National Car rental discounts?

[pyjamamama]

I really want to use National if possible, end of April first part of May. The first rate I booked was $477 for 7 days for a mid size, which is insane. I've slowly whittled it down to $325. What is going on and why so expensive? Traveling post spring break and post easter. I need to find better rates! Please help, thanks!!

 

[n2mm]

It's been high all year. Crazy. Other companies have been high too. I am going the beginning of May and booked a long time ago. Back then I thought it was high, but now I'm glad I did. I even watch the last minute rates and this week Florida is not even listed!!! Hopefully the rates might dropped a little as the time approaches.

 

[gilsan]

National was high before our trip in Feb but a week before the rates dropped and we got an excellent deal ($148 taxes in for 10 days). You are going at a busy time of year especially with Easter falling the last week of April.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

You can probably expect that general prices paid will be higher then before because the rental companies (like many other companies) realized it is better to have a reduced inventory to offer at higher prices then to let some cars leave the door making zero profit, or worse costing the company more.

Rental inventory is way down from pre-2008 levels, travel is picking back up and inventory isn't expected to keep pace with the travel uptick. This will result in higher prices accross the board.