Are National Rates Ever Gonna Drop??

[sammysmom]

We are looking to rent a car for next month 9/22-9/29 and the rates are much higher at this time than last year. Getting a little nervous!!!

 

[3pletprincesses]

Well I have the feeling we are out of luck this year. Last year we had a minivan for a little under $400 for 2 weeks. This year, exact same saturday arrival and same sunday of the month departure and the cheapest I have is $630. I'm desapointed too

 

[TandEsMommy]

They were much lower several months ago for August. I've been sitting on $277 with the KLM code for months, and rates now are well over $400, often into the $600-$800 range. I'm guessing the old way of booking last minute to get the best rate has come to a close.

 

[rwdavis2]

To get significant discounts on National sign up for a KLM frequent flier account. By doi g so I saved about 50% on a rental out of so. About 30% for Orlando this fall and next January.

KLM gives you access to a National contract code you plug into the National web site.

 

[TandEsMommy]

OP, the KLM code will give you $315 all in for a minivan, $255 for a full size, and $178 for a compact. The only coupons I have will expire by then, but if you can find another, it will be even less. The code is 8572130, and KLM's frequent flyer program is free to join, so make sure to do so in case they ask for your membership card.

 

[mjplantz]

Demand is back on the rise and waiting to the last 30-60 days does not offer the same discount many times as in the past. Disney and other entertainment venues continue to offer pricing and incentives to increase and level attendance to levels that mitigate the last minute deals.

I would use the KLM posted above and continue to watch for a coupon to tack on from the Emerald Club email list.

 

[EpcotQueen]

Great info about KLM. I just reserved a minivan for 10 days in Feb for $440 using that contract ID. Registered for the KLM ff program. Anyone know how long it takes to get a card from them?

 

[RumpleMom]

I had been distressed over the high cost of rentals. I checked every company website using Entertainment coupons, Mousesavers codes and the price was so high. National and Hertz were always the highest.

For 2 trips, I gave up and went with Hotwire and got prices I could live with.

Wouldn't you know, one trip I ended up with Hertz and the next trip was National.

 

[petsaregreat]

ok so I joined the KLM flying blue club but cannot find a page where people are getting discount codes for National. Can anyone help me out? Thanks!

 

[rwdavis2]

ok so I joined the KLM flying blue club but cannot find a page where people are getting discount codes for National. Can anyone help me out? Thanks!

Look for their "Partners". I don't have the exact link but you have to look around. Make sure you are signed in under your FF account.

 

[TandEsMommy]

Great info about KLM. I just reserved a minivan for 10 days in Feb for $440 using that contract ID. Registered for the KLM ff program. Anyone know how long it takes to get a card from them?

You won't; at least, I never have and I joined months ago. You can print one, though.

ok so I joined the KLM flying blue club but cannot find a page where people are getting discount codes for National. Can anyone help me out? Thanks!

The National code is 8572130.

https://www.klm.com/travel/us_en/flying_blue/earn_and_spend_miles/flying_blue_partners/index.htm

 

[E-P-C-O-T]

Cheapest I found is $205 for Sep 4-15 and it's for a standard with Alamo. If rates don't go down, we are just going to use ME and use our 2 free days with National to rent a car for the weekend...

 

[EpcotQueen]

Figured out how to request a ff card. BUT be forewarned.....I tried to apply a coupon after I booked the van. Message said I could not modify through the National web site. Challenge will be to figure out how to do it from the KLM site. Also noticed all the 'extras' such as insurance automatically added on. Price still WAY cheaper than booking Emerald Reserve without the KLM code.

 

[francie57]

Not sure what size car you are looking for but have you considered using Budget. We are using them next week since they beat Alamo by a lot. If you join their fastbreak you can just go to the garage and finish your rental there. I put your dates in and a minivan is coming up at $302.84 including taxes. I used code X474200 and coupon MUWZ023. I used this on a trip we took in June and was out of the garage in less than 10 min. We have always tried to use Alamo but their prices are way to high this year.

 

[mjplantz]

Figured out how to request a ff card. BUT be forewarned.....I tried to apply a coupon after I booked the van. Message said I could not modify through the National web site. Challenge will be to figure out how to do it from the KLM site. Also noticed all the 'extras' such as insurance automatically added on. Price still WAY cheaper than booking Emerald Reserve without the KLM code.

You have to call National customer service to make any changes with the KLM code. No way to change/cancel online using that code.