Keeping 2 ressies with National just in case?

[CoolMom13]

I have been checking rates almost daily with National to see if I can get a better rate than the reservation I made awhile ago. Today while doing my normal checking, and trying out several different combinations of code numbers for coupons that I have, I got an additional discount of $40 on a BJ's coupon. I immediately confirmed my reservation and printed it out.

My questions is this: Can I keep both reservations just in case there is a problem with National honoring this newer lower price? I booked it through my Emerald Club account, so my credit card info is attached to the reservations. Will they charge my credit card for a reservation even if I don't use it?

 

[drusba]

There are two potential rules applicable:

1. You have until 24 hours before pick-up time to cancel without any charge. If you cancel a reservation less than 24 hours out, you get charged $50. Also, if you do not cancel and don't show up for the particular reservation within 12 hours of pick-up time (and you have not called to say you will be late), they will charge you $50. Thus, if you are holding both those ressies when you show up, you could be charged $50 on the one you do not use.

2. They also reserve the right to actually cancel both reservations without notice to you if they discover you have multiple reservations as their rule is that you are supposed to have only one reservation at a time.

In other words, there are risks in having two ressies.

 

[Windjammer]

Dsruba:

I would appreciate knowing the source of your information that National will charge $50 for not cancelling a reservation within 24 hours. I have a reservation that I might not use but when I asked National I thought they said that if I didn't show up there would not be a penalty.

Thanks.

 

[drusba]

When you order a car, which I have done, on their web-site, those rules are stated in the reservation. When you print-out your confirmation the $50 cancellation penalty rule is stated on it. When I have ordered by phone I have also been informed of the $50 penalty rule.

 

[CoolMom13]

I have the confirmation that I printed from the website and it does not state anything about a $50 charge. I also have an e-mail confirmation that doesn't state that either.

I think I will call National directly to get a clarification.

 

[Windjammer]

Thanks Drusba

My reservation print out didn't say that. I wonder if they have different rules for different times and places.

 

[drusba]

The one I have right now is for mid-June, made in May, and for more than a week with a discount rate. It has the $50 rule on it. Web Site says National "may" charge a penalty for cancellations less than 24 hours and "will" charge the no-show fee. Go to www.nationalcar.com. Once there click on "Rates and Reservations" near the top; once there go to bottom of page and click on "Rental policies and FAQ"; once there go down to "No-Shows."

Thus, it may not apply to all rentals (in fact I am pretty sure it does not apply when I do the one or two day business trip and rent for only a day or two, but then you are not getting the lower rates that apply when you stay multiple days including weekends).

 

[CoolMom13]

Thanks for directing me to that section on the National website. I don't want to take the chance of being charged $50, so I plan on cancelling one reservation.

 

[Windjammer]

Thanks again Drusba:

I looked at the link and it said:
"National Car Rental may charge a fee for vehicles that are reserved but not rented, if the reservation is not canceled within 24 hours of anticipated arrival.
No-show fees will be billed to the credit card given at the time of reservation. "

I read this to mean that they may charge a fee and if they do it will be charged to the credit card. Didn't see any reference to $50 though.

Actually, now that I read it, they say they may charge a fee if not cancelled WITHIN, 24 hours, so that would suggest that if you cancel the same day, which is WITHIN 24 hours then there won't charge a fee.

 

[drusba]

Have to agree they need a course in clear writing. Just note that on the confirmation I have it says I "will" be charged $50 if I "cancel less than 24 hours" before pick up. It also says in a different clause that I "will" be charged a $50 "no show fee after 12 hours." It treats the two as different things -- one penalty if you cancel less than 24 hours out, a different penalty if you fail to tell them anything and just fail to show up.