Better than Visa Magic Code?

[CTtwins]

I'm not sure of your exact details but I checked rates for a minivan 6/28 - 7/5 Noon pickup and dropoff:
Alamo - Walmart code 428288 $391.87 This is without any typeof coupon. I think Entertainment book has a one day free coupon. There are other coupons out there that can also bring down the price.

National Visa Code 8572987 - $291. Coupons can reduce that price further also. I did not try Dollar. Good luck!

Thanks to both of you for the suggestions.. it's been really ugly with the rates! I need 3pm to 3pm for 6/28 to 7/5... and I really should be getting the 8 passenger...

I am using the amex code for my May rental .. but that code ends 5/30. I still did try it for my June trip, but it did not work...

All I can think is that the awful rates are because of the fourth of July.. rates are terrible!!! Even the airfare was awful

I have the entertainment book, but honestly, most of the coupons seem so small for the rates I've seen... will try the Visa code.. And will keep the National rental reservation too... I just can't pass that up... Although I hear everyone's arguments, I just can't pass it up.

Thanks!!
.

 

[missesdisney]

I had put this in one of my long posts but just so everyone sees again.

PLEASE be careful of the terms for cancellation if you are booking backup reservations for both the National reservation AND the backup. For anyone saving only a small amount of money, a cancellation fee if National tells you they won't honor the code, or a fee from your backup rental could be more than you were saving in the first place.

For huge savings then it might be worth the cancellation fee risk but just do your research and be informed as you make the decisions.

 

[4havingfun]

As far as calling about a code, if I am unsure about whether I am elible for the code, I will never hesitate to call, especially when conflicting information is posted. In the end, I want to make sure that I am entitled to the code because ignorance is not a defense. I will post my findings if I am in fear of a fellow poster running into a problem that may eventually impact their vacation. If the code gets pulled, then it was not one I should have been using in the first place.

For the poster who questioned a reservation taken over the phone with assurances from the agent that the code was valid to use, I think you have a great argument and I would be extremely mad if National pulled the rate for the code. In the end, I think odds are in your favor but, again, there are no guarantees. It should be a good will gesture on National's part to concede when it is a "he said, she said" situation.

Again, I am providing the worse case scenario so you all know what you could be up against. Best of Luck![/QUOTE]


I am one of the posters who had assurances that the code was valid to use. To be honest if they stopped me at the gate and said, "Sorry there must be some mistake you are not eligible for this code and here is your new rate". I would inform them of my conversation with the booking agent, if they still said sorry, no big deal. I would move on to my back up reservation, nothing lost but a little time and a few dollars. However, it is the accident/insurance issue that is still a concern. I believe the rental company and their employees have a responsibility to ensure eligibilty before releasing the car, not after the fact. I do not think there was any deception on my part when I asked and was granted authority to use the code. However, do I think that if something were to happen that they would try to say the insurance is voided because I was ineligible, you bet. Therefore, the reason for calling and having the agent on the phone change my reservation, so I have some proof of my conversation. I hope that is one of those calls that they taped for trainning purposes.
Personally, my risk level would be to low to just book it over the internet.

 

[kt-scarlett]

I had put this in one of my long posts but just so everyone sees again.

PLEASE be careful of the terms for cancellation if you are booking backup reservations for both the National reservation AND the backup. For anyone saving only a small amount of money, a cancellation fee if National tells you they won't honor the code, or a fee from your backup rental could be more than you were saving in the first place.

For huge savings then it might be worth the cancellation fee risk but just do your research and be informed as you make the decisions.

Thank you for pointing this out. I was not aware of this fee and just checked National's site which says:

In the case of a "no show" of a customer, the reservation will be canceled. National charges a fee on the renters credit card for vehicles that are reserved but not rented, if the reservation was not canceled within 24 hours of the anticipated arrival.

Cancellations are accepted up to one calendar day before reservation date. If the reservation is not cancelled, a No Show Fee of $50.00 (plus applicable taxes, surcharges, and lessor fees) will be charged to the credit card on the Guaranteed Reservation.

 

[mmmgood]

Thank you for pointing this out. I was not aware of this fee and just checked National's site which says:

In the case of a "no show" of a customer, the reservation will be canceled. National charges a fee on the renters credit card for vehicles that are reserved but not rented, if the reservation was not canceled within 24 hours of the anticipated arrival.

Cancellations are accepted up to one calendar day before reservation date. If the reservation is not cancelled, a No Show Fee of $50.00 (plus applicable taxes, surcharges, and lessor fees) will be charged to the credit card on the Guaranteed Reservation.

This is for a "guaranteed reservation" which is different from a regular reservation. A guaranteed reservation is usually just for speciality vehicles and you are required to enter your credit card information to guarantee the reservation. The site will let you know that it is a guaranteed reservation when booking. They hardly ever occur, a standard reservation has no cancellation fees. I think the cancellation fee the previous poster was talking about was the difference between a booking using the code and a booking without the code.

Most likely the only thing National would do is block future reservations with the code, rather than change existing reservations. They do not want to upset a lot of customers.

 

[kt-scarlett]

This is for a "guaranteed reservation" which is different from a regular reservation. A guaranteed reservation is usually just for speciality vehicles and you are required to enter your credit card information to guarantee the reservation. The site will let you know that it is a guaranteed reservation when booking. They hardly ever occur, a standard reservation has no cancellation fees. I think the cancellation fee the previous poster was talking about was the difference between a booking using the code and a booking without the code.

Most likely the only thing National would do is block future reservations with the code, rather than change existing reservations. They do not want to upset a lot of customers.

I am unsure that guaranteed reservations apply to only specialty vehicles. I know that they are *required* for specialty vehicles but, according to National's No Show Policy (for all vehicles) , it applies to any reservation guaranteed with a credit card. Since EA reservations require a credit card, this may mean all EA reservations are guaranteed and subject to the $50 cancellation fee. I hope I am wrong.

No Show

In the case of a "no show" of a customer, the reservation will be canceled. National charges a fee on the renters credit card for vehicles that are reserved but not rented, if the reservation was not canceled within 24 hours of the anticipated arrival.

Cancellations are accepted up to one calendar day before reservation date. If the reservation is not cancelled, a No Show Fee of $50.00 (plus applicable taxes, surcharges, and lessor fees) will be charged to the credit card on the Guaranteed Reservation.

Guaranteed Reservations are required on all specialty vehicles, such as minivan, 4-wheel drive, and convertible car classes at all Corporate locations and at participating licensee locations.

The following credit cards are accepted for Guaranteed Reservations:

* American Express
* Diners Club
* Discover
* Carte Blanche
* MasterCard
* Visa

 

[kristenrice]

Thank you for pointing this out. I was not aware of this fee and just checked National's site which says:

In the case of a "no show" of a customer, the reservation will be canceled. National charges a fee on the renters credit card for vehicles that are reserved but not rented, if the reservation was not canceled within 24 hours of the anticipated arrival.

Cancellations are accepted up to one calendar day before reservation date. If the reservation is not cancelled, a No Show Fee of $50.00 (plus applicable taxes, surcharges, and lessor fees) will be charged to the credit card on the Guaranteed Reservation.

Now, this is what I was wondering...

When I book the car online, entering my coupons and such, it doesn't ask for my CC# to hold the reservation. (I am not a member and don't plan to become one.) If I then "no-show" for my reservation, how would they charge me for it? Would they send me a bill?

My travel plans do not REQUIRE that I have a car, but if I can get one around $100 for the week, I will. I plan on taking the DTS to the Dolphin and rent from their National counter. If they were to tell me that I am ineligible for a code, what penalty would I incur by saying, "Nevermind...I don't NEED the car" and then just returning to the bus stop and continuing on with our vacation? I don't need a backup reservation because I don't need the car. I would LIKE a car because it is easier with 2 little ones, but I am not willing to pay more than $120 for it.

With the *67 code and entertainement coupon, I can get a midsize for about $110. This is perfect for me. Should I book it?

 

[Nightwatch]

Not sure what I am missing but I put 8572957 and get a rate of $334 for a standard size SUV for a week in mid July. Nothing special - what am I missing?

 

[Disneyfanatic108]

If you plug it in as a coupon it will not work. Make sure you put it in as a contract ID.

 

[hetsell]

Alamo dropped its rates today for TPA and it is now $80 cheaper than using the 67 code so I will taker the cheaper and safer option. Alamo doesn't include the insurances but I don't need them so not worth paying the extra money.

 

[rlduvall]

Alamo dropped its rates today for TPA and it is now $80 cheaper than using the 67 code so I will taker the cheaper and safer option. Alamo doesn't include the insurances but I don't need them so not worth paying the extra money.

What codes and timeframe are you talking about? Thanks.

 

[BellaBaby]

Alamo dropped its rates today for TPA and it is now $80 cheaper than using the 67 code so I will taker the cheaper and safer option. Alamo doesn't include the insurances but I don't need them so not worth paying the extra money.

I am flying into TPA as well and don't need the ins. So when are you going and did you use any codes/coupons? I tried my dates (June) and the codes/coupons I knew of and it didn't drop for me.

TIA!!

 

[hetsell]

We are going may 1 - may 17. For the 16 days it was $247 for a mid size and $279 for a full size taxes in. We have decided to go with the full size for the extra $30. I used the AMEX code 7014292 and the $20 off coupon on the alamo site. I also tried the walmart codes and they made it cheap as well, about $15-$20 more than the amex code. My cheapest rate in the past was $325.

 

[mzlee]

I am unsure that guaranteed reservations apply to only specialty vehicles. I know that they are *required* for specialty vehicles but, according to National's No Show Policy (for all vehicles) , it applies to any reservation guaranteed with a credit card. Since EA reservations require a credit card, this may mean all EA reservations are guaranteed and subject to the $50 cancellation fee. I hope I am wrong.

No Show

In the case of a "no show" of a customer, the reservation will be canceled. National charges a fee on the renters credit card for vehicles that are reserved but not rented, if the reservation was not canceled within 24 hours of the anticipated arrival.

Cancellations are accepted up to one calendar day before reservation date. If the reservation is not cancelled, a No Show Fee of $50.00 (plus applicable taxes, surcharges, and lessor fees) will be charged to the credit card on the Guaranteed Reservation.

Guaranteed Reservations are required on all specialty vehicles, such as minivan, 4-wheel drive, and convertible car classes at all Corporate locations and at participating licensee locations.

The following credit cards are accepted for Guaranteed Reservations:

* American Express
* Diners Club
* Discover
* Carte Blanche
* MasterCard
* Visa

I know I forgot to cancel a reservation when I was in Vegas a few months ago and I wasn't charged any "No Show" fee.

 

[BellaBaby]

If your like me, and obsessive about finding the best deal on a car rental, I think you may very well find a better deal (other than the CODE) closer to your dates. It seems like alot of people who are going soon are posting that they've switched to alamo or wherever for a better deal.

So I'm just keeping my ressie w/Natl. for now and keeping an eye out.

We dont leave until 6/4.

 

[Disneyfanatic108]

Also staying with national. Alamo could not come close to national with dates of May 9-26 for a minivan. I also will keep watching but am not to worried about it

 

[tbrenk73]

I know I forgot to cancel a reservation when I was in Vegas a few months ago and I wasn't charged any "No Show" fee.

Did you have a credit card or EC info attached to the reservation?

 

[CTtwins]

Also staying with national. Alamo could not come close to national with dates of May 9-26 for a minivan. I also will keep watching but am not to worried about it

If you have an American Express card... you can use AX07 for a minivan in May through Dollar... I got mine for $177/week ...! maybe that will help you..?

 

[mzlee]

Did you have a credit card or EC info attached to the reservation?

I sure did. I was there 5 days and I didn't think about it until a couple of days later but there was not any charge on my credit card.

 

[jadejazzkayla]

i am emerald executive member. i just made a reservation. the level of service says "EMERALD RESERVE". if i found a car on the executive or emerald aisle area that i like better, can i choose that car or must i choose from the area that i have reserved from? thanks.