Do I need to keep my 2nd reservation?

[andrews_dad]

I have two identical ressies for a trip on 4/17.... one from Thrifty and one from Dollar. Exact same time, exact same $$, exact same car type. Do I cancel one now? Do I cancel one once I pick the other up? If so, which of the two is better? Flying in on US Air.

 

[auger]

Totally up to you.
I, personally, keep a back-up reservation anytime I rent a car.
That way, if there is an unforeseen snag in the first, I can fall back on the second.
Otherwise, I know I will have to pay a walk-up rate, which is going to be crazy high.

 

[seashoreCM]

It is not kosher to maintain multiple reservations that cannot or will not be used simultaneously for longer than it takes to cancel the first after making the second.

But, to the extent that providers (car rental companies, etc.) are responsible for snags, the providers themselves are responsible for the proliferation of duplicate reservations.

 

[wdw4rfam]

I always keep 2 until I pick it up. I have twice gone and they don't have a van, and try to pawn off a SUV on me. No, I rented a van. We are driving to FL I don't want all 3 kids sitting next to each other for 16 hours. Both times they apologize and pretty much say oh well. Now I bought a new van and wont be messing with it anymore. But I learned reserving a car means nothing. I always keep a back up. I do cancel as soon as I realize that I won't be needing it.

 

[andrews_dad]

I always keep 2 until I pick it up. I have twice gone and they don't have a van, and try to pawn off a SUV on me. No, I rented a van. We are driving to FL I don't want all 3 kids sitting next to each other for 16 hours. Both times they apologize and pretty much say oh well. Now I bought a new van and wont be messing with it anymore. But I learned reserving a car means nothing. I always keep a back up. I do cancel as soon as I realize that I won't be needing it.

Wow. Thanks. Exactly the imfo I needed. I MUST have a mini van. That is what I rented. I have 4 adults, 2 car seats, a double stroller, and a wheelchair. It all fits (tightly) in a Town and Country but I can't get it all in for any SUV.