august 2013 codes for rental cars?

[wcduke]

I have the following two reservations and I'm really undecided as to which to choose, so I was hoping to get some opinions here.

I need a mid-size SUV from 8/22 - 8/27 picking up and dropping off at Orlando Airport. My options are:

1) National-using the KLM Flying Blue/Air France code - Rate of $219.53
2) Dollar-using a special mid-size SUV rate directly on the Dollar website. Rate of $229.43

Now, I consider the price difference of only $10 between the two a wash. For comparison purposes, let's just call the price the same.

My question about which to choose are because:
1) I don't like that the National rate breakdown does not include ANY taxes, charges, surcharges, fees etc. Once I rent, can they say "oops, this is an error. These charges should have been included, your price is now $500." Can they do that?
2) The National rate says that Loss Damage Waiver is included. Is that too good to be true?
3) The Dollar rate does NOT include Loss Damage Waiver. If the fact that the LDW is included and legit with National, I like the idea having that coverage. So I'd hate to miss out on the National LDW coverage if it is indeed legit.
4) I've NEVER rented a car before, so all of this is pretty new to me. Which is why I am looking for advice.

Which one would you choose and why? Thanks everyone!

 

[Happy99]

rates for Tampa are still high but compared to others I think we did well. I booked Budget with the X474200 and then added the AARP coupon. We have an 8 day rental Aug 10-17 including tax for a minivan for a total of $323

Does anyone think we can do any better?

 

[richmo]

I have the following two reservations and I'm really undecided as to which to choose, so I was hoping to get some opinions here.

I need a mid-size SUV from 8/22 - 8/27 picking up and dropping off at Orlando Airport. My options are:

1) National-using the KLM Flying Blue/Air France code - Rate of $219.53
2) Dollar-using a special mid-size SUV rate directly on the Dollar website. Rate of $229.43

Now, I consider the price difference of only $10 between the two a wash. For comparison purposes, let's just call the price the same.

My question about which to choose are because:
1) I don't like that the National rate breakdown does not include ANY taxes, charges, surcharges, fees etc. Once I rent, can they say "oops, this is an error. These charges should have been included, your price is now $500." Can they do that?
2) The National rate says that Loss Damage Waiver is included. Is that too good to be true?
3) The Dollar rate does NOT include Loss Damage Waiver. If the fact that the LDW is included and legit with National, I like the idea having that coverage. So I'd hate to miss out on the National LDW coverage if it is indeed legit.
4) I've NEVER rented a car before, so all of this is pretty new to me. Which is why I am looking for advice.

Which one would you choose and why? Thanks everyone!

I'm a little confused. Is the National rate you're quoting a base rate, or the grand total? If you go thru the reservation process, you should get the grand total and my experience has been those are very accurate unless you pick up other options when you get the vehicle.

From what you've said, the National deal looks better to me because of the insurance issue and the ability to choose a vehicle. However, if you don't already, make sure you have that KLM membership. I'm sure its free. Chances are they won't ask for it, but you should always be able to document any discount that you use.

Also, you're still a month out, so be sure to keep looking as the date gets closer. SUV discounts aren't as easily found as the major car classes, but they do sometimes happen.

 

[wcduke]

I'm a little confused. Is the National rate you're quoting a base rate, or the grand total? If you go thru the reservation process, you should get the grand total and my experience has been those are very accurate unless you pick up other options when you get the vehicle.

From what you've said, the National deal looks better to me because of the insurance issue and the ability to choose a vehicle. However, if you don't already, make sure you have that KLM membership. I'm sure its free. Chances are they won't ask for it, but you should always be able to document any discount that you use.

Also, you're still a month out, so be sure to keep looking as the date gets closer. SUV discounts aren't as easily found as the major car classes, but they do sometimes happen.

Thanks. The National rate is the grand total. It breaks down like this.

Car Class: Midsize SUV 5-Door/Automatic/Air
Rates:
Time & distance 1 RENTAL @ $240.33 $240.33
Extra - time & distance 0 DAY @ $35.55 $0.00
Extra - time & distance 0 HOUR @ $17.78 $0.00
Extra - time & distance 0 WEEK @ $248.82 $0.00
Extension - time & distance 0 DAY @ $35.55 $0.00
Extension - time & distance 0 HOUR @ $17.78 $0.00
Extension - time & distance 0 WEEK @ $248.82 $0.00
No charge distance 0 DISTANCE @ $0.00 $0.00
Contract I.D. Flying Blue/air France Klm
Inclusive Rate Items
No charge distance Included
(5) Loss damage waiver full Included
(5) Supplemental liability insurance Included
(5) Customer facility charge 2.50/day Included
Airport access fee 10 pct Included
(5) Florida surcharge 2.00/day Included
(5) Tire/battery fee .02/day Included
(5) Vehicle license fee .71/day Included
Sales tax (6.50%) $8.49 $8.49
Guaranteed Base Rate Included
Unlimited Miles Included
Sub total............................................. ........$248.82
Discounts
Entertainment $25 Off Specialty ($25.00)
Coverages:
Loss Damage Waiver Full $0.00
Supplemental Liability Insurance $0.00
Total Estimate.......................................... ......$219.53
(Country of Residence: US) (USD)
Approximate Estimated Conversion: $219.53

I am nervous that ALL of these taxes, fees, charges, etc are "included". It just doesn't sound logical to me. I love the grand total amount, I just don't want to be caught with any surprises when I arrive at the airport because there is some sort of error because all of the taxes, fees, etc were listed as $0 for the rental, and they tell me I owe more.
I do have the KLM membership, even though I have never flown, nor plan on flying with this airline. I have the membership simply for this great rental car rate.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I apologize if you've looked or done this already, but did you check the mid-size SUV special that Dollar is running? I think it was $189/wk or $34 a day (those are base)

Thanks for the tip . I just checked, and with Dollar my reservation would be $302 with taxes and fees. With National I am at $245 all-in. So a good rate from Dollar but still not quite as good as National using the KLM code and a $30 coupon from the Entertainment Book. Worth keeping an eye on though for the next few weeks!!!

Gina, my dates are 8/22 @ 3:30PM to 8/27 @ Noon.
My National rate using the KLM code and the $25 off entertainment coupon is $219.53
My Dollar rate using their mid-size SUV special is $229.43.

But most importantly, how do you get your family to ask for very little?!? That is the best deal of all!

I just feed them. They're guys. As long as their bellies are full, they are usually a pretty agreeable pair.

On another note.......did you know that you can get $30 off an SUV with one of the coupons found on the Entertainment Book website?

www.entertaintment.com

I know its only another $5 off more than the coupon you already have used, but hey, that's a Mickey Bar . That's the coupon I have applied to my reservation.....its noted as being valid for any size car, mini van or SUV for a minimum of 5 days. So as long as your rental qualifies length-wise, you can shave a wee bit more off your current reservation.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I have the following two reservations and I'm really undecided as to which to choose, so I was hoping to get some opinions here.

Which one would you choose and why? Thanks everyone!

We like being able to select our vehicle. Its fun. And after receiving a dreadful vehicle from Budget (who assigns your vehicle) this past Christmas .....high mileage, beat-up, previously smoked in, etc.......being able to pick from a selection of vehicles just became A LOT more important to us.

 

[rdevine10]

rates for Tampa are still high but compared to others I think we did well. I booked Budget with the X474200 and then added the AARP coupon. We have an 8 day rental Aug 10-17 including tax for a minivan for a total of $323

Does anyone think we can do any better?

Im hoping so! We are Tampa August 15 to 24. Onsite National KLM for fullsize is 306. I am holding a sixt offisite for a fullsize at 226. Im still confident the rates will move a bit but Im so tired of checking 3 to 4 times a day (for months now). I want onsite and Id love to get it for 250 or less.

Its very frustrating to see all these great rates at MCO, but at least I got a killer deal on my airfare.

 

[brettb]

I am nervous that ALL of these taxes, fees, charges, etc are "included". It just doesn't sound logical to me. I love the grand total amount, I just don't want to be caught with any surprises when I arrive at the airport because there is some sort of error because all of the taxes, fees, etc were listed as $0 for the rental, and they tell me I owe more.
I do have the KLM membership, even though I have never flown, nor plan on flying with this airline. I have the membership simply for this great rental car rate.

Many people report using the KLM code with no problems. I myself was holding a KLM/National reservation until the Alamo rates plummeted two days ago (which are unfortunately back up).

BUT I, personally, do not like this code. Everything about it smells like it's intended for foreign visitors with international drivers licenses. The included LDW, the taxes and fees all bundled into the rate.... (If you use a free day coupon, the value is about $5 - I suspect because the "daily rate" includes all the taxes and fees and you only get credit for the National portion.)

One of my concerns was that, if you had to file an LDW claim, you might run into trouble. I was still willing to use it, though, when I learned that my personal car's collision coverage would apply to the rental car. (I previously had thought that only my liability coverage would apply. Credit card LDW coverage only takes effect if you refuse the LDW offered by the rental company so I'm not sure you can count on that.)

I'd look to people who have already used the code if you want to be sure you won't be hit with any surprises - assuming you return the car intact.

 

[wcduke]

On another note.......did you know that you can get $30 off an SUV with one of the coupons found on the Entertainment Book website?

www.entertaintment.com

I know its only another $5 off more than the coupon you already have used, but hey, that's a Mickey Bar . That's the coupon I have applied to my reservation.....its noted as being valid for any size car, mini van or SUV for a minimum of 5 days. So as long as your rental qualifies length-wise, you can shave a wee bit more off your current reservation.

Thanks Gina. I did not know that coupon existed on the entertainment website. Rebooked, and now down to $213.67. You saved me $5.86! Thanks!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Thanks Gina. I did not know that coupon existed on the entertainment website. Rebooked, and now down to $213.67. You saved me $5.86! Thanks!

You are most welcome!

 

[Canwego]

I can't seem to find any coupons in the Emtertainment website. I do have a Entertainment book...but do I need a Florida specific one? Do you need to log in to see the coupons?

 

[quirty30]

I can't seem to find any coupons in the Emtertainment website. I do have a Entertainment book...but do I need a Florida specific one? Do you need to log in to see the coupons?

Look in the Travel section toward the back. Or log in and go to:

www.entertainment.com/travel

 

[Canwego]

Thanks!

 

[quirty30]

Thanks!

You're welcome

 

[Canwego]

Not much movement...i did get a Dollar email....but that deal raised my rate $100.

Still hoping Alamo and National move....but their rates are both stuck at about $400 for me.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Not much movement...i did get a Dollar email....but that deal raised my rate $100.

Still hoping Alamo and National move....but their rates are both stuck at about $400 for me.

We are finding the same.....all companies seem to be holding steady at their latest rates.

This coming Friday is my 4-week mark. I am hoping for a sharp downward turn on rates thereafter .

Hey, what can I say? I am an optimist .

 

[anorman]

We are finding the same.....all companies seem to be holding steady at their latest rates.

This coming Friday is my 4-week mark. I am hoping for a sharp downward turn on rates thereafter .

Hey, what can I say? I am an optimist .

Mine dropped dramatically at the 4 week mark......by at least $200. There is hope!

 

[DisneyDreamer1974]

I think it is safe to say that I won't find a much lower price than I have right now. Do any of you disagree?

8/17-8/26

Full Size with Hertz, Chattanooga, not a airport location

$240.00

 

[Bob P]

I think it is safe to say that I won't find a much lower price than I have right now. Do any of you disagree?

8/17-8/26

Full Size with Hertz, Chattanooga, not a airport location

$240.00

Never say never!

 

[Mich Mouse]

Many people report using the KLM code with no problems. I myself was holding a KLM/National reservation until the Alamo rates plummeted two days ago (which are unfortunately back up).

BUT I, personally, do not like this code. Everything about it smells like it's intended for foreign visitors with international drivers licenses. The included LDW, the taxes and fees all bundled into the rate.... (If you use a free day coupon, the value is about $5 - I suspect because the "daily rate" includes all the taxes and fees and you only get credit for the National portion.)

One of my concerns was that, if you had to file an LDW claim, you might run into trouble. I was still willing to use it, though, when I learned that my personal car's collision coverage would apply to the rental car. (I previously had thought that only my liability coverage would apply. Credit card LDW coverage only takes effect if you refuse the LDW offered by the rental company so I'm not sure you can count on that.)

I'd look to people who have already used the code if you want to be sure you won't be hit with any surprises - assuming you return the car intact.

I have used the Flying Blue/KLM discount code five times successfully- because it it legitimate. I am a member and have the documentation (print out of my membership) if necessary. I have never been asked to show the documentation though. The websites for National or KLM do not indicate that this code is only for foreigners- it is for members of their rewards program. I am using the code in San Diego next week and was also able to apply it to a February 2014 reservation.

Just wanted to give you some reassurance.