? for Alamo experts

[Twende]

I am trying to book a car in Atlanta. Poor DD has to have surgery and I need a way to get to her from the airport.

I finally got plane tickets after shopping around for a hour or so but when I went back to the codes and dates that I put into Alamo...the price had gone up about $30 some.

Does Alamo change their prices that often, like over a three hour period?

I tried a number of different codes. Could I have pushed the rate up by it simply looking like there was a rush of people trying to rent from that location?

I figure I will wait until this evening and try it all again.

Is there a time of day that their rates seem to be the lowest?

 

[Twende]

I am still looking for help on this.

I am going to try early in the morning and see if the prices drop a bit.

 

[bavaria]

Not to worry, your checking didn't result in the rate increase - you personally did not have that much of an impact on their inventory managment.

I like to check out orbitz.com and sidestep.com for rental rates - you may want to try those sites. Are you booking weekday or weekend? there can be a very significant difference on weekdays ie much higher.

I also suggest hotwire.com for car rentals as it's a very safe option - they use the major players and you see the price before you book. Typically their rates go down very last minute.

You may also want to check out flyertalk.com and visit the rental car forums - there are usually rate code threads there which may give you a better discount.

Hope that helps!

 

[Twende]

Thank you so much bavaria! I will try those today and see if it helps reduce the price.

I need a car for two weeks starting and ending on a Wednesday from the Atlanta airport. Something compact would be fine as long as DD can sit in the passenger seat with her leg completely straight.

DH was looking on priceline last night but I am going to be using a Visa Debit card and I am nto sure how some of the rental companies do with those. I know that Alamo will accept it because we used Alamo at MCO in May of this year.

 

[bavaria]

The Wed pickup may be the greatest challenge in getting a good rate. If you can find a rate you can live with, you may want to still monitor Hotwire. Typically their rates drop a few days in advance of the rental. Two years ago I paid $11/day for a midsize at MCO.

 

[keishashadow]

As long as you don't prepay, you won't get penalized if you cancel or alter a ressie...suggest you book something to be covered.

I've seen Alamo's rates change in a matter of minutes (when I hesitated & lost a great rate in the past). Lots of the codes/coupons are supposedly capacity controlled as to demand.

good luck.