March 2012 Rental Car?

[Tisha_PA]

I was thinking the same thing about the insurance
hope this rate isn't too good to be true! might wait a little longer!

Turns out the code is completely legit. I joined Flying Blue (air France's frequent flyer program). Today I received a welcome email from them and it included a link to their partner sites. I clicked on the one for National and it gives this code as a promotional code specifically for Air France and KLM frequent flyers. Now that I've confirmed it, I am definitely using it.

 

[webworm]

Well, I just did Alamo for March 15-21. Came to $315 for a midsize using a VISA code and coupon for 20% off + $30 off. Since I thought it would be closer to $400 I feel like I saved money, BUT I definitely will be watching to see if I can get a better deal as it gets closer. That's what I did last year and I ended up going from something in the $300+ area to $178. Of course, that wasn't over spring break so we'll see what happens. I really wanted to stick with Alamo because we've had good luck with them in the past and they have the online check in so you can just go pick out your car, drive to the exit, show your paperwork, and be on your way. No standing at the counter.

Prepaid rate on Expedia.ca of $128.34 (Dollar) or $135.38 (Budget) inc taxes for your dates.

 

[conniehar90]

Turns out the code is completely legit. I joined Flying Blue (air France's frequent flyer program). Today I received a welcome email from them and it included a link to their partner sites. I clicked on the one for National and it gives this code as a promotional code specifically for Air France and KLM frequent flyers. Now that I've confirmed it, I am definitely using it.

Great to know - thanks! These are the best rates by far. I joined the program yesterday and got a really short generic welcome email but I assume there will be more emails coming.

 

[Inkmahm]

Turns out the code is completely legit. I joined Flying Blue (air France's frequent flyer program). Today I received a welcome email from them and it included a link to their partner sites. I clicked on the one for National and it gives this code as a promotional code specifically for Air France and KLM frequent flyers. Now that I've confirmed it, I am definitely using it.

Thanks for the info! Using that code and a coupon for $35 off a weekly rental at National, I got the mini van I need for March 13-20 for $282!

 

[Inkmahm]

I am told that this code was for VISA cardholders but it is supposed to be expired on the VISA side - but it still works in the National website. It was suggested to me to use code 8572130. This is for anyone (US or international) that signs up for Air France's frequent flier program - which is free. This code gave me the same rates and seems to be more legit.

And using THAT code I get my minivan for $272 for the week! Thank you!

 

[Inkmahm]

I saw that code on Flyertalk (8572130) and tried it and it gave me a much better rate. I did google it to try to check it out and it does appear to be a promotional code for Air France flying blue members. However, it includes all the insurance options (LDW, etc) which worries me a little. I keep thinking there must be something I'm missing about this code.

The people at Flyertalk seem to be unhappy that "their" code made it to the Disboards. My favorite comment there though is this one:

Those people are crazy! Read some of the sigs, they go to Disney 3-4 times a year, every year. I'd kill myself.

I guess that person isn't a Disney fan.

 

[HappyHappy]

My son rented a car thru Budget with a debit card. He wants to add a day to the rental. Can you (or should you) just go in and change the dates or do you have to cancel and rebook? How do changes affect your debit card, i.e., does "just changing" cause a second complete hit to card and then you wait for refund on first booking dates or do they just charge for the additional day? The added day did not significantly increase the cost when I tested the date change to his reservation.What else have I not even considered? Thank you...again!!

 

[gmeh1]

My son rented a car thru Budget with a debit card. He wants to add a day to the rental. Can you (or should you) just go in and change the dates or do you have to cancel and rebook? How do changes affect your debit card, i.e., does "just changing" cause a second complete hit to card and then you wait for refund on first booking dates or do they just charge for the additional day? The added day did not significantly increase the cost when I tested the date change to his reservation.What else have I not even considered? Thank you...again!!

This is from the Budget site:
Will my credit/debit card be charged when I make the reservation?
Answer: No, unless you choose to prepay for your rental at time of reservation.

Regardless of whether or not you prepay, your card will have a hold placed on it at the time of pickup. Please check the terms and conditions on your reservation confirmation or the location information page for the dollar amount required at your desired location. And while it's perfectly fine if you choose not to return the car on or before your scheduled return date (see "May I extend my rental beyond the original return date?"), we’ll place up to three additional holds on your credit card (depending on how long you keep the car) to cover expected rental charges. Upon your return of the car, all holds will be released, and the actual cost of the rental will be charged. Please note that your bank may take up to two weeks to post the released credit hold to your card. Unfortunately, we cannot be held responsible for any returned checks due to credit hold processing. Important related information may also be found under the question "What kinds of credentials will I need to present when I pick up my rental?".

http://www.budget.com/budgetWeb/html/en/customer/commonquestions/index.html#Will my credit/debit card be charged when I make the reservation?

 

[HappyHappy]

This is from the Budget site:
Will my credit/debit card be charged when I make the reservation?
Answer: No, unless you choose to prepay for your rental at time of reservation.

Regardless of whether or not you prepay, your card will have a hold placed on it at the time of pickup. Please check the terms and conditions on your reservation confirmation or the location information page for the dollar amount required at your desired location. And while it's perfectly fine if you choose not to return the car on or before your scheduled return date (see "May I extend my rental beyond the original return date?"), we’ll place up to three additional holds on your credit card (depending on how long you keep the car) to cover expected rental charges. Upon your return of the car, all holds will be released, and the actual cost of the rental will be charged. Please note that your bank may take up to two weeks to post the released credit hold to your card. Unfortunately, we cannot be held responsible for any returned checks due to credit hold processing. Important related information may also be found under the question "What kinds of credentials will I need to present when I pick up my rental?".

http://www.budget.com/budgetWeb/html/en/customer/commonquestions/index.html#Will my credit/debit card be charged when I make the reservation?

Thank you. I did read this but still had the question. The card was charged immdiately. My issue is will it be charged for 10 days again or for just the additional 11th day(which I failed to mention was a "day earlier" than previously booked) if we just "change" the existing reservation? If your response answered this question, my "senior" brain can't interpret it. Can you try again? thanks. Reread your response. Do you mean, they can so assume they might and plan accordingly?

 

[webworm]

Thank you. I did read this but still had the question. The card was charged immdiately. My issue is will it be charged for 10 days again or for just the additional 11th day(which I failed to mention was a "day earlier" than previously booked) if we just "change" the existing reservation? If your response answered this question, my "senior" brain can't interpret it. Can you try again? thanks. Reread your response. Do you mean, they can so assume they might and plan accordingly?

The easiest thing to would be for your son to call Budget directly to make the change. That way he will know for sure.

 

[greenclan67]

Still looking for some deals for march!!! Where are they? I know patience, patience!!

 

[Inkmahm]

Still looking for some deals for march!!! Where are they? I know patience, patience!!

Already got my great deal for March with National for the minivan I need. It's only $204 if I get the fullsize car but $272 with the required minivan for the 6 of us on this trip.

Use this code:

I am told that this code was for VISA cardholders but it is supposed to be expired on the VISA side - but it still works in the National website. It was suggested to me to use code 8572130. This is for anyone (US or international) that signs up for Air France's frequent flier program - which is free. This code gave me the same rates and seems to be more legit.

and the $35 off for the week code from Mousesavers: ND8578ADT


The only weird thing with using this code for Air France frequent flier program is that you can't modify or cancel the reservation online. You have to actually call National to do either The code itself is great though as it includes insurance!

 

[greenclan67]

Thanks, I will take a look!

 

[jelo]

Well, I just did Alamo for March 15-21. Came to $315 for a midsize using a VISA code and coupon for 20% off + $30 off. Since I thought it would be closer to $400 I feel like I saved money, BUT I definitely will be watching to see if I can get a better deal as it gets closer. That's what I did last year and I ended up going from something in the $300+ area to $178. Of course, that wasn't over spring break so we'll see what happens. I really wanted to stick with Alamo because we've had good luck with them in the past and they have the online check in so you can just go pick out your car, drive to the exit, show your paperwork, and be on your way. No standing at the counter.

eyeoreland, what Alamo coupon code did you use?? I have been trying many codes and the website isn't taking them!
I could really use a discount!

 

[eeyoreland]

eyeoreland, what Alamo coupon code did you use?? I have been trying many codes and the website isn't taking them!
I could really use a discount!

I'm pretty sure it was ID 7015504 and coupon AD2338FDF.

 

[doublea211]

It seems like Alamo might be starting to come down in price. Yesterday I was excited to get a standard from 3/13 to 3/19 for $235, using an Entertainment code and coupon for 2 free days.

I checked today and, while the standard rates did come down further, the premium rate was the lowest choice! Using a different Entertainment code and coupon for $30 off, I've got a premium for $185.

We're arriving fairly late in the day (9:30 pm). Do you guys think that there would be a better chance for a better selection with the standard/fullsize or the premium at that time of day? Would there really be a difference? I'm hoping that the price continues to drop and I'm willing to lose the premium if we'll have some options at the standard size. If there's a better chance of having more options with a premium, I may be more inclined to keep this reservation.

 

[HappyHappy]

The easiest thing to would be for your son to call Budget directly to make the change. That way he will know for sure.

The funny thing is that I've noticed that I have more faith in the experienced Disboards folks!!

 

[jelo]

I'm pretty sure it was ID 7015504 and coupon AD2338FDF.

Thanks, I'll try them....I don't know how many codes I entered yesterday that were supposed to be good, but weren't!!

 

[eeyoreland]

Thanks, I'll try them....I don't know how many codes I entered yesterday that were supposed to be good, but weren't!!

I hear 'ya. I plugged in so many codes and settled on the VISA discount. I just put those codes in again and the price came down about $15 since the last time. So now I have three reservations with Alamo! I think I might start all over again with the different codes and see what happens. I feel like I'm greedy though. I had $375 in the "budget" for car rental and was happy when I got it for $315; now I guess I'm not happy with $292.

 

[richmo]

In the next week or two, we should start seeing "last minute" rates starting to come out for March dates. My experience has been, especially with Alamo, that rates often get halved a couple of weeks out if they have a lot of cars to rent.

However, you cant count on it. I would recommend booking something non-binding now (i.e., don't prepay) and keep checking, right up to the date you leave.

This far out, I'm not seeing much worth bothering with...although Avis has that SUV special for $159/wk (AWD S767700), which isn't bad.