It saved me $80 over the National rate. I'll do the on-line check-in tomorrow after I get my new drivers license picture taken