Car rental price fluctuations

[ms.yt]

I checked yesterday for a rental car from 7/19-7/23 and the rate was around $115 for Enterprise, and today it's $294. What gives? Will it go back down or did I really screw up by not booking yesterday?

 

[mrebuck]

I checked yesterday for a rental car from 7/19-7/23 and the rate was around $115 for Enterprise, and today it's $294. What gives? Will it go back down or did I really screw up by not booking yesterday?

I don't think anyone can predict where car rental prices will go. August rates also dropped dramatically yesterday for a short time. At lunchtime, I booked 8/9-19 Alamo for $206 (with taxes). By 5:30, it was back up to $450. I've never seen fluctuations that large in such a short time period.

 

[poohbear8]

Yes, I have seen car prices change daily and sometimes 2x during the day. Keep checking and next time it is a price you will pay, book it. You can always rebook if you catch a drop again. I have rebooked many times before my actual trip arrives.

 

[gmeh1]

I checked yesterday for a rental car from 7/19-7/23 and the rate was around $115 for Enterprise, and today it's $294. What gives? Will it go back down or did I really screw up by not booking yesterday?

Supply and demand. I will bet you were not the only one seeing that low price yesterday. When a low rate like that comes up and they fill, it is over for awhile. Keep on checking. You cannot ever tell if it will go down again.

 

[DebbieB]

They adjust based on available inventory. When the prices go down, people who are watching them jump on them and that reduces available inventory and forces the price back up.

 

[gmeh1]

They adjust based on available inventory. When the prices go down, people who are watching them jump on them and that reduces available inventory and forces the price back up.

Exactly!!