How can this be?

[mickey916]

So, a long time ago, I booked a rental from Alamo for our stay this coming April and used a code I found for Walmart customers or some such thing which gave me a $50 discount approx. The total for the ten days came to $486. Today I was just bored and out of curiosity went back to Alamo and plugged in my same dates, same vehicle status, but no coupon code. The total came back for the same ten days at $262. What's the deal? I thought I must have made a mistake but everything is exactly the same. So, I canceled the $486 reservation and kept the $262. Anyone have any thoughts as to why the huge discrepancy? (Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to have just saved over $220.)

 

[agnes!]

Happens to me all the time. Sometimes I even check the day we leave. I plug in all the codes, no codes, coupons, no coupons... We have a car over Christmas and last time I checked the price I was able to shave $100 off.

agnes!

 

[SnackyStacky]

It's ALWAYS best to check the regular rates before entering ANY discounts.

I think it's just in the way the prices with the various outlets are negotiated.

 

[DebbieB]

So, a long time ago, I booked a rental from Alamo for our stay this coming April and used a code I found for Walmart customers or some such thing which gave me a $50 discount approx. The total for the ten days came to $486. Today I was just bored and out of curiosity went back to Alamo and plugged in my same dates, same vehicle status, but no coupon code. The total came back for the same ten days at $262. What's the deal? I thought I must have made a mistake but everything is exactly the same. So, I canceled the $486 reservation and kept the $262. Anyone have any thoughts as to why the huge discrepancy? (Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to have just saved over $220.)

It's typical for rates to drop closer to the date if they have high inventory available. $486 sounds really high for 10 days.

 

[dudspizza]

I book a rate that I can live with, but then I check almost daily to see if rates go down. I bet I cancel and rebook at least a dozen times per trip..... I have done this right up until the day I fly.

Duds

 

[Allison]

Supply and demand. Prices are going to vary based on current bookings, inventory, etc.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

In addition to what most have said above, most coupons require certain rate buckets to be valid, not that disimilar to Disney Free Dining, sure you can get Free Dining, but you have to book Rack Rate. For rental cars, sure you can use a coupon, but you may have to pay a higher rate to start with.

It's always best to get a quote without any discounts, then depending on the programs you are enrolled in and discounts that your are eligible, try a few different combinations.

 

[FINFAN]

Christmas time....miracles happen. Enjoy your trip!

 

[mickey916]

It's typical for rates to drop closer to the date if they have high inventory available. $486 sounds really high for 10 days.

I thought it was high too but the first quote I got was over $800! I was booking early because I knew it was Spring Break week in New England and wanted to make sure I got a reservation. I also thought that was why it was so high. I wasn't thrilled with $486 but it was better than $800, now I'm much more comfortable with $260 but thanks to everyone's advice, I'll keep looking for even a better rate. Thanks everyone!