do you have to take the car???

[kitcat1]

We are looking at booking either a fly drive or package deal and are wondering if you have to take the car they offer you as the insurance seems to be dearer than if you book your own car. Do travel companies penalize you, we are looking at first choice or thompson going beginning of June??

Thanks,

Cath

 

[anthony2k7]

Iv wondered this as well.

Flydrives have the benefit of only needing to pay a deposit initially over booking a flight direct - but maybe we dont want the car!

I've read that some charge some kind of fee if you tell them you dont want the car. But what happens if you accidently "forget" to pick up the car?

 

[Goofyish]

We have booked fly-drives 3 times and just not picked up the car (remember not to pay for the insurance).

 

[wayneg]

I can only tell you about Virgin Packages and Flydrives, never used other companies.
VH package it is an option, you don't need to take any car.
VH flydrive its part of the conditions you take a car but many including myself have not collected the car, if you tell them upfront there is an "unpackaging" fee added to your invoice, don't tell them and you should not get charged. Don't know anyone yet that has been charged but read a few posts recently saying they are going to clamp down on it.
If you don't want the car or want to book your own have you looked at flight only? 9 times out of 10 its the cheapest way but not always.

 

[gbrchill]

VH flydrive its part of the conditions you take a car but many including myself have not collected the car, if you tell them upfront there is an "unpackaging" fee added to your invoice, don't tell them and you should not get charged. Don't know anyone yet that has been charged but read a few posts recently saying they are going to clamp down on it.

If they were to clamp down on this I wonder how many people would consider collecting the keys and then returning them there and then. Thus complying with the collection of the car and also causing bigger queues at the rental desk, because they probably aren't set up to handle the return at the same time.

Chris

 

[Goofyish]

One of the main benefits of booking a fyldrive over flight only is being able to book earlier than the 11 months window for flight only. Plus you only need to pay a deposit and not the whole flight costs.

Not sure but a flydrive is also classed as a 'package holiday' so you are fully ATOL protected, which if just booking a flight only direct with the airline you aren't (if booked through some travel agents you do get some protection).

 

[wayneg]

If they were to clamp down on this I wonder how many people would consider collecting the keys and then returning them there and then. Thus complying with the collection of the car and also causing bigger queues at the rental desk, because they probably aren't set up to handle the return at the same time.

Chris

Something I have never thought about but 1st thought that comes to mind is Rental companies have it their T&C's they reserve the right to charge a fee for early returns, I have not read the full wording but its something I came across a few weeks ago looking for some other info.
Hopefully there will be a way around it if they enforced their fees but at end of day they are selling a flydrive, not a flight only.

 

[kitcat1]

The reason we are opting for fly drive or a package is its a lot cheaper this way than booking directly with a tour operator for just a flight. Last week we saw flights, car and accomodation for 2 people for under £600 departing a week later but we cannot go until the beginning of June, today I saw the same for 15th May for £680 so am just waiting for June dates, getting quite excited but also a bit anxious as we only have enough money for about this price so am just hoping the prices remain low for a last minute deal

I surf the net constantly looking for new deals so hopefully, nearer the time, I will come accross something.

Cath

 

[wayneg]

Last week we saw flights, car and accomodation for 2 people for under £600 departing a week later but we cannot go until the beginning of June, today I saw the same for 15th May for £680
Cath

These prices for both of you? £300pp?

 

[kitcat1]

Yes Wayne, for 2 people. Last week was on Friday I think with First choice, last minute deals and today is with Thomas cook holidays, same company I think. Amazin deals, just hope they will last!!!!!

Cath

 

[wayneg]

Yes Wayne, for 2 people. Last week was on Friday I think with First choice, last minute deals and today is with Thomas cook holidays, same company I think. Amazin deals, just hope they will last!!!!!

Cath

Sorry Cath I got confused, thought you were looking at next year. Yes there are some great deals last minute just now, I posted offer recently for flight only with First Choice for £164. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2146420
Good luck.

 

[kitcat1]

Wayne, if you see anything similar then let us know, we are looking at end of May beginning June for 2 weeks. Thanks a lot.

Cath