October Car Rental

[gharter]

We had originally rented our car through Alamo in January. I kept watching prices and they had only kept going up. Today, I was pleasantly surprised to see, for the first time in 3 years, prices going down. I rebooked the same vehicle tonight for over $100 less for the week. Still not cheap, but better. hoping this is a trend that continues.

 

[GJD86]

My trip is also in late October and the prices I am seeing are also quite high. The difference I am seeing from the last couple of years is that the rental companies seem to be cutting back on discount codes/rates.

For example I used to be able to get 40-50% on Avis or Budget by booking through Undercover Tourist, now it seems the best I can get through them is a 5-10% discount.

Oh well, the rates are always changing so I guess we just need to keep our eyes open! I’ll be sure to post here if I find any good codes!

 

[varsityboyz]

Have multiple reservations. More than once, I've been told that car rental companies have sold out. Doesn't matter if you'd a reservation.

 

[EACarlson]

Have multiple reservations. More than once, I've been told that car rental companies have sold out. Doesn't matter if you'd a reservation.

This is horrible advice. This is what is driving up prices and the reason that there aren't cars on the lots. In order to combat this, companies have to either, raise prices or overbook, often both.

 

[varsityboyz]

This is horrible advice. This is what is driving up prices and the reason that there aren't cars on the lots. In order to combat this, companies have to either, raise prices or overbook, often both.

Not all advice is for everyone. Companies are greedy and will overbook if someone is willing to pay a higher price. So, you're left stranded either way. I'm not willing to take my chances with kids waiting around for hours after a long wait. All the best!

 

[gharter]

The difference I am seeing from the last couple of years is that the rental companies seem to be cutting back on discount codes/rates.

Very true. We used to have an AP discount code and several others that no longer work. Not sure if they were discontinued by the rental companies or the ones offering the discount. Even the few i can find are nearly nothing now.

 

[EACarlson]

Very true. We used to have an AP discount code and several others that no longer work. Not sure if they were discontinued by the rental companies or the ones offering the discount. Even the few i can find are nearly nothing now.

Many rental car contracts are being changed when they come up for review. I had a code I used for the last three years that I got off this forum that as of 7/1, no longer works. I had a booking for the end of September that went from $400 to $800 for 9 days.

 

[pigletto]

I am currently booked with a minivan through Costco with Budget from Oct 11th to the 19th. I booked it months ago for $410.
That’s way better than anything I’ve seen since, and I check every day.

 

[gharter]

Was shocked 2 days ago and booked a Premium car for a week through Alamo for under $400 for the week. Now prices have jumped back up. But, continue to check and hope for another drop.

 

[bop28]

Alamo for October Rates are finally coming down quite a bit. I used the coupon on their home page for $15 of $175 Plus the Visa card discount code 7015504

 

[gharter]

Prices have come down some more, not huge but enough to make a new reservation.

 

[artesian]

I was on the prowl yesterday trying to get a better rate and of all the sites BJ's gave me the best rate with a compact SUV for 8 day for $275. Thought that was a steal.

 

[pigletto]

I am currently booked with a minivan through Costco with Budget from Oct 11th to the 19th. I booked it months ago for $410.
That’s way better than anything I’ve seen since, and I check every day.

Just an update to my own post. I was wrong, my reservation is with Enterprise through Costco. I’m still sitting at the $410 for 8 days in a minivan that I booked back in April. I check often and I’ve never seen anything lower. Our trip is 2.5 weeks away, so this looks like the rate we will be paying. It’s well over $600 now.

 

[katallo]

If anyone has AAA hertz is having a great sale 40%off base rates.

 

[keishashadow]

If anyone has AAA hertz is having a great sale 40%off base rates.

Same ballpark as I’ve had for a month or so for me, nearly $500 for 12 days for mid size suv.

Booking over Columbus Day always seems to up the rate that time of year.

Probably will try thrifty out as the same vehicle is $170 less = $330 thru car rental savers site. Had to play around with it, lowest was non AAA rate. They had full size car for just under $300. We like bigger vehicles.