May 2016 Car Rentals

[Day-Day]

I used the Alamo codes and coupon discussed here, and went all the way thru the screens, "checked in", and printed the "skip the counter" page, after entering my CC info. I do not think this means I PAID, though? I think they still put it on the CC as you exit the gate? Otherwise, what do you all mean by pre-paying Alamo rental?

thanks!

You are correct based on Alamo's website; the charge is not made until after you return the vehicle.

There is sometimes an option for pre-paying with Alamo that says "Pay Now" (I think). This can sometimes be a significantly better rate but I haven't seen a decent rate. This has the penalty for canceling; $5 if done before 24 hours and $10 if no-show or canceled within 24 hours of reservation. I have not used it. I read this information off of Alamo's site.

 

[deeanddisney]

I used the Alamo codes and coupon discussed here, and went all the way thru the screens, "checked in", and printed the "skip the counter" page, after entering my CC info. I do not think this means I PAID, though? I think they still put it on the CC as you exit the gate? Otherwise, what do you all mean by pre-paying Alamo rental?

thanks!

What most people do is not use pre-pay option (see descr. below) as rates usually go down the closer you get to your travel dates. Sounds like you did online check in, which allows you to skip the counter, where your CC will be charged at drop off, which is what I will do closer to my travel dates and I'm happy with my rate.

Alamo offers a pre pay and save 10%: "When you pay in advance for a qualified reservation, your Pay Now discount will be automatically applied to your rate. That means you can save an additional 10% off the Alamo Internet base rates! Offer cannot be combined with other coupons, discounts or promotions. If the reservation is canceled more than 24 hours before the pick-up time, a $5 cancellation fee will be assessed. If the reservation is canceled within 24 hours of the pick-up time or is not picked up at all, a $10 no-show fee will be assessed. 24-hour advance reservation required. See terms and conditions for additional details."

 

[n2mm]

OK, my dates are April 30 to May 15. I had been at $419 for a minivan. The other day it dropped to $381. Since then it has gone back to $419. So while every one is seeing drops, my rate has gone up again. Using the Vega code (first time) and the $35 coupon.

 

[rlduvall]

OK, my dates are April 30 to May 15. I had been at $419 for a minivan. The other day it dropped to $381. Since then it has gone back to $419. So while every one is seeing drops, my rate has gone up again. Using the Vega code (first time) and the $35 coupon.

Same here for me on Alamo. Last week I finally got a standard vehicle for 05/21 - 5/31 for $179. using Vegas code and $35. coupon, but since then it's been back up to $209. I still have my Dollar rental at $149. for a full size vehicle. I will probably cancel it as it is worth the $30. to use Alamo over Dollar . . . just because I am so comfortable with Alamo.

 

[n2mm]

Same here for me on Alamo. Last week I finally got a standard vehicle for 05/21 - 5/31 for $179. using Vegas code and $35. coupon, but since then it's been back up to $209. I still have my Dollar rental at $149. for a full size vehicle. I will probably cancel it as it is worth the $30. to use Alamo over Dollar . . . just because I am so comfortable with Alamo.

Thanks for posting. I thought I was going crazy that everyone is getting drops in their rates and mine/ours only dropped for a moment, then went back up. I'm still 6 weeks out, so I'm still hopeful.

 

[linskypens]

Ok im about to book alamo with the brazil vegas code. Ive looked through the thread, and maybe im missing something, but can someone explain to me what this code is, and what id need to show at the window ( if anything ) to get this rate...it seems too good to be true after weeks of searching for a car to get out for 136 bucks

 

[twinklebug]

Ok im about to book alamo with the brazil vegas code. Ive looked through the thread, and maybe im missing something, but can someone explain to me what this code is, and what id need to show at the window ( if anything ) to get this rate...it seems too good to be true after weeks of searching for a car to get out for 136 bucks

The code is one the VegasBrazil Travel agency worked to define with Alamo. Folks have been using it for months now with no issue and without having to show anything at the counter. At least one person says they have contacted the TA and gotten permission to use the code, but from the sounds of it I don't think that is necessary, and could put a stop to or invalidate the code if too many people email.

I don't think the quotes are amazing deals even with the code. Prices in general are astronomical, and this code brings them back down to where they should be. If I have to pay $400 or more for a week to rent a Camry, I'll take that money and put it toward purchasing a new one instead.

 

[linskypens]

I just booked May 3 through May 8 and also September 22 through September 27 using that code along with the $35 Alamo discount coupon
Compact cars for $98 All in including taxes
Based on what I've seen in the last four weeks that is a tremendous deal
Thanks everyone for your help have a magical day

 

[dioxide45]

That is just a Costco code. I don't know of any Costco codes that include CDW. Perhaps you transposed the 46 in the code you posted? 7016427 is the Vegas Brazil code.

Okay, I used the 7014627 and the $35 Alamo coupon code. I don't think I have the CDW, but can someone take a look at this screenshot and tell me if I do? Sorry, I am just not sure where to look. If it would be shown in another part of the reservation, let me know and I will look there. Thanks for your help!

Also-I just checked costco again and rates are still high on most everything. However, for my dates which are 5/21 thru 5/28, their rates on standard suv's is around $280 for the week. I don't need one but maybe that will help someone else.

View attachment 156713

 

[staceyj2]

That is just a Costco code. I don't know of any Costco codes that include CDW. Perhaps you transposed the 46 in the code you posted? 7016427 is the Vegas Brazil code.

Sorry, yes it is the Vegas Brazil code. I transposed numbers in my original post. I will correct. Thanks!

 

[keishashadow]

wanted to mention that the VB corporate code is combineable with Alamo's reward program as to earning points, I select SWA.

doesn't cost that much more for 600 SWA points ($1.50-day, max of $7.50 per rental).

you can't get whatever current bonus points are available on the SWA site though unless u use their corporate ID, which naturally raises the rate over the VB

 

[dioxide45]

wanted to mention that the VB corporate code is combineable with Alamo's reward program as to earning points, I select SWA.

doesn't cost that much more for 600 SWA points ($1.50-day, max of $7.50 per rental).

you can't get whatever current bonus points are available on the SWA site though unless u use their corporate ID, which naturally raises the rate over the VB

But are Rapid Rewards worth over a penny a point when you redeem them? I don't tend to add on the frequent flier rewards to car rentals since the fee seems to end up being about the same or higher than the value I actually get out of them when I redeem the miles.

 

[keishashadow]

But are Rapid Rewards worth over a penny a point when you redeem them? I don't tend to add on the frequent flier rewards to car rentals since the fee seems to end up being about the same or higher than the value I actually get out of them when I redeem the miles.

yes, for my purposes. I use SWA CC for most things for the points, like the flexibility of reward travel.

currently there's a promo for bonus points running, 30% more I believe into April @ approximately $.02 a point. Usually points cost $.03 to purchase, minimum of $60.

if u rent directly from the SWA using their corporate code, there are usually various bonus point promos but overall car rental cost is higher than what i can find using other corporate code/coupon

A friend tells me it's also a good way to keep the account from going dormant & losing accrued oints if you haven't flown them recently.

 

[ImagineersApprentice]

Just wanted to report my family booked a minivan through Dollar for $172 from May 11 - 16. No coupon or corporate codes.

The only downside is it's $13/day for an additional driver. (We're still deciding on adding one or not)

 

[RweTHEREyet]

We just decided to fly down for our cruise rather than drive, so I am just now starting looking for car rental deals. I plugged in the Alamo contract code and the coupon code and it still came out to around $135 for Thurs night - Sunday morning, so a little over two days. My dates are 4/28 - May 1. What else should I be trying? Thanks for any suggestions. Oh, I did check Costco too, and their rates were high as well. At these rates, I might as well use Disney transport.

 

[staceyj2]

We just decided to fly down for our cruise rather than drive, so I am just now starting looking for car rental deals. I plugged in the Alamo contract code and the coupon code and it still came out to around $135 for Thurs night - Sunday morning, so a little over two days. My dates are 4/28 - May 1. What else should I be trying? Thanks for any suggestions. Oh, I did check Costco too, and their rates were high as well. At these rates, I might as well use Disney transport.

There isn't much else out there right now. I have been checking regularly for 5/19-26 and the best deal has been with Alamo using the codes in this thread. Dollar rates have dropped a few times but they go back up quickly so if you don't catch them right away, they are high again. Keep checking!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I did get my Alamo rental for the first leg of the trip down to $118.79, a little bit better, but not much. I plan to turn the car in at the Port and then pick up another when we get of the ship rather than pay for parking at the Port. And for that one day, pick up at Alamo and drive to MCO, I got a rate of $36.97, which I am fine with, it is cheaper than Disney Transportation.

 

[ashleyrm]

Make an Alamo reservation using Brazil code and free upgrade code. Got a compact with upgrade to mid-size for $152.30 (pick up 5/25 at 9 am; drop off 5 pm on 5/29). Pretty happy with that. First time using the Brazil code and CDW was not included (it was offered as an option).

Checked again today and got my price down to $139.41 from $152.30. Not bad.

 

[staceyj2]

Checked again today and got my price down to $139.41 from $152.30. Not bad.

My rate for 5/19-5/26 is still the same. $150 total so not bad but still hoping for a little bit better.

 

[ashleyrm]

Checked again today and got my price down to $139.41 from $152.30. Not bad.

I find it frustrating that the only way I seem to get new, lower rates with Alamo is to completely re-book. When I do this on Dollar and can just modify my existing reservation. I tried to do that today with Alamo and it would only keep giving me the same rate that I already had. Anyone know if there is a way to do this?