Budget rental issue & question about Alamo

[walter]

Recently we visited Orlando and rented for the first time with Budget Rental Car. Everything was great until this week when we were charged $21 for the use of an epass that we did not use and paid cash for the tolls. When we called Budget, we did not get an answer and requested to speak to a supervisor, but were told they were busy and would receive a return call, but it has been three days with no return call.

We use to rent with Alamo, but last year when we went to pick up the car, they told us that the spouse was no longer free.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Also does anyone have some decent codes for rental car discounts Jan. 2017?

 

[NinaBella]

If the mini e-pass (sticker) was installed on the windshield behind the rear view mirror the toll sensors would read it unless you went through a cash only lane with no sensor. The lanes that take cash and say sunpass/e-pass has sensors. The mini passes are installed as a sticker that can't be removed or turn on or off at will. So you essentially are paying double using cash and the sensor reading the e-pass.

USAA members can save up to 25% on rental cars. Discount code on their website under shopping and discounts.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

If you are looking now for a Jan rental you are looking way too early. The closer your travel dates gets the cheaper the rate will be.
If you are a member of Costco and book using the Costco Alamo code the spouse is free just show his/her ID to the person in the check out booth.

 

[seashoreCM]

Do you have receipts for the cash tolls?

Just one misreading of your car or your driving through an electronic lane is enough to trigger your "acceptance" of the rental company's toll paying option.

 

[chimilady]

If you are looking now for a Jan rental you are looking way too early. The closer your travel dates gets the cheaper the rate will be.
If you are a member of Costco and book using the Costco Alamo code the spouse is free just show his/her ID to the person in the check out booth.

That hasn't been the case at all for the folks who are travelling in August. Those who booked months ago have a much better rate than us last minute folks. Just sayin...

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Aug it the peak travel season for Orlando not so much so in Jan as Jan is the lower crowd levels. Hence the better rates that we are able to get when we go. Jan rates for a week run about $90 = $110 for a mid size. I don't book my Jan rental till a week or two before we go.

 

[cats mom]

Do you know what toll rules are for Budget? Last time I checked they charged a $3.95 administrative fee per day, plus the cost of tolls at the highest rate. Would that add up to the $21 fee you were hit with?

With some companies (not sure whether Budget is one of them) toll fees automatically kick in the first time you pass through any booth, so paying cash isn't even an option.... well, it is, but you end up paying extra because they charge their fees on top of whatever you already paid. Stupid and unfair IMHO, but it is what it is. You really have to pay attention to toll rules with rental car companies.

When we were in FL a couple of months ago I had cars reserved with both Alamo and Dollar. My rate was better with Dollar, but I found their toll options ridiculous, so I went with Alamo instead and we saved money in the long run just because of toll rules.

 

[Stephanator]

I recommend booking with Costco as well if you're a member! I work in the travel industry and still get better rates on the Costco Travel website over my own discounts. They have built-in discount offers on their booking engine. If not, be sure to think of any discount you may be able to use.... Groupon has rates, AARP, Entertainment Book coupons (ask your friends if they have one), etc...

Go ahead and book a rental car now and keep checking every few weeks to see if the rate goes down. As long as you don't book a pre-paid rate, you can always cancel/rebook a new rate as it is offered. I often rebook my car twice between the initial planning of a trip and up until the week before I leave.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

The Dis boards has a transportation board- I saved hundreds on a 10 day rental using an Alamo Vegas Brasil code. If you do a search for that, it should come up. Check the transportation board to be sure codes are active and being honored.