Budget - "Fastbreak"

[K P & J's Grandma]

I made reservation on-line at Budget - I used a coupon from the Entertainment book & got a good rate. Later I went back to the Budget site & decided to sign up for their "Fastbreak" service. I got my customer number right away. I tried to re-book but when I put my number in - I get sent to a different screen & I don't seem to find a place to put in the coupon number - so the rate is higher -- has anyone else run into this problem??? Would like to get the original rate & use the Fastbreak. Maybe I will have to call Budget.

 

[SalandJeff]

I reserved our car last night and found this to be true also. Someone had posted the info below on mousesavers. The 2nd paragraph was just added to the site.

"...However, reader Dan B reports, "If you belong to Budget's FastBreak program, which gives you the best service and quick rental at the airport, you will NOT be able to use BCD codes on your rental at their web site. Even worse, the rates they offer FastBreak customers seem much higher than most. I suggest logging yourself off of your FastBreak login, then try various BCD codes until you get the price you want, then make your reservation, again, without logging into FastBreak. Then, when you have a confirmation, call Budget and ask the reservationist to add your FastBreak info to your reservation and be SURE to confirm your quoted web price with them before you hang up. That way, you get your discounted rates, FastBreak credit AND you get your fast check-in at the airport."

Another reader, John K, points out that this is because "a BCD code is part of your FastBreak profile. In order to change the BCD code ... you need to change your profile. The easiest [way] seems to be calling 800-BUDGET-4 (800-283-4384) and giving them your Budget Customer Number (BCN#) and telling them the BCD code you would like to use. I've found the easiest thing to do is, as Dan B. says, log off FastBreak [and] check rates with any/all BCD codes you can find.... then call the above number and have your profile changed to the best BCD code, and only then make your reservation [online]. I just had my profile updated and within a few minutes I was able to make a reservation. The new BCD code is listed in my confirmation and it reflects the discounted price.... I feel better knowing I have a printed confirmation with the BCD code and the discounted price."

 

[frstimer128]

I just booked with Budget up here in CT and I used a code found on Mousesavers in the same section as mentioned above by SalandJeff. I did not sign up for FastBreak, but tried out a couple different codes and found that the Walmart one in the Atlas to give the best rates.

I am renting a car from my home to the airport which is the cheapest way to go for me. I think it is only $40 including a booster for my DD. The airport is over an hour away and in NY so traffic is unpredictable. Since our flight leaves at 8 am so I couldn't stand to ask family to drive. I am happy so far with Budget.

 

[K P & J's Grandma]

I called Budget this morning - the gal put our Fastbreak number on the reservation - she said that the price did not change. I went back on-line to check our reservation - the price was the same but couldn't find any thing about Fastbreak - So - I hope that this is all set & we can just go & pick out our car without having to go to the counter.

 

[lkohawaii]

Someone explain to me how fastbreak works please. I'll be renting ins San Fran and L.A. so do I stilll get to bypass the counter? Is it worth all the trouble to get the fastbreak onto my ressie. I don't plan on traveling that much.

 

[SalandJeff]

Fastbreak is comparable to National's Emerald Aisle if you are familiar with that. You bypass the counter, just go to the garage and pick a car from the designated area and show your license, credit card & any coupons when you drive out of the garage.

You have to check each location you will be renting from to see if they have this service at that airport. It only takes a couple of minutes to sign up on line and to call the reservations office and have them add it took less than 5 mins...very easy. It doesn't cost anything, so why not! They should also be able to tell you if fastbreak is available at your rental locations.

 

[lkohawaii]

Thanks SalandJeff. All those instructions posted seemed so complicated. I guess I'll just get my price then try to put on my FastBreak number. If my price goes up then I'll rethink the value of it. My rent a car keeps coming down because I'm not going to June...so I guess closer to then I'll call for FastBreak. Thanks again.

 

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

I have used fastbreak several times and have got great rates. But this is what I do. I start checking about a year before I want to rent. Since this is an annual orlando trip I am able to do this. When I get a good rate I book it. I continue to check then if it drops I book the new rate then drop the old reservation.

I currently have a rate with taxes of 146.00 for the dates of May 22-29 of 2005. Before taxes it was 108 for a fullsize vehicle. In my opinion that is a very good rate. I got this rate about 2 months ago and I have not seen it since. And this was with the fastbreak. For the dates i have always needed a rental any of the codes I have used have never been cheaper than just using fastbreak.

So it is my suggestion use the fastbreak. It is a fabulous feature. The ability to get on my way so quickly and start my vacation is wonderful.