Any deals on deadheading a rental car out of Orlando?

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Are there ever any deals on deadheading a rental car out of the Orlando area? I have checked all of the car rental sites and the prices to deadhead are $180 and up for a 1 day rental.

We would need to pick it up in Orlando 12/22 and drive it to Columbus, GA (100 miles from Atlanta) on 12/23.

Are there any codes that would work in this situation?

Thanks!

 

[tinka-belle]

There is a big "drive out" from Florida in the spring, usually late April or early-mid May, when car rental companies move their fleets to major northern cities.
A reverse "drive in" to Florida in the fall. Those are the best times for one way rates, as little as $5-$10/day.

I'm afraid the combination of a peak holiday week and a one way out of state drop off is going to get you high daily rates accross the board. Rarely see big discounts for holiday periods, and several discounts for other times of year require 5 days and/or more or a Sat. overnight.

 

[owtrbnks]

"Deadheading is a term used when members of an airline's flight staff are carried free of charge but not working. This most often happens when airline crew are located in the wrong place and need to travel to take up their duties."

What is meant by deadheading a rental car?

 

[webworm]

It is a common term for car rentals when the car has been dropped of at a different location other than where it orginated. During my university days I use to drive deadheads back to my home province. I got my gas paid plus a fee for bringing the car back.
http://www.triphip.com/tips/tag_general/deadhead

 

[edbo77]

You're taking it in the wrong direction. You might even find that the prices would be higher than normal since the cars are needed more in Orlando than Columbus GA for the Christmas rush.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Thanks. That is what I was afraid of but thought it couldn't hurt to ask.

We will have 5 people driving down then picking up 2 in Orlando for the ride back. The trip will be cramped in our van but not impossible. I just thought if I could get a good deal on a one-way rental that we could do that for more room to spread out.

 

[Lewisc]

Airtran has some $70 fares from MCO to ATL. Putting one (or two) people on a plane is likely to be cheaper then renting a second vehicle.

If Soutwest or Jet Blue services an airport which works you could utilize the free checked bag allowance to give you more room in your van.

 

[travelcoupons]

You can always stick the extra people on Megabus for $29 each.

Pickup is Crowne Plaza Hotel in Orlando 3 times a day travelling to Atlanta, GA (MARTA Civic Center - 435 West Peachtree St)

http://us.megabus.com

I couldn't find any promo codes that would work for your dates.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Airtran has some $70 fares from MCO to ATL. Putting one (or two) people on a plane is likely to be cheaper then renting a second vehicle.

If Soutwest or Jet Blue services an airport which works you could utilize the free checked bag allowance to give you more room in your van.

Good idea. I'll check those out. I am tempted to fly with my youngest and let DH drive the 4 oldest kids back. LOL

You can always stick the extra people on Megabus for $29 each.

Pickup is Crowne Plaza Hotel in Orlando 3 times a day travelling to Atlanta, GA (MARTA Civic Center - 435 West Peachtree St)

http://us.megabus.com

I couldn't find any promo codes that would work for your dates.

Oooh, that is tempting too. I had no idea Megabus was in this area. We used to see them all the time when we lived near Baltimore.