august 2013 codes for rental cars?

[wcduke]

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.

Thank you very much for this reassurance! I appreciate your time to post this. One more question: Have you ever actually flown Royal Dutch Airlines or Air France (or another related airline to this Flying Blue/KLM membership)?

 

[Happy99]

I have seen posts about people not liking dollar because you cannot choose your car. According to their website in Orlando you can choose your own vehicle
http://www.dollar.com/en/TravelCenter/TravelTools/ChoiceService.aspx

 

[richmo]

I have seen posts about people not liking dollar because you cannot choose your card. According to their website in Orlando you can choose your own vehicle
http://www.dollar.com/en/TravelCenter/TravelTools/ChoiceService.aspx

That's what I'm hoping...I think the change is fairly recent

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

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.

Thanks for the great feedback

Your bolded sections above were my understanding of the program from outset, and why I wasn't worried about using the discount.

Your assurance of successfully using the code multiple times makes me feel much better .

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I have seen posts about people not liking dollar because you cannot choose your card. According to their website in Orlando you can choose your own vehicle
http://www.dollar.com/en/TravelCenter/TravelTools/ChoiceService.aspx

Interesting! We still have a Dollar full size reservation, along with our SUV ressie using the KLM discount with National. If I thought we could snag an Impala (not an Altima as listed on their vehicle description) then I'd sway to the full size rental and the $77 savings.

I have never wiffle-waffled so much on such a small aspect of our vacation .

 

[brettb]

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.

Your bolded sections above were my understanding of the program from outset, and why I wasn't worried about using the discount.

As of a few months ago, though, how can you get to that code by clicking on Nationalcar.com or Flying Blue or Flying Blue partner sites that are in English and not on foreign domains?

The National Flying Blue partner page does not show the KLM code and if you click on "Reserve," it fills in the Korean Air code.

From the Flying Blue side, I can only get to it by going to the Enterprise partner page, clicking on the "our website" link at the bottom (the one higher up goes to a dead .fr domain name). This takes me to http://booking.citer.fr/. From there, on can click on Nos partenaires and then, under Aérien, clicking on Flying Blue. This is all on citer.fr and the page is in French. At the bottom is the 8572130 code.

You can google the code itself and find references to it, but they are on "orphaned" pages - I don't assume orphan pages represent current information or policies.

Obviously the code still works - and we've only had positive reports; I haven't seen any negative reports.

But I haven't heard of anybody who has tested the LDW coverage. That became less of a concern for me when I learned that my personal collision coverage would cover a rental car. (I knew my liability coverage applied but had always assumed damage would be covered by the credit card coverage - which requires that you refuse the LDW/CDW offered be the rental company.)

 

[richmo]

Interesting! We still have a Dollar full size reservation, along with our SUV ressie using the KLM discount with National. If I thought we could snag an Impala (not an Altima as listed on their vehicle description) then I'd sway to the full size rental and the $77 savings.

I have never wiffle-waffled so much on such a small aspect of our vacation .

Gina, just a personal opinion, and please feel free to ignore it...

If there's just three of you (going by your signature), would you really want an Impala? I get it for the luggage aspect (or if DS is 6'3"+), but unless you're resort/hotel hopping, that's a total of about 60 minutes of your trip. We rented an Impala in Seattle a couple of years ago. I hated driving that thing around the city; felt like I was in a tank. If you need the bigger car, great; otherwise I'd rather have the Altima or any midsize SUV. Much more enjoyable driving experience...at least that's my opinion.

 

[richmo]

As of a few months ago, though, how can you get to that code by clicking on Nationalcar.com or Flying Blue or Flying Blue partner sites that are in English and not on foreign domains?

The National Flying Blue partner page does not show the KLM code and if you click on "Reserve," it fills in the Korean Air code.

From the Flying Blue side, I can only get to it by going to the Enterprise partner page, clicking on the "our website" link at the bottom (the one higher up goes to a dead .fr domain name). This takes me to http://booking.citer.fr/. From there, on can click on Nos partenaires and then, under Aérien, clicking on Flying Blue. This is all on citer.fr and the page is in French. At the bottom is the 8572130 code.

You can google the code itself and find references to it, but they are on "orphaned" pages - I don't assume orphan pages represent current information or policies.

Obviously the code still works - and we've only had positive reports; I haven't seen any negative reports.

But I haven't heard of anybody who has tested the LDW coverage. That became less of a concern for me when I learned that my personal collision coverage would cover a rental car. (I knew my liability coverage applied but had always assumed damage would be covered by the credit card coverage - which requires that you refuse the LDW/CDW offered be the rental company.)

Brett, I agree 100% with you on the KLM thing. Last week I googled it and was able to get to the page (I think it was on flyingblue.com somewhere), yet the KLM site did not mention National as a car rental partner, although they claerly were at some point. I looked again this morning and couldn't find the page at all, although I didn't spend much time on it.

It looks like the KLM/National relationship is no more, but, National hasn't taken it out of the system yet. I've seen that with Alamo codes many times as well...sometimes they work well after their listed expiration date.

Personally, I won't use the KLM code either and at some point I'm sure National will take it out of their system. Even after they do that, I would think that they would honor reservations already made using that code, although I would think they would have the right to decline it. And that, apart from the potential insurance issue, is a chance, however small, that I am not willing to take.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Gina, just a personal opinion, and please feel free to ignore it...

If there's just three of you (going by your signature), would you really want an Impala? I get it for the luggage aspect (or if DS is 6'3"+), but unless you're resort/hotel hopping, that's a total of about 60 minutes of your trip. We rented an Impala in Seattle a couple of years ago. I hated driving that thing around the city; felt like I was in a tank. If you need the bigger car, great; otherwise I'd rather have the Altima or any midsize SUV. Much more enjoyable driving experience...at least that's my opinion.

lol, all opinions welcome .

DH is, in fact, 6'4" (and a big fella all around.....about 280 pounds). We had an Impala last August (from Alamo) and it worked well for his body type.

It is definitely the luggage that worries us. We have 3 full size suitcases and 3 carry ons (the carry ons will fly down empty and home full....we do a lot of shopping while in the US as the outlet prices in Orlando are WAY cheaper than what we can get here at home). Now, we only have 3 people, so a suitcase can go in the backseat with our teenaged son if need be.

We drive a Dodge Journey as our primary vehicle here at home. That's why the midsize SUV reservation with National is what DH wants us to stick with....he very much agrees with you that he wants a pleasurable driving experience (as he will be doing all the driving except in the case of an emergency). The SUV is comfortable for his body size and its "familiar". And we don't necessary expect a Journey for the vehicle we actually end up with....we had a Ford Edge, I think, on our Christmas trip from Budget and we very much liked that size of vehicle as well (the condition of that thing was another story).

We are planning two day trips on this vacation, one to Cocoa Beach and one to Tampa (there and back on the same day in both cases). So two days we will be doing some somewhat lengthy driving. There will be no resort hopping for us....staying all 8 days at the Sheraton Vistana Resort in Lake Buena Vista.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Brett, I agree 100% with you on the KLM thing. Last week I googled it and was able to get to the page (I think it was on flyingblue.com somewhere), yet the KLM site did not mention National as a car rental partner, although they claerly were at some point. I looked again this morning and couldn't find the page at all, although I didn't spend much time on it.

It looks like the KLM/National relationship is no more, but, National hasn't taken it out of the system yet. I've seen that with Alamo codes many times as well...sometimes they work well after their listed expiration date.

Personally, I won't use the KLM code either and at some point I'm sure National will take it out of their system. Even after they do that, I would think that they would honor reservations already made using that code, although I would think they would have the right to decline it. And that, apart from the potential insurance issue, is a chance, however small, that I am not willing to take.

I just sent an email off to Flying Blue asking for confirmation that their partnership with National is still valid. I listed our concerns (including that the Flying Blue website does not list them as a partner, and that the link on the National website brings up a discount code that shows as "Korean Air" when a reservation is generated). I have asked for them to reply to me via email so I have their response in writing. If or when I happen to get a reply from them, I will be sure to post the details here for everyone else to read.

 

[richmo]

It's quiet...too quiet.

At least for those of us with early August dates, we saw months of rate stagnation until last week when Dollar and Enterprise seemed to go into an all out price war, knocking common size car rates from over $300 to a little under $100 (base). Then around Thursday, it all quieted down again. Dollar and Enterprise went back up some (nowhere near $300/wk, though) and for some of us Alamo continues to want over $400 a week.

This week, at least for some of us with early August dates, we hit that 7-10 day out sweet spot that I keep yammering about. Of course, there's nothing scientific about it. Perhaps the sweet spot was last weeks activity...but perhaps not.

Thankfully, last weeks drops were significant. I'm already pretty happy with my Dollar reservation of a little over $140 total for a week (standard size) and it easily beat what the Hotwire/Priceline folks were getting when they couldn't hang in a few weeks ago and also beats what Hotwire is showing today.

Will we see another week like last weeks rate drops? Probably not, but maybe the same will happen for those the second or third week of August. Will Alamo give in and show significant drops, or possibly a good "last minute" rate? (By the way, for those of you in late August, you should do really well...you'll just have to wait a bit)

August is 10 days away now. For anyone renting a car, as always, two pieces of advice. If you haven't done so already, reserve something non-binding today. And second, more so than in the past, its time to really start checking...often. I think many of us can attest to how the rates were all over the place last week...maybe that magic can happen again.

 

[FoxberryJam]

I'm still sitting tight with my Alamo standard/full-size reservation, 8/22 to 9/2 for $202. I had this same timeframe for $188 last year. We'll see if it drops below $200 at some point, but I'm OK if this is the best I can get.

 

[richmo]

lol, all opinions welcome .

DH is, in fact, 6'4" (and a big fella all around.....about 280 pounds). We had an Impala last August (from Alamo) and it worked well for his body type.

It is definitely the luggage that worries us. We have 3 full size suitcases and 3 carry ons (the carry ons will fly down empty and home full....we do a lot of shopping while in the US as the outlet prices in Orlando are WAY cheaper than what we can get here at home). Now, we only have 3 people, so a suitcase can go in the backseat with our teenaged son if need be.

We drive a Dodge Journey as our primary vehicle here at home. That's why the midsize SUV reservation with National is what DH wants us to stick with....he very much agrees with you that he wants a pleasurable driving experience (as he will be doing all the driving except in the case of an emergency). The SUV is comfortable for his body size and its "familiar". And we don't necessary expect a Journey for the vehicle we actually end up with....we had a Ford Edge, I think, on our Christmas trip from Budget and we very much liked that size of vehicle as well (the condition of that thing was another story).

We are planning two day trips on this vacation, one to Cocoa Beach and one to Tampa (there and back on the same day in both cases). So two days we will be doing some somewhat lengthy driving. There will be no resort hopping for us....staying all 8 days at the Sheraton Vistana Resort in Lake Buena Vista.

It sounds like the SUV would be a good bet for you. Its always hard to predict what vehicle you will get within its class. The Altima, for example, has surprisingly good luggage space and fits a tall driver nicely, although your DS would likely have to sit behind you, not DH. Hopefully all the midsize SUV's are big enough; that's another one that gets tricky with the classification (some would consider, for instance, a Jeep Liberty midsize, some not)

Have fun in Tampa and Cocoa; say hi to the Disney Fantasy/Dream as you drive by...

 

[MrsDoubtfire]

I'm still sitting tight with my Alamo standard/full-size reservation, 8/22 to 9/2 for $202. I had this same timeframe for $188 last year. We'll see if it drops below $200 at some point, but I'm OK if this is the best I can get.

I am at $240 for a Standard/Full Size from Alamo , dates 8/6 thru 8/19 at MCO. Lower would be nice, but my car rental budget was $300 or less. I'm okay with this rate if it does not drop.

 

[Mich Mouse]

Thank you very much for this reassurance! I appreciate your time to post this. One more question: Have you ever actually flown Royal Dutch Airlines or Air France (or another related airline to this Flying Blue/KLM membership)?

I flew KLM 20 years ago on a backpacking trip! Had a different last name at the time and no membership in any loyalty program.

The National Emerald Aisle experience involves about 2 minutes ( if that) with an actual employee when you check out. Sign up for that if you haven't- (free) makes the whole experience a breeze.

 

[Mich Mouse]

There is an AMEX code that's also been giving me good rates with National. Try pluging it in.

5125601

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

There is an AMEX code that's also been giving me good rates with National. Try pluging it in.

5125601

Oh, dear Lord....it just gave me a rate of $1407.83 for a midsized SUV .

To be fair, I didn't include my $30 coupon from the Entertainment Book......so that would reduce it down to $1275 or so . I guess I will stick with the KLM discount for now!!!

Thanks for sharing it, though. With a little luck, it will produce a good price for someone else .

 

[Ivonne]

Oh, dear Lord....it just gave me a rate of $1407.83 for a midsized SUV .

To be fair, I didn't include my $30 coupon from the Entertainment Book......so that would reduce it down to $1275 or so . I guess I will stick with the KLM discount for now!!!

Thanks for sharing it, though. With a little luck, it will produce a good price for someone else .

Dollar has a "special" for mid sized SUV- 33.00 a day .. We are staying for 11days and it was 432.00. That was the lowest I found.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Dollar has a "special" for mid sized SUV- 33.00 a day .. We are staying for 11days and it was 432.00. That was the lowest I found.

We currently have a reservation with National for a midsized SUV using the KLM code totalling $245. Dollar is just over $300 for our dates with the SUV special. I can live with the $245, but still hoping it might edge down a little bit more before the end of August .

 

[JLMommy]

We currently have a reservation with National for a midsized SUV using the KLM code totalling $245. Dollar is just over $300 for our dates with the SUV special. I can live with the $245, but still hoping it might edge down a little bit more before the end of August .

Is that the KLM code? How long are you renting for?