National Car Rental

[disneymom1]

Traveling in Early June. Rates seem to be out of sight! Has anyone gotten a decent rate from National recently? If so, what codes/coupons did you use?

 

[nacho113]

We used to rent from National all the time, even made Executive status but lately the prices have been way out of line compared to other companies.
For the last couple of years we have been renting Alamo almost exclusively, rates are much better (especially if you have a Costco or BJ's membership)
With Alamo, book a size class then pick a car from that size/aisle when you arrive. If you use the online check-in, it's a lot like National's Emerald aisle, bypass the counter and go right to the garage to pick your vehicle.

 

[Ranger111]

National rates, with commonly available coupons/discounts, have soared, as Nacho said.

But, rates are fluid -- sometimes -- if you check and check you will find amazing deals with Hertz or Avis or National. Doesn't hurt to book a rate through Autoslash, even if it seems steep and they will send you periodic cheaper rates. Remember to cancel if you don't use it.

Scored a big discount with Avis in Puerto Rico for this past week for wifey and her friends doing just that with AutoSlash -- reserving at a so-so rate, but AutoSlash kept finding cheaper rates with Avis and rebooking for me and we ended up with a great rate.

Of course, the ladies got the car totaled their first day on the island, so, Avis is not too happy with us.

I have a not commonly available rate with National, which gives me a steep discount, which, no I am not able to share and that usually gives me better deals than all the rest. If you believe, and look very, very hard online you may discover that code or one better...(hint, I have never seen it on disboards, which is probably why it is still good

A very limited-distribution Hertz code sometimes gives me cheaper than my National rate btw, if you do not have any other Hertz discount, the disboard Hertz CDP available at the top of this forum sometimes comes up with fantastic deals -- not often, but sometimes.

Nowadays, I am usually at National, sometimes Hertz, and if those fail me (which they seldom do), I usually can find a deal with Dollar or, using my own corporate discount -- Avis

So, my priority:
1) National
2) Hertz
3) Dollar
4) Avis
5) Make the best I can find reservation with AutoSlash and hope for a drop
6) Check bus/taxi/subways!

 

[n2mm]

I love national, but sadly they have become unaffordable now. I booked Alamo last month and the rates were half what national. I do still check.

 

[DebbieB]

I remember getting a midsize for $120 for a week including taxes. Now it's double that. I don't rent anymore, I just take DME on my solo trips. I have a friend who can always seem to find great rates, I think she booked Alamo for our May trip. I know she sometimes uses Costco.

 

[Ranger111]

I remember getting a midsize for $120 for a week including taxes. Now it's double that. I don't rent anymore, I just take DME on my solo trips. I have a friend who can always seem to find great rates, I think she booked Alamo for our May trip. I know she sometimes uses Costco.

That $120 should be $99-$102 including taxes if you get a good rate-- $89 to $99 if you really luck out. More than that and I would be with you on alternative transport.

 

[richmo]

Usually the best rates are found just a couple weeks before departure...(but put something on hold anyway)

I agree National is expensive; actually I find Alamo to be just as convenient and much less costly. If you check in online the experience is very similar to National...just go to the car aisle and leave. No stopping at the counter, kiosk or even a desk in the garage. Alamo and National share a lot of the same cars anyway (and Enterprise).