A Question For You National Car Rental Fans....

[Bobbysdog]

Based on the advice of this board, I keep going back to the National site to try to get the best deal possible. My problem is that in the several months or so that I've been trying, they've never had the best deal, and most of the time, they haven't even been close. Right now, I can get a full size from L & M for $338 (with coupon), but National is still in the mid $400's for an intermediate. (Yes, I know about Emerald Aisle!)

Let me lay out a few parameters for our upcoming trip;
-We want a full size car
-We want an in-terminal company
-We're traveling for over two weeks (the rental will be for 17 days from 10 pm Sept 15th to 5 pm Oct. 1st), so all the coupons I've found all limit usage to 14 days max and are thus useless.
-I've been to Mousesavers and several sites that offer codes. I have plugged in the Priceless code, and I don't have an Amex, so that particular code doesn't help.

Is it just my particular circumstances, or does someone else have any suggestions to get a better rate?

Thanks in advance for all responses!

 

[anabelle]

You could try spliting your ressies by turning the car in at the Swan, midtrip and then picking it back up the next day. If you are staying at BC, it might work out better for you.

 

[Letsbgoofy]

Splitting your reservation is a good idea. The rates picking up at the Dolphin are lower than picking up at the airport because of fees. You could also use 2 $20 Entertainment coupons that way.

I have used the AMEX code and never been asked for my card. It saved me a lot on just a 5 day rental. I would be interested in hearing if anyone else has been asked for their AMEX card.

 

[maps]

I have had similar issues with National. I prefer full size and in terminal as well and most of the time National comes out a lot higher than the others. So I've gone with Alamo, Dollar and Budget with their fast lane checkouts and have been just as satified with them. Next Feb, National so far has the best deal so I'm going with them but I'll keep checking because it could change at any time.
Good luck

 

[Bobbysdog]

Thanks for the responses! National has obviously generated a lot of loyalty, but just as an observation (without trying to flame anyone-definitely not my intent), it's somewhat hard to understand why. Is it the appeal of getting a surprise out on the Emerald aisle? Personally, I'd rather have the lowest rate if all other things are equal.....

 

[cheshirekitty]

We were looking to book with National for our August trip specifically for emerald aisle. I haven't been successful in getting the price that I need.

I tried Dollar today and got a compact for 9 days for a total of $166 with tax and fees...I joined fast lane and will get an free upgrade. I didn't even need to use any codes!

I couldn't seem to get National below $240 for the same dates. Rate is much more important to us!!!

 

[Letsbgoofy]

I am loyal to National only so long as they give me the best rate. I can't get anything lower than National with the AMEX code and $20 Entertainment coupon for our trip. I keep seeing people get these great rates with Dollar, but you must need to rent a week (we only need 5 days) to get the rate.

 

[poohbear2]

Even with EA, you can have a slim choice of cars to pick from! It happened to us.

 

[cranbiz]

I am only loyal to National when they have the best rates!

I usually only need an intermediate and in the last 6 months or so, National has always been better for me, however, I have and will continue to use Dollar or Budget if they are cheaper. I normally rent for 5-8 days but even when I had a 3 day rental 3 months ago, National beat everyone by $10-20.

I will always rent from the vendor that provides the best product (that meets my requirements) at the most competetive rate.

 

[NotUrsula]

Somehow, when I rent, National usually comes out cheaper, or the margin is small enough that EA makes the deal for me. This past weekend I needed to rent from Fri-Sun; only 48 hrs, too short for a weekend coupon. Thrifty came in at $41, and Natl. at $59.

I went w/ Natl. b/c for $18 EA took a lot of hassle out of the experience, especially since I had to drive straight to Tampa when I arrived, and I knew I would get tangled in construction traffic. Thanks to EA & 417 I made it from the MCO jetway to S. Tampa in 2 hours, and actually got to have some fun Friday night instead of going straight to bed.

 

[Franco56]

I use whoever has the best rate, and it has always been
Budget and I like you like the in-termial sites. As I said on another thread
National wanted $732.12 for our days of Dec23-Jan 3! This is the first time
we will rent from National but from the Dolphin. With a code and a $20.00
coupon for eleven days I got a rate of $325.47! So, on the 23rd we will use
the ME bus and I will go down to the Dolphin the next morning. Not bad, a
full-size for about $29.00 dollars a day, and we can leave the car at MCO at
the end of our trip. Something to think about.

 

[reikimom]

The best rate I was able to get was through national for our upcoming August 10 day stay. I used the AMEX code and an Entertaiment book coupon. Also, it was a great benefit for us to be able to have a second driver for free (through the free Emerald Club sign up on mousesavers). I hate payng the extra driver fee but it can be a pain for only one of us to drive for the whole vacation.

 

[Franco56]

I have tried this a few days in a row to see whats up and this is what I found,
Dec24-Jan3 Pickup 8:00 am drop off 10:00 am (all drop offs are at MCO)
Pick up MCO.......$691.70
Pick up CCC........$446.19
Pick up LBV.........$325.80
Pick up DOL.........325.79