August 2014 Car Rental Deal Watch!

[RysMomma]

In my experience, you are WAY too early to snag an Alamo deal. For our last two August trips (and one of our January vacations) the "sweet spot" for Alamo pricing was between 4 and 6 weeks from your travel date. Then prices dropped like a stone, beating even the National rate using the KLM discount code, before going back up again.

We love Alamo, and its "familiar" for us, so if at all possible, that's who we use. Rest assured we will all be watching and waiting for those Alamo rates to decline . Pricing for my two-week rental is ridonkulous right now too .

Gina-Thanks! Good to know! Have you used the KLM code before? Have you had any issues? I'm just curious if anyone has any experience? Thanks!

Meanwhile, let's all post when we find any good deals! That's what we are all here for!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Gina-Thanks! Good to know! Have you used the KLM code before? Have you had any issues? I'm just curious if anyone has any experience? Thanks!

Meanwhile, let's all post when we find any good deals! That's what we are all here for!

I haven't used the KLM code yet, but I'm currently holding a decent reservation with National using that discount for this August. I am not worried about the validity of the code whatsoever....DH (who does the driving) is registered with KLM, and we have the Flying Blue card w/his membership number.

I know of several other Canadian Disers that have successfully used the code with no issues whatsoever. I am confident it will work for me as well .

 

[Parad0x]

From my experience using Alamo many times now from MCO, it's way too early to get their really really good rates. I still check everyday and don't mind booking elsewhere when I see a price I like because I can always cancel it, but I am still holding out for Alamo as I love the rates I get from them by waiting as well as getting a selection of many cars in the aisle. I will also only use a code that isn't the type of code like KLM. I don't wanna be that person who begins their vacation right at the airport off the plane stuck being told your code is no good, not valid etc and then be stuck paying big dollars more.

 

[RysMomma]

Just want everyone to know that I got a coupon for a free single upgrade plus 10% discount for Insider Members. You have to book by July 31st and travel is from 8/1 through 8/14. I wasn't able to use it even though I'll be traveling from 8/8 through 8/17. But if anyone else wants to try for their dates the code is:

Coupon Code: AU5224JAB
Contract ID: Alamo Insiders Members

ETA: I was unable to do anything online with it even when changing my dates to fall within the range. I had to call to find out.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[HaViet]

That code is not working at all.

 

[RysMomma]

That code is not working at all.

Sigh. I ended up calling them because it wasn't working online. So frustrating!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Rates are WAY up for my dates using the KLM discount with National. Glad I locked in when I did. Still watching, though. Its my daily entertainment .

 

[nervous1sttimer]

I am going to DLR in August and booked a fullsize with Dollar last night for $126/week. It seemed like a great deal to me - but should I keep looking?

Also, I am just going to pick it up and return it to the airport. Is that the best way to go?

 

[medic5399]

Got a full size from Budget for $239.03 8/16-8/24 using Costco Travel. All other cars were still expensive, even much smaller vehicles!

 

[RysMomma]

I am going to DLR in August and booked a fullsize with Dollar last night for $126/week. It seemed like a great deal to me - but should I keep looking?


Also, I am just going to pick it up and return it to the airport. Is that the best way to go?

I think that's the best way to go. Makes it pretty convenient. But other people may know more about this than I do.

I don't know much about DLR, but I think that seems like a good deal. But, definitely keep looking. Word on the street is that prices will go down between 4-6 weeks before your trip.

 

[RysMomma]

Got a full size from Budget for $239.03 8/16-8/24 using Costco Travel. All other cars were still expensive, even much smaller vehicles!

That's a great price! Mine is 334 for our 9 days at Costco. I'm ready for these prices (especially Alamo and National) to come down!

 

[Lynne G]

I am going to DLR in August and booked a fullsize with Dollar last night for $126/week. It seemed like a great deal to me - but should I keep looking?

Also, I am just going to pick it up and return it to the airport. Is that the best way to go?

That is a good rate. Last year, I got Alamo for $170 for two weeks via Hotwire. Alamo shuttle bus from/ to the LA airport, where we flew in and out of. I am in sticker shock renting in Orlando this year. I am with Gina, so far have only seen higher than I booked. I am with National this year.

 

[mdsd8700]

Just got a mini van at Dollar for $335 for a week, taxes and fees included. Not a great price, but not too bad either.

I used the AAA discount code, but the City Special seems to be giving the same rate.

I have also have a better rate at Budget for $270 but I forgot to include our Fastbreak number on it and they won't let me add it without increasing the price. I am hoping I will be able to find that same price before our trip. Or I will have to decide if I want to wait in line or not at Budget.

 

[dltodaro]

I got a full-size for 9 nights from BJ's Wholesale club for $413 from Dollar for the Tampa airport. I hope the rates go down.

Deb

 

[artesian]

I got a full-size for 9 nights from BJ's Wholesale club for $413 from Dollar for the Tampa airport. I hope the rates go down.

Deb

They will Deb. We are all waiting for that price beak that will come in the next few months

 

[Ranger111]

Don't be so sure about car rental rates coming down this season.

For some of my trips they have dropped a bit a few weeks out this winter/spring, but for others, they have done nothing but hold steady or go up.

It's a uniform complaint across many travel forums this season.

For my April trip, I actually got best rates nearly four months out.

 

[Dax]

I seriously hope rates come down...I have a rental booked with Budget for 10 days right now 8/20-8/30 for $357....I am soooo hoping the prices drop at some point...

 

[RysMomma]

I keep checking everyday and I know we are out of our good "range." I also check the May and June boards and see that their prices are coming down. So here's hoping ours will too!

 

[Parad0x]

Same here, checking every day. Have been for two maybe three months now, lol. I begin early.

My 'best' price would be Alamo for 14 days from MCO airport for $309, all taxes everything included, for a Full Size. That's based on what I ended up paying per day with all taxes/fees for each one of my three trips last year. Approximately $22 per day...

 

[RysMomma]

Same here, checking every day. Have been for two maybe three months now, lol. I begin early.

My 'best' price would be Alamo for 14 days from MCO airport for $309, all taxes everything included, for a Full Size. That's based on what I ended up paying per day with all taxes/fees for each one of my three trips last year. Approximately $22 per day...

That's a pretty good rate! Especially for Alamo! Good job!