I going to try priceline any advise?

[ain0004]

We are leaving Friday. Should be arriving at Tampa around 10:30pm give or take. I was hoping rentals would come down. But instead its not. My cheapest rate is with National @ $383 with KLM code. Which is about 38/day for a minivan. Which is not terrible, but not a decent price. So I have made up my mind. If I can't get a good rate by tomorrow evening, I am bidding on priceline. If feel like I am throwing money away, when I got a minivan for 150 with taxes with Alamo last November.

Here are my concerns. What if my flight is delayed? Will it matter if I am late picking up the rental? IF I get a company that includes an extra driver (spouse for free) can I still get it if I booked with priceline? One last thought has anyone rented an wished they didn't?

Thanks!

 

[Chief Powhatan]

I have bid and won on many cars and hotel rooms through Priceline. As long as I have arrived on the same day, picking up the car later than the scheduled time has never been an issue for me.

 

[ain0004]

Thanks for your reply. I am going to try bid on one after work.

 

[nacho113]

You have a few days, start by bidding low (maybe 1/2 what you have already booked) and then try a little higher (or a different class of vehicle) at your next bidding opportunity (24 hours later). Remember that whatever you bid is BEFORE taxes and fees which can be a large chunk of your final price.

Since you don't know which rental company that you will get with Name Your Own Price, you probably will not get the extras you are looking for like the extra driver for free etc.
FYI, if you are using your credit card for the LDW insurance that it may offer, this is usually no longer covered since you are not charging the car rental to your card, you are paying a third party (Priceline) to rent the car for you.

 

[dennise]

A couple of years ago we missed our connecting flight and didn't arrive until the next morning, I called the rental company and there was no problem as they told me they hold the car for 24 hours. If using PL and a credit card, are you covered by the credit card for insurance?

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

A couple of years ago we missed our connecting flight and didn't arrive until the next morning, I called the rental company and there was no problem as they told me they hold the car for 24 hours. If using PL and a credit card, are you covered by the credit card for insurance?

There's a risk you may not be covered. You would need to check your card. For example, my Amex would not cover this but I do have one card that does

You will not get the perks like "extra driver" or "skip the counter" if you use PL.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

.............

You will not get the perks like "extra driver" or "skip the counter" if you use PL.

I have, renting through Priceline name your price for Avis, where I am a preferred member.

 

[ain0004]

I won! 269.15 for a minivan rental total of a 10 day rental. Ends up to be with Alamo! So I do like we can pick our minivan! I am an insider member. I will try to add DH as a extra driver for free. I do not know if it will work. I have seen other posters say it does. but I am prepared to be the only one that drives. It was over 110 less than my best rate. So I feel so far it was a good move. 110.00 can buy alot of mickey bars. I hope it goes smoothly.
Only question. Can you print out a alamo insider card?