Great prices at National for Jan 2003

[akasleepingbeauty]

Last night I happened to check car rental prices on Orbitz for our January 25 - Feb 1, 2003 trip. I don't usually use the travel sites since I prefer going straight to the car rental company sites but I check occasionally just to get a good overview of prices for all sizes/all companies.

Anyway, the prices for our week at National showed $199.99 for basically all of the cars (standard, full size, premium, luxury, minivan, convertible, SUV). I was so surprised since although I had checked prices for full-size (via the Emerald Aisle) already I had not bothered checking the others since they are usually so much more expensive. I was then able to apply my DC discount which brought my price down to $159.99. So, with taxes/fees I am paying $204 for the week and I get to go straight to the Minivan Aisle - no waiting at the counter - yippee!!

We used L&M for our trip a few weeks ago and got a similar price on our minivan. We were satisfied with our experience but did have to wait in line and only had Kia Sedonas and Mercury Villagers. Our Sedona was fine for a rental but I would prefer something else next time. This way we get our choice from the Aisle and hopefully that will work out well for us. Also, L&M could not give us a reservation that far in advance for some reason.

I sure wish I had a coupon of some sort to apply also but I have not found one yet that is effective through that time period. If anyone knows of one, please let me know!


Rhonda

 

[renzdr]

I saw that same deal. Could you please tell me how exactly you apply you DC discount. I couldn't find anywhere to enter it. Thanks

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

To enter the DC discount, you need to enter the DC contract ID (it should be with your paperwork - it starts with 590) in the contract ID field on the initial reservation screen (look right below the coupon box). Once you get the quote, you should see a line designating the DC discount amount (it is generally coming up at about 20% right now).

Hope that helps,
Rhonda

 

[KathyR]

renzdr-
To apply the DC discounts enter the coupon in the coupon code box and the contract ID in the contract ID box. You may need to remove codes or an ID already in the box.

To get the coupon code and contract ID, just log into the disneyclub website and search for national car. Then click on the 2 offers and print the coupon 2 times. One for you to have (for your records) and one for the person checking you in/out in case they do ask for it.

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

Just an FYI, currently DC does not currently offer a coupon which is effective through January 2003. I am hoping they have one soon but so far I have not been able to find any National coupons effective for those dates.


Rhonda

 

[renzdr]

Thank you both for your help with the DC discount. IT WORKED !!
Reserved a SUV. Your great !!

 

[KarenT]

I just checked for a minivan for our Feb 2003 trip. Sure enough $199. was the fare for 10 days, then when I went to reserve it a message came up that said that the fare changed while I was checking the "details" of the van. It went up to $489. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!!! In the 45 seconds it took me to look up what kind of a van it was the price shot up $290.




KarenT

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

Karen,

That does sound quite strange. I would keep checking and see if it doesn't come back down. Did you try both the National site as well as the travel sites like Orbitz? That may find you something also.

I would keep trying because maybe it was some kind of glitch - seems like a very extreme increase in just a few moments time.

Good luck!

 

[KarenT]

I tried it again right now and it did the same thing. It must be some sort of bait and switch thing. I don't know. I reserved with Dollar instead.





KarenT

 

[chris1gill]

I got SO excited reading this post, only to find our dates are not on sale like this!!! I did see where the January dates were on sale, but we're going the week before thanksgiving & the prices are still really high... Congrats to everyone that can grab this deal, even the luxury cars are on sale for 199.00!!

 

[kenman64]

I just reserved a 15 passengers Van from InterAmerica car rental through Orbitz for a week in august for $370.

Had anyone rented for InterAmerica before and how are their services?
I received confirmation # from Orbitz for the reservation. Any inputs would be appreciated.

 

[Snurk71]

I can't get National's site to let me reserve a minivan with using Emerald Aisle - it sends me to the counter. Does anyone have any tips for me? Thanks! (I'm using the DC discounts.)