First time flying/renting a car - need help

[Boo Mc]

We're thinking about flying for our Dec. trip (we usually drive). I have found $150 fares on Spirit. First, does anyone think these will go lower or can I get a lower fare elsewhere (flying from Detroit to Orlando). Second, does anyone know of a great rate for a rental car Dec. 5-17? We don't need anything fancy but a four door would help. Thanks so much!

 

[safetymom]

Have you looked on www.mousesavers.com for rental car codes. There will be some that you can try applying to your rental and see if it lowers the price. That is a good price for tickets so I would buy them before the price goes up.

 

[DiznEeyore]

We usually fly Spirit out of Detroit and $150 is an excellent price. (We're flying Northwest in October because Spirit's price was over $300 and NWA was only $185.)

As far as car rentals, I just posted on the transportation board that Alamo has a new code out good through the end of the year that got us a midsize for $165. Rate code is QV.

HTH!

 

[wahaha1]

$150 sounds not bad.

However, I got American Airlines roundtrip ticket at $130 from San Francisco - Orlando for this labor day long weekend. The fare class is L.

 

[mad4themouse]

$150 RT from Detroit to MCO sounds like a great fare. I'm paying $170 (before taxes and surcharges) for Philly to MCO next summer.

As far as rental cars go, Mousesavers.com will have some great tips on how to combine contract numbers and coupon codes to get a great deal.

Keep in mind that the following car rental companies are right in the airport:
Car Rental Companies at Orlando International Airport

On Airport - Level 1 (A & B sides)

Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, L & M, National

Any other companies will require that you take a shuttle bus from the airport to their remote location to do your paperwork and get your car. They can be cheaper but it can eat up a lot of time

Make sure that the price that is quoted to you includes all taxes and surcharges. There are a bundle of them and they can really add up! The car companies that are right in the airport have additional fees tacked on just for being in the airport. Sometimes, the convenience of getting your car right there is worth the extra cost.

Do not take the added insurance if your own car insurance covers you when driving a rental. If renting from L&M, take a copy of your insurance policy as proof. They won't let you drop their insurance without it.

Remember to check for unlimited mileage and the companies policy for returning the car without a full tank of gas. The price they charge for extra miles and refilling the car may shock you!

Find the best price that you can right now and book it. Then, keep checking back for more rate codes and discounts. The great thing about car rentals is that you can make a reservation and cancel it without a penalty. And there is no need to place a deposit when you make the reservation...just the number of the credit card you will be using for the rental.

Oh, and by the way, you will need a credit card to rent the car. Most will accept final payment using a debit card but the initial rental must be with a credit card.

 

[ceecee]

I'd say the airfare was good. We paid $166.00 from Dayton (OH) to Orlando. As far as rental cars I have never been able to find a great deal....we just just the Disney transportation. My husband doesn't like to drive on vacation anyway.

 

[Beast fan]

BUY THE AIRLINE TICKETS FOR $150! The last 2 times we (DW, DS5 and DS3, and I) have flown, it's either been from FNT and TOL (because of price).

 

[Boo Mc]

Thanks for your help everyone! I just booked the flight and even saved $10 per ticket for booking via internet. The total with fees etc. was $161.50 for each of us. Thanks also for the rental car info. Especially appreciate knowing which companies are in the airport. Since we'll have two kids with us we'll probably try to get the car there instead of going off-site. I'll check Mousesavers too and hopefully we'll come up with a good deal. Thanks again!