Official Car rental September 2013...advice please

[mommytoryan]

I rebooked last night for sept 19-27 using the double upgrade coupon code for Alamo - compact to standard (which ends up being full size at MCO) for 158.00 all in.

Still not thrilled, as I had 97$ 2 years ago, but it sure is better than the 300+ of a few weeks ago!

 

[10_Kyle_10]

I rebooked last night for sept 19-27 using the double upgrade coupon code for Alamo - compact to standard (which ends up being full size at MCO) for 158.00 all in.

Still not thrilled, as I had 97$ 2 years ago, but it sure is better than the 300+ of a few weeks ago!

Whats the double upgrade code?

 

[Day-Day]

I clicked on an AVIS ad that showed up on this forum while I was reading the last couple of posts. I ended up booking the pre-pay for a full-size for total incluiding taxes and fees of $96 Sept. 7-12 so now I'm done unless someone can beat that by the $25 non-refundable amount. Maybe I should have waited but I'm not going to do much better than this anyway.

The codes I used were the one that came up when I clicked on the ad (AWD S829900) and the $30-off coupon for weekly rental from the Avis website (MUWA025).

I used Avis on a WDW visit not too long ago and had no problems.

 

[andigomeep]

I clicked on an AVIS ad that showed up on this forum while I was reading the last couple of posts. I ended up booking the pre-pay for a full-size for $96 Sept. 7-12 so now I'm done unless someone can beat that by the $25 non-refundable amount. Maybe I should have waited but I'm not going to do much better than this anyway.

The codes I used were the one that came up when I clicked on the ad (AWD S829900) and the $30-off coupon for weekly rental from the Avis website (MUWA025).

I used Avis on a WDW visit not too long ago and had no problems.

Does Avis assign cars or can you pick?

 

[gmeh1]

Does Avis assign cars or can you pick?

They assign the cars, but, if you don't like it they will try to change it for you.

 

[westcoastgal]

I had originally booked a car using the KLM code (it's with national)but it's been a while and now I'm on here and seeing all sorts of other codes, coupons and price drops. Another thing that I wasn't aware of was that Alamo upgrades your car automatically as it doesn't have standard cars at MCO. Is that right? So you pay for the cheaper car and get a free upgrade?
I noticed on my confirmation, that all insurance was covered and extra fees like $2/day Florida surchage, $2.50/day airport surcharge, battery fees, and the sales tax. It's unlimited mileage. The car is a standard 4 door automatic such as a Chrysler 200. The total was $307.00 and is now $278. Can I stack any other coupons with the KLM code? I am very new to trying to find good car rates and this thread is very exciting but has so many codes and companies.
I am an alamo insider, National Emerald club member, and think I joined Enterprise too. I have rented at hertz before, have a visa and mc but don't know if those coupon codes are helpful. I tried putting in one from Visa today on Alamo and got a message that the coupon couldn't be used due to "capacity check". Not sure what that is.
My dates are Sept 21-29 pickup at 1:30pm and return at 5pm so a 9 day rental. I want to pick up and drop off at MCO. I need room for 2 adults and 2 kids in booster seats, plus our luggage. I am thinking that a standard will be good enough as it's just to and from airport with the luggage and then to and from parks/dinners. We will rent strollers there.
It seems that standard cars have more room for luggage than full size do.
I am open to any car company and my friend traveling with me has an entertainment book so I could use a coupon from there (Toronto, Canada) but the coupons say "cannot be combined with any other discounts or coupons". Is that correct? I see people on here are doubling up on discounts/coupons.
I am a costco member and bought my DW tickets through Undercovertourist and they offer a discounted car rental too but it seemed that KLM code was still the best bet when I booked. I like having all the added insurance and fees included. I think it includes a second driver as well, but I could be forgetting as it's been months since I booked.
I just checked with Costco and with Budget, it's $166 for a standard car. It doesn't include insurance but both my credit cards offer full car insurance coverage. I just didn't want to be stuck with any issues so liked the added protection with the KLM code but this price is much better. Does anyone know if the daily surcharges are covered?
A friend told me she bids on priceline and get starts at $9 and goes up $1 each time if not accepted and gets the car for under $12/day each time. Anyone else try this?
Can anyone going at around the same dates as me advise what they think is my best bet?
I am so overwhelmed planning this trip for myself, my 4 year old dd and my friend and her son (we are 2 single moms heading to DW with 4 year olds- fun!) that I feel like all the info is getting mumbo jumbo in my head. My girlfriend going with us is a widow and has a tough time recently already so I agreed to take over the planning and the whole goal is for her to have a good time with her son and some joy for once.
I know you guys aren't travel agents and I am going on the sites and trying codes myself. I guess what I am looking for is some validation that I am getting a good deal and perhaps some guidance, if anyone has the time. I know everyone is busy planning their own trips. I just don't want to mess up overspending when it's my friend's money too.
ALL HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANKS.

 

[sunlover13]

Westcoastgal - My dates are the same as yours, 9/21 - 9/29.

I used Alamo Insider deals (10% off and free upgrade) and Southwest code 7016105 and got a standard (full-size) for $157.

If you go back to page 27 and 28 of this thread, I explain how to get the free upgrade Insider deal.

Hope that helps!

 

[mommytoryan]

Whats the double upgrade code?

Here it is!


"
Edvantage
Get to the fun faster.

Save up to 20% AND receive a Free Double Upgrade!

Contract ID 7015360 and Coupon Code AU4224FDC "

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

. We will rent strollers there.
.
I just checked with Costco and with Budget, it's $166 for a standard car. It doesn't include insurance but both my credit cards offer full car insurance coverage. I just didn't want to be stuck with any issues so liked the added protection with the KLM code but this price is much better. Does anyone know if the daily surcharges are covered?
A friend told me she bids on priceline and get starts at $9 and goes up $1 each time if not accepted and gets the car for under $12/day each time. Anyone else try this?
Can anyone going at around the same dates as me advise what they think is my .

It seems your rate is extremely high, I have 8.2 days and it is just over $125 for the week before.
But why are you spending money renting a stroller? For a handful of dollars take an umbrolla. We spent $49 for theone in the gift shops that is black and red for the four year old and it held up for multiple trips. Especially if your walking airports with kids, they are large.
Just a thought.
Priceline was popping up with rental from Thrifty recently this week. But, I wouldn't look on the weekend, wait until during the week. Also, keep looking unless you decide a Priceline.

As far as usage fees, I don't think there is anyway around that.

 

[gmeh1]

I had originally booked a car using the KLM code (it's with national)but it's been a while and now I'm on here and seeing all sorts of other codes, coupons and price drops. Another thing that I wasn't aware of was that Alamo upgrades your car automatically as it doesn't have standard cars at MCO. Is that right? So you pay for the cheaper car and get a free upgrade?
I noticed on my confirmation, that all insurance was covered and extra fees like $2/day Florida surchage, $2.50/day airport surcharge, battery fees, and the sales tax. It's unlimited mileage. The car is a standard 4 door automatic such as a Chrysler 200. The total was $307.00 and is now $278. Can I stack any other coupons with the KLM code? I am very new to trying to find good car rates and this thread is very exciting but has so many codes and companies.
I am an alamo insider, National Emerald club member, and think I joined Enterprise too. I have rented at hertz before, have a visa and mc but don't know if those coupon codes are helpful. I tried putting in one from Visa today on Alamo and got a message that the coupon couldn't be used due to "capacity check". Not sure what that is.
My dates are Sept 21-29 pickup at 1:30pm and return at 5pm so a 9 day rental. I want to pick up and drop off at MCO. I need room for 2 adults and 2 kids in booster seats, plus our luggage. I am thinking that a standard will be good enough as it's just to and from airport with the luggage and then to and from parks/dinners. We will rent strollers there.
It seems that standard cars have more room for luggage than full size do.
I am open to any car company and my friend traveling with me has an entertainment book so I could use a coupon from there (Toronto, Canada) but the coupons say "cannot be combined with any other discounts or coupons". Is that correct? I see people on here are doubling up on discounts/coupons.
I am a costco member and bought my DW tickets through Undercovertourist and they offer a discounted car rental too but it seemed that KLM code was still the best bet when I booked. I like having all the added insurance and fees included. I think it includes a second driver as well, but I could be forgetting as it's been months since I booked.
I just checked with Costco and with Budget, it's $166 for a standard car. It doesn't include insurance but both my credit cards offer full car insurance coverage. I just didn't want to be stuck with any issues so liked the added protection with the KLM code but this price is much better. Does anyone know if the daily surcharges are covered?
A friend told me she bids on priceline and get starts at $9 and goes up $1 each time if not accepted and gets the car for under $12/day each time. Anyone else try this?
Can anyone going at around the same dates as me advise what they think is my best bet?
I am so overwhelmed planning this trip for myself, my 4 year old dd and my friend and her son (we are 2 single moms heading to DW with 4 year olds- fun!) that I feel like all the info is getting mumbo jumbo in my head. My girlfriend going with us is a widow and has a tough time recently already so I agreed to take over the planning and the whole goal is for her to have a good time with her son and some joy for once.
I know you guys aren't travel agents and I am going on the sites and trying codes myself. I guess what I am looking for is some validation that I am getting a good deal and perhaps some guidance, if anyone has the time. I know everyone is busy planning their own trips. I just don't want to mess up overspending when it's my friend's money too.
ALL HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANKS.

First, they do have standard cars at MCO, they do not have a Standard row, they are with the full size cars. This applies to National and Alamo. If you are renting with your National EC membership, opt for the midsize car, you will then be able to select from the aisle and they usually have full size cars on the aisle.
The capacity of trunks vary from make to make. The Chrysler 200 is a standard car(midsize in the real world), smallish trunk. Of the full size cars, the Impala(full size) has the largest trunk. 18.5(approx.)cf. Capacity check means the allotment for that code/coupon has been reached for your time frame.
Not sure about what you can combine the Entertainment code with. Try different combos. People can stack a code from one place and a coupon from another. They cannot double up on codes or coupons.
I don't know if the KLM coupon includes a second driver. Alamo allows one additional driver at no charge for Insider members. National is a bit different in their free additional driver, but, I can tell you your friend would not be eligable for that freebe. The rules are listed on the National site under emerald club additional drivers.
KLM appears to include all fees and you can try to add a coupon, you never know.
Double check with your credit card companies on what exactly it covers for rental cars, also, your insurance company.
Look at the itemized charges for Budget. It will show you what it includes, the bottom line is what you will pay.
You might want to wait for new codes to come out for sept. It is a bit early yet for your dates. check mousesavers.com, she has lots of codes and coupons to boggle your mind further. . I don't use Priceline, so, I cannot help you there, all I know is once you bid and pay, you are done, you are stuck at that rate.

 

[10_Kyle_10]

Here it is!


"
Edvantage
Get to the fun faster.

Save up to 20% AND receive a Free Double Upgrade!

Contract ID 7015360 and Coupon Code AU4224FDC "

Coupon ID not found...

 

[Day-Day]

...
A friend told me she bids on priceline and get starts at $9 and goes up $1 each time if not accepted and gets the car for under $12/day each time. Anyone else try this?...

I have used Priceline before and have been able to get a car at around the $9 to $12 per day mark. This did not include Priceline fees which are shown before finalizing the deal. The total cost at this rate still ends up being a very good deal.

When I used Priceline, I had to go to the rental car counter at the airport to check in; if I book directly with most rental car companies, I can pre-check and go directly to the car. I assume this is still the case.

Most of the time I can find a deal directly with Avis, Alamo, National, or Dollar that is as good as Priceline if I am patient. There are times though when I'm able to find the Priceline deal and just go with it and put an end to this madness.

 

[westcoastgal]

It seems your rate is extremely high, I have 8.2 days and it is just over $125 for the week before.
But why are you spending money renting a stroller? For a handful of dollars take an umbrolla. We spent $49 for theone in the gift shops that is black and red for the four year old and it held up for multiple trips. Especially if your walking airports with kids, they are large.
Just a thought.
Priceline was popping up with rental from Thrifty recently this week. But, I wouldn't look on the weekend, wait until during the week. Also, keep looking unless you decide a Priceline.

As far as usage fees, I don't think there is anyway around that.

I know this is off topic but I do have a great umbrella stroller (MacLaren) but it was broken by Air Canada during our flight to Aruba. They did pay to fix it but what a pain as we had to go to a certain vendor. It's a great stroller and lasted 3 plus years now and will many more but after spending $350 on it, I don't want to buy another one for the trip. My daughter is just 4 and weighs 27lb and is 36" tall, so not very big at all. Most people think she's 2 1/2-3 yrs old. Lol! Anyways, my gf stroller for her son is bulkier&she doesn't want to carry it when we are carrying carseats and I agree. We also plan to rent a double stroller as when one kid gets up, the other does too. They are copy cats and competitive but also love each other. We had them in side by side doublestroller before&they loved it. Holding hands and the like. I didmention to her that separating would be difficult with a double&we'd be stuck together but she insists that she doesn't plan to separate. I think that's going to be harder on me than her BUT I totally understand as her husband's death was very difficult so young and I think being alone is hard for her. I just am making things as smooth as possible and not battling on certain issues. If she wants us to rent a doublestroller- ok. The stroller company will deliver our groceries too if we choose.

As for the Alamo double upgrade- I think it's gone? Anyone else get it to work?

So for National, my friend cannot be 2nd driver? I'll check that.
My National rental says I choose my own car I believe.

Budget seems the best deal.

I will wait as suggested til midweek and look again.

Thanks everyone and if you have any further help for Sept 21-29 (9 day rental as late drop off), please let me know.

What size car does anyone suggest?

Any other advice, pls msg me.

 

[westcoastgal]

It seems your rate is extremely high, I have 8.2 days and it is just over $125 for the week before.
But why are you spending money renting a stroller? For a handful of dollars take an umbrolla. We spent $49 for theone in the gift shops that is black and red for the four year old and it held up for multiple trips. Especially if your walking airports with kids, they are large.
Just a thought.
Priceline was popping up with rental from Thrifty recently this week. But, I wouldn't look on the weekend, wait until during the week. Also, keep looking unless you decide a Priceline.

As far as usage fees, I don't think there is anyway around that.

Which company and codes/coupons did you use?

 

[jgraney106]

So for National, my friend cannot be 2nd driver? I'll check that.
.

Not sure of their wording on the 2nd driver policy, but a "domestic partner" generally will qualify as a second driver. They can have to include gay/lesbian and straight couples that are living together. Don't know your situation, but I do know a straight couple that the partner was accepted as the 2nd driver at the rental agency that they used. I don't think that her address was the same on her driver's license either , because she hadn't changed it to the new address yet.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

Which company and codes/coupons did you use?

Edited. The email inserted code. 869E4, "Liking" on facebook option another 5% off after confirmation.

I registered on the web site went with an email for price drop on EZCar rental. Down to $55 the week, added a day and 1 hr, with fees came to just over $126. The Email did not need a card to hold and would just lose the reservation if a no show after 2 hrs. I have heard they pin dents on you so I plane to do my own walk around with them taking detailed photos just in case. But I rather that then a Priceline prepay credit card hold.

This is Going down a category from my original rental saving another $18.00. Then if you "Like" the face book page they gave 5% more off. I cancelled the previous one with them for the Standard and went I think to mid size, compact? States a VW Jetta, but I doubt it will be a Jetta. I drive a Passat and will hope it's true. I rather like driving a car similar to those we owned, not a beast on crazy roadways.

Still watching the Alamo rate which is $50 more, but for a standard, actually hoping the rate on that drops.

You mention about the double stroller. Even our family has change in plans and splits off on the fly so a separate stroller may be needed if one or another has to head to a particular ride, gift shop or snack stop.

 

[goofy4tink]

First, they do have standard cars at MCO, they do not have a Standard row, they are with the full size cars. This applies to National and Alamo. If you are renting with your National EC membership, opt for the midsize car, you will then be able to select from the aisle and they usually have full size cars on the aisle.
The capacity of trunks vary from make to make. The Chrysler 200 is a standard car(midsize in the real world), smallish trunk. Of the full size cars, the Impala(full size) has the largest trunk. 18.5(approx.)cf. Capacity check means the allotment for that code/coupon has been reached for your time frame.
Not sure about what you can combine the Entertainment code with. Try different combos. People can stack a code from one place and a coupon from another. They cannot double up on codes or coupons.
I don't know if the KLM coupon includes a second driver. Alamo allows one additional driver at no charge for Insider members. National is a bit different in their free additional driver, but, I can tell you your friend would not be eligable for that freebe. The rules are listed on the National site under emerald club additional drivers.
KLM appears to include all fees and you can try to add a coupon, you never know.
Double check with your credit card companies on what exactly it covers for rental cars, also, your insurance company.
Look at the itemized charges for Budget. It will show you what it includes, the bottom line is what you will pay.
You might want to wait for new codes to come out for sept. It is a bit early yet for your dates. check mousesavers.com, she has lots of codes and coupons to boggle your mind further. . I don't use Priceline, so, I cannot help you there, all I know is once you bid and pay, you are done, you are stuck at that rate.

As you know, I booked the midsize but was able to upgrade to the standard, free since I'm an Insider. Okay. That was for about $178. Today, I was able to book that midsize for $138....didn't want to upgrade since that boosted my cost to $158. But...when I get there, to the row of cars, can I grab a standard car, instead of the midsize? I like the midsize but dh might prefer the larger car. Just curious. I'm more than happy with the midsize for $138!


Now??? Just booked for the week...pickup in Palm Beach on Sept 1, return to MCO on Sept 8. Cost? $137! Okay. Here's my question. If I'm the lead person on the rental, can my dh return the car? He will be an addtl driver of course, but wanted to be sure there wouldn't be any problem if he returned the car, not me. I'll still be at WDW!!!

 

[Bob NC]

Just reserved a Fullsize, Impala or similar with Budget thru Costco.

MCO

Pick up Sat 9/21, drop off Sat 9/28

Base rate $68.36 / Taxes & Fees $50.98 TOTAL $119.34

This has a coupon code of MUGZ041

 

[gmeh1]

I know this is off topic but I do have a great umbrella stroller (MacLaren) but it was broken by Air Canada during our flight to Aruba. They did pay to fix it but what a pain as we had to go to a certain vendor. It's a great stroller and lasted 3 plus years now and will many more but after spending $350 on it, I don't want to buy another one for the trip. My daughter is just 4 and weighs 27lb and is 36" tall, so not very big at all. Most people think she's 2 1/2-3 yrs old. Lol! Anyways, my gf stroller for her son is bulkier&she doesn't want to carry it when we are carrying carseats and I agree. We also plan to rent a double stroller as when one kid gets up, the other does too. They are copy cats and competitive but also love each other. We had them in side by side doublestroller before&they loved it. Holding hands and the like. I didmention to her that separating would be difficult with a double&we'd be stuck together but she insists that she doesn't plan to separate. I think that's going to be harder on me than her BUT I totally understand as her husband's death was very difficult so young and I think being alone is hard for her. I just am making things as smooth as possible and not battling on certain issues. If she wants us to rent a doublestroller- ok. The stroller company will deliver our groceries too if we choose.

As for the Alamo double upgrade- I think it's gone? Anyone else get it to work?

So for National, my friend cannot be 2nd driver? I'll check that.
My National rental says I choose my own car I believe.

Budget seems the best deal.

I will wait as suggested til midweek and look again.

Thanks everyone and if you have any further help for Sept 21-29 (9 day rental as late drop off), please let me know.

What size car does anyone suggest?

Any other advice, pls msg me.

Your friend can be an additional driver, just not a free additional driver.
Emerald Club: Authorized Drivers
Is there a fee for an additional driver on my Emerald Club rental?

Emerald Club: Authorized Drivers

Automatic Authorized Drivers

In the United States and Canada, there is no fee for an Emerald Club member's spouse or immediate family member.

Note: Immediate family is a Mother/Father, Son/Daughter, or Brother/Sister who has the same address on their driver's license as the Emerald Club member. This includes a spouse regardless of whether he/she has the same last name, is a common law spouse or same gender domestic partner.

In the United States and Canada, there is no fee on commercial rentals for an Emerald Club member's business partner, employer or fellow associate, who has an assigned corporate contract with National and drives the car for business purposes.

All other additional authorized driver situations are subject to a daily charge.


Yes, you select your own car at National and Alamo.

 

[gmeh1]

As you know, I booked the midsize but was able to upgrade to the standard, free since I'm an Insider. Okay. That was for about $178. Today, I was able to book that midsize for $138....didn't want to upgrade since that boosted my cost to $158. But...when I get there, to the row of cars, can I grab a standard car, instead of the midsize? I like the midsize but dh might prefer the larger car. Just curious. I'm more than happy with the midsize for $138!


Now??? Just booked for the week...pickup in Palm Beach on Sept 1, return to MCO on Sept 8. Cost? $137! Okay. Here's my question. If I'm the lead person on the rental, can my dh return the car? He will be an addtl driver of course, but wanted to be sure there wouldn't be any problem if he returned the car, not me. I'll still be at WDW!!!

no, you cannot select a standard size car. You can ask if it would be ok, some times they say yes and the worst they say is no. Yes, your DH can return the car, no problem.