June 2011 Car Rental - California - HELP!

[Muddy Rivers]

We would like to fly in to San Francisco and leave from LAX in June. Most codes I see are for Florida car rentals. Understandable as this is a WDW Board. However the Disneyland part of the Discussion Board does not have a separate Transportation thread otherwise I would post it there.

Can anyone help me out with any codes applicable in Calif. or any advice.

Many Thanks!

 

[azdizzymom]

We would like to fly in to San Francisco and leave from LAX in June. Most codes I see are for Florida car rentals. Understandable as this is a WDW Board. However the Disneyland part of the Discussion Board does not have a separate Transportation thread otherwise I would post it there.

Can anyone help me out with any codes applicable in Calif. or any advice.

Many Thanks!

mousesavers.com has codes that aren't florida specific
If you have Costco or BJ's card they have codes/coupons for all over the country.
lots of people also talk about carrentalsavers.com

 

[Muddy Rivers]

Thank you. I am trying all of the applicable Mousesavers codes. Unfortunately, even with the codes, California car rentals are substantially higher than Florida, even taking out the one way charges.

Every once in a while someone finds a great code or suggests a great tip that I may not have thought of.

 

[Muddy Rivers]

I thought if I listed our specific details, someone might be able to point out where I can improve our price.

Dates: 6/16/11 (Pickup 2:00) - 6/26/11 (Dropoff 9PM)
Location: SFO Pick up, LAX Dropoff
Car type: Minivan

Cheapest I found was $1308 via 7% (Promo Code: AFDH) at Thrifty

All others were $1400 and up. The $300 drop off fee really makes it expensive.

I have AAA, BJ's, VISA, Discover, MC, AARP

Both airports use Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National and Thrifty. Both National and Alamo said they were out of minivans for my travel dates at SFO. Could this be possible so early??

I am new at this for Calif car rentals. I have had much success in the past with FL only rentals. Any help that someone can give would be very much appreciated. Thanks so much!

 

[andymattmom]

Did you try any of the codes on FATWALLET where you posted this also? There are a bunch of codes there which might help.

 

[Muddy Rivers]

Yes I did. I have tried so many codes. Most codes expire in April. I'm hoping things will get better once the codes extend to June.

 

[mmmgood]

Try breaking it down into two rentals - e.g. one way from SFO to LAX for one day then second rental at LAX for the rest of the rental. You could also try off airport locations for the second rental or the first if convenient.

Quick example from carrentalsavers using AAA discount - SFO to Hertz Marriot Anaheim - one day minivan rental on the 16th (2-2) - $248.
Pick up another minivan Hertz Marriot 2pm 17th to 6/26 9pm drop at LAX $668. Saves about $375.

You should be able to get that second price down if you have some flexibility, just depends on your itinerary.

 

[Muddy Rivers]

I never thought about breaking it down into two separate rentals. It's a very good idea. I will certainly look into it.

Thank you very much. I really appreciate it. Now I 'd better get down to work again using this new approach.

 

[Muddy Rivers]

Thank you all for your advice. Was wondering if ever anyone found a coupon that waived drop off fees for a one way rental or am I looking for something that doesn't exist?

 

[simonsmom]

we're in the same boat. picking up at SAN on 7/21 and drop off SMF 7/31.
I found a minivan for 800 thru carrentals.com

 

[Muddy Rivers]

For how long is your rental? We have one to start with through Dollar at about $1200 ( including all taxes, fees and drop off charges).

 

[Muddy Rivers]

Has anyone found any updated codes for minivans that extend through to June? Most I see expire in April.