Budget - Anyone?

[KarenP99]

I've always used Dollar, but and thinking about switching to Budget to save a few bucks.

Would anyone care to share their experiences?

Thanks!
Karen

 

[PatMcDuck]

I posted the Budget code....... but once had a bad experience. 2-3 years ago you had to put down your credit card to hold your reservation. If you cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, they could charge you for one day. I double booked with Dollar, and never cancelled it. (meant to, just forgot) So we arrived, and went to Budget. There was a LONG line, but we waited, as we did not want to be charged that one day for not cancelling. We get to the front, and get into an argument about the extended length minivan charge. Finally we say, ok, ok, we will pay it, and THEN they tell us we will have to wait 90 minutes for a minivan! WHAT? We asked for the next largest vehicle, something. This was after being online for 40 minutes! So we left, warning the line they were out of vans! We got nowhere, so we walked over to Dollar, and had our minivan in 15 minutes. They said there was a problem because of a storm, it made no sense, no other copanies had a problem (it was sunny and clear outside).

BUT I have used they with no problem as well. So, we will try again in August, to get that $199 minivan. I am sure there are stories about every company. We did speak to supervisors the next day, to followup on the Budget mess, believe it or not. But I would take National anyday, but can't pay $600 for a minivan to be loyal!

 

[DVC-Don]

We have used Budget and Dollar several times. I'd take the low bidder for your stay.

 

[inkkognito]

We've used them a couple of times to Port Canaveral and once in the WDW area (got them through Priceline for that one). The line wasn't bad at MCO compared to some of the other counters. Their cars tend to have higher miles and be more dinged up, but I can live with that if the price is right and they run okay. They weren't obnoxious about pushing the insurance, either.
Barb

 

[hulabird]

Had a ressie for a minivan through Dollar for 8/21-8/31 using KISS3 code for a total of $436.00 for the 10 days, but just switched to Budget using another code found on mousesavers and now my total is $400.05.

 

[4formickey]

useing budget is not hard. we have a full size care for 6days at a rate of $143.44 plus we are getting a free up grade with a coupon that we found on their web site.

 

[KarenP99]

Budget it is.

I just got a response from customer service.

With fastlane membership, I can go to the get the car and my husband CAN drive, no extra charge...and he doesn't have to be present at time of pickup (he can be doing luggage pickup)

With Dollar it cost extra AND he would have to go to the counter with me and show id, sign off etc.

Karen

 

[JKLLady]

We just used Budget; picked-up @ Port Canaveral on 07/01 & dropped off @ Doubletree Guest Suites (DTD hotels) on 07/07. They gave us a new Taurus SES with 12,000 miles on it; ran fine & gave us over 23 miles per gallon. I used an Entertainment Book coupon, and paid $188.00, including all taxes. I'd use them again if the price was right. In our case, price & location were right.......we used their shuttle from the Port to their Astronaut Blvd. location; quick & easy!

 

[inkkognito]

They seem to really favor those Tauruses to/from Port Canaveral. The only two times we've ever done that, we booked an economy both times and both times that was what we were upgraded to. We really liked the huge trunk.
Barb

 

[airhead]

we had a brand new Ford Focus for 12 days for $230. USE FastBreak!!! Its so easy and it will save you LOTS of time!!!!

 

[KarenP99]

Do you mind posting your experience with Fast Break? What is the process for picking up the car at MCO, how about the drop off?

Thanks, it would be a help.

 

[airhead]

After you pick up your luggage,follow the signs for car rentals. (its well marked). Right as you get to the Budget counter(there's probably gonna be a wicked long line there)look to your left and you'll see a door leading to the parking garage. Cross the street into the garage and follow the signs for Budget. Wicked EASY!!

Drop off is easy too. I took the Toll road back to the airport. Very easy and NO TRAFFIC! When you get to the airport,make sure you go to the right terminal. There will be a sign for rental returns.Now,I decided to check my luggage BEFORE returning the car. Just follow the signs for your Airline departure,do the curbside checkin and then you basically drive in a circle ,where you'll see the sign(arrow will point left) to car rental returns. VERY EASY!

 

[KarenP99]

Thanks for the info, but forgive me...it seems *too* easy...

Is there a booth for the fastbreak users out in the garage? So you don't have to go to the counter inside at all?

Karen

 

[airhead]

The signs will takes you right to the booth in the garage! You can't mess up! Don't bother with the counter inside,just go to the booth in the garage.

PS. Make sure you fill out the FastBreak application WAY in advance of your trip!

 

[KarenP99]

Already done, thanks for your help!