Are rental car rates much higher this year than last year?

[frannn]

I know prices went up a good deal last year, so we ending up paying about 225 for a full size from Alamo for our 12 day trip in Sept (used to be like 170). This year, we're looking at 300 for a standard. I know prices tend to get lower as you get closer to the dates, but I tested the same amount of days in Feb & March, and it is still very high. Are you finding your rental costs much higher this year?

 

[SilverMickey]

I know prices went up a good deal last year, so we ending up paying about 225 for a full size from Alamo for our 12 day trip in Sept (used to be like 170). This year, we're looking at 300 for a standard. I know prices tend to get lower as you get closer to the dates, but I tested the same amount of days in Feb & March, and it is still very high. Are you finding your rental costs much higher this year?

The reservations we have right now are quite high compared to any other time we have rented. I'm hoping as our vacation dates get closer we will catch a break!

The codes in the different threads on here cut about 100.00 off the ressie I have right now. I'm just hoping for more off! Were always rent late April early May. Good luck!

 

[Kim&Chris]

I also think the rates are very high this year. I've been fooling around with codes for a while now, and the best I can find (that I can legitimately use) are the Visa codes from Alamo. There are better offerings out there, but we don't belong to Costco, etc. I'm also hoping for some better rates as my vacation gets closer.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Car Rental rates have been rising for the past year or so. As demand decreased in the leisure and business travel departments, companies dealing with the reduced demand have taken action.

Of all the companies, car rental companies are the most capable of reducing inventory to meet demand, helping support prices that are both reasonable and profitable to the company. They do this by selling their inventory or reducing the amount of new inventory that replaces existing leases.

In the scheme of things, a midsize car should run, in a profitable business model $300 - $350 a week to offset the costs associated with providing the rental. Unfortunately in a high leisure market like Orlando, many have been spoiled with rates below standard rates, now that companies are looking to reduce losses and support reasonable profits on most rentals, rates are rising.

 

[Lewisc]

Rental agencies use to be able to offset low leisure rental rates with revenue from extras. Damage waivers, gas plans, GPS rentals etc. I suspect revenue is down from those areas.

PP is right. Profitable rates are far higher then what we're used to paying.

Rental agencies are learning it makes more sense to let the car sit in the parking lot rather then rent it below a certain rate. Mileage affects the resale value of the vehicle.

 

[madthemouse]

I have forund that the rental car prices are higher this year then in the last 8 years. We always go to WDW in early May, so I have something to compare. I just booked with Alamo, for a mid-size and have it for $124.54 including all taxes and fees. This rate is now in line with other years. It was coming up about $170.00 more.

 

[DebbieB]

My early December reservation was almost twice the year before. About 25% more than June of last year.

 

[TrustedTraveler]

I was shocked by the rates we were seeing last November for our recent January trip. Concerned they might not drop, I bid on Priceline and got a minivan through Alamo for $304/wk tax and fees included. I was happy with that price: it's within a few dollars of the best price we found in 2006 and 2007.

One week before our trip I found prices had dropped dramatically and I could have waited and received darn close to the same price with coupon codes, perhaps even saved $10.

Looking back, I'm pleased with the price and didn't have to fret about finding last minute deals. I've been very pleased with Priceline for both rooms and car rentals.

 

[frannn]

This is through Alamo, described as a Chevy Malibu, for mid Sept.

 

[uva185]

I haven't made any MCO reservations in awhile but so far this year I've gotten rentals in LAX, MHT, and CLT for less than $15-20 per day (before using any coupons with Hertz or National).

This is much lower than I've paid in previous years.

 

[Halle]

Just booked two midsize cars (Pontiac G) for December with Avis used an entertainment guide coupon $231.00 plus tax and extra charges came to $305.00, also have a coupon for a free day. Also booked a compact $206.00 plus extras taxes came to about $272.00. These are discounted prices. I was going to book Dollar and after getting kids info the prices nearly doubled in 22 hours!! I was sick.
Booked a compa

 

[VAN]

I purchased an Entertainment book and used their codes and coupon: Sept 24-Oct 2 (8 days) mid-size National ... total including taxes/fees = $214.68. My records show that I paid $178 for the same thing last year.

 

[frannn]

I purchased an Entertainment book and used their codes and coupon: Sept 24-Oct 2 (8 days) mid-size National ... total including taxes/fees = $214.68. My records show that I paid $178 for the same thing last year.

I'd like to see if I can get a better rate than the Costco discount I'm using now.