How far ahead can you reserve a car/minivan?

[CarolMN]

Just trying to get a budget together for a December 2004 trip. Yes, it's a bit early! I like to start looking early, because it seems like I have better luck getting low rates if I book a long way in advance.

Anyway, when I tried to check National, it told me that no cars were available. I'm assuming they just are not booking that far ahead. So, anyone know how far ahead National opens their reservations? Is it like the airlines, 330 days ahead?

Thanks for any help.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I believe it is 365 days ahead for the return date, not the pickup date.

 

[CarolMN]

Thanks - looks like I will have to wait a few weeks.

 

[minster22]

I remember when I was first trying to book a car with National for our April/May trip I started right at the 365 day point and all the rates were very high. Of course I have made a small career out of checking rental rates and found the best so far at about the 10 month point and still have not done any better. I have another trip booked for October ( we just joined DVC ) and are looking for a minivan this time and rates are steep right now so will just keep checking with all those codes from mousesavers!!

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by minster22
I remember when I was first trying to book a car with National for our April/May trip I started right at the 365 day point and all the rates were very high. Of course I have made a small career out of checking rental rates and found the best so far at about the 10 month point and still have not done any better....(snip).......

That matches my experience. Made the reservation last March for our December 2003 trip. Have a rate of $125, including taxes and fees. That's for a week in a full size from National. Used AARP code and a $20 Entertainment coupon. Haven't been able to find anything better since. (Could have done a little better if I used the old DC code, but I decided early on not to renew it for the rest of 2003).