Car rental company preferences

[bande]

We have to rent a car for 11 days in Feb. 2012 and I am wondering which companies frequent travellers to Orlando usually book with for their trips. Only looking for a small, economy car, but the rates are so high especially since we have the 4 days extra over a week long rate. Any suggestions would be great.

 

[Sue M]

I like either Budget or Alamo. We arrive in Ft. Lauderdale first to visit family, then drive up to WDW and return car after we check in. We rely on WDW transportation while there. Esp with car rentals being so expensive.

I like those 2 companies, because I've never had a problem with them, they seem to have the best prices, and they have car rental desks in WDW, making it very easy to return the car on property for us.

We reserve using the Costco.com site- Travel link. They offer discounts and bonus coupons, like $25 or $30 off rental. Mousesavers.com has some discount codes out too.

Rental rates change all the time. So just reserve something with your preferred company, then keep checking rates. If a cheaper rate becomes available, you just have to phone and ask for your rate to be adjusted. If It's with another company- you can cancel & re-book.

Some have had good luck with Hotwire- but it's pre paid, so if rates change, you're stuck. I'd save that option for last minute booking.

 

[ABCanada]

We use National. Join the Emerald Club so you get to pick a car from the Emerald aisle and avoid the line. We have gotten great vehicles for very reasonable prices. Depending on when you go it may be best to book the "Last Minute Special Rate".

Rental is fast and easy. Go to the Emerald Aisle, select the vehicle you want, keys are in the door, drive to the kiosk, give them your drivers license and the slip from the dash (charge card the first time only I think) and drive away.

Whichever company you use try the various codes from http://www.mousesavers.com/rentalcar.html . This may also help you to decide which company to go with.

 

[tone.def]

Just like Sue M - I use Budget or Alamo. I normally book directly with the company about 1-2 weeks prior to travel, you can sometimes find last minutes deals on their site.

 

[bankr63]

There are a lot of options available. I personally like National, but my advice is to avoid the really budget places (Dollar etc); the lineups can take forever. Two years ago we did Budget (who I don't consider consider a "budget" rental) and spent an hour in line waiting for an agent. No lineup at National, straight to the row; no line at the checkout. When I'm on vacation every minute I spend doing "chores" is a minute less enjoying myself - what's that worth to you?

Another plus of joining the Emerald Club - free second family driver. Don't have to pay extra for DW to drive the car. The also have the cheapest deal for a toll pass option of all the agencies.

Also, don't consider off-site. Orlando is generally cheaper at the airport (even with the extra fees) because of the stiff competition. Rates are higher away from the airport.

You've got a LOT of time. Keep shopping the rates. Most agencies don't take a card number and there is no cancellation penalty. You can jump around as many times as you like making and breaking reservations.

 

[who's ur daddy?]

Another plus of joining the Emerald Club - free second family driver. Don't have to pay extra for DW to drive the car.

^ This.

If your s/o is planning to take the car once in awhile, you can save bucks by going with National or Budget (assuming prices are similar to your other options). Alamo charges $10 per day for the spouse.

 

[Daddio]

National, for all the same reasons previously mentioned, but price (a significent difference) is always a motivator.

You can also get a feel for prices by going to hotwire.com, then bidding 60% of the Hotwire price at priceline.com. This works occasionally.

Good luck and let us know which way you go and your reasoning.


David