Help!! all well known car rental companies are booked!

[iwannbindisnee]

all the car companies that mousesavers recommends are booked for 2/15-2/17--I've never had this happen before. My husband needs a car for a conference in Orlando (he's not going to disney or a disney hotel so DME is not an option) Has anyone rented w/ EZ, Eagle or Payless--I have got to get him a car reserved tonight for Thursday morning!! ANy help would be appreciated! Debbie

 

[DawnCt1]

all the car companies that mousesavers recommends are booked for 2/15-2/17--I've never had this happen before. My husband needs a car for a conference in Orlando (he's not going to disney or a disney hotel so DME is not an option) Has anyone rented w/ EZ, Eagle or Payless--I have got to get him a car reserved tonight for Thursday morning!! ANy help would be appreciated! Debbie

I have used Payless in the past, they were fine. The prices will be up there so why not try Priceline and see what you come up with?

 

[iwannbindisnee]

thanks I will. I have never used Priceline--i just went to their site-Do i do the Name your price or just get their quote? Debbie

 

[iwannbindisnee]

I have used Payless in the past, they were fine. The prices will be up there so why not try Priceline and see what you come up with?

do you remember how quickly the shuttle came to get the car? thanks! Deb

 

[CarolA]

Wouldn't waste my time on PL. If the majors are sold out they aren't releasing cars to PL.

Does your DH's company have a contract with a rental car agency? I had this happen for MCO over President's Day weekend and our corpoate TA was able to make the rental car company give me car based on the contract.

Otherwise just keep checking, cancellations do occur, but it's going to be costly (By the way this was the week that L&M told me a Corrolla was a "Full size this week")

 

[iwannbindisnee]

Wouldn't waste my time on PL. If the majors are sold out they aren't releasing cars to PL.

Does your DH's company have a contract with a rental car agency? I had this happen for MCO over President's Day weekend and our corpoate TA was able to make the rental car company give me car based on the contract.

Otherwise just keep checking, cancellations do occur, but it's going to be costly (By the way this was the week that L&M told me a Corrolla was a "Full size this week")

Thanks, Carol--I have not heard of L&M--did you like them (other than their comment about their sizing for the week!). I didn't think I'd run into this problem-of course I have never waited til the last minute to rent a car--I simply forgot whiel planning my trip ealrier this month to WDW & planning his quick work trip. No, he is self employed & going to a convention,so no contract w/ rental agency. Deb

 

[snowy76]

The rental agencies often have several locations in the Orlando area. It's not the greatest plan, but maybe DH can take a taxi to a rental location outside the airport? Someplace like Enterprise is bound to have vehicles available at one of their sites.

 

[CarolA]

Thanks, Carol--I have not heard of L&M--did you like them (other than their comment about their sizing for the week!). I didn't think I'd run into this problem-of course I have never waited til the last minute to rent a car--I simply forgot whiel planning my trip ealrier this month to WDW & planning his quick work trip. No, he is self employed & going to a convention,so no contract w/ rental agency. Deb

I actually walked away from L&M and paid a premium for a car from Hertz. I needed the full size that week and they were horrid on the insurance. Since I didn't have my insurance card they were unwilling to rent to me unless I paid the fees for insurance. Even with a preimum mark up Hertz was cheaper.

 

[iwannbindisnee]

Thanks for the further info, Carol. and for ideas Snowy & Dawn. I'll keep looking & maybe some pixie dust??!! Debbie

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

I always rent cars for our trips on www.hotwire.com - check them!

 

[NotUrsula]

Depending on where he will be staying, there may be a rental car company onsite at his hotel, which will probably have cars. For instance, Gaylord Palms has Hertz, and near the convention center the Peabody has Hertz, the Rosen has Enterprise, and the two Embassy Suites have Avis and Budget, respectively. If he will be near the airport many airport hotels have shuttles; if not, he can take a cab to the nearest off-airport location that does have cars.

You might trying making the ressie by phone rather than online. They should be able to bring up REAL availability numbers and proximity searches for you.
I'd start with those firms that he has a frequent renter relationship with.

For future situations, he really should open a corporate account with his favorite firm. As he's so small it really won't help him on rates much, but it does help in situations like this.