online car rental rate less than calling them -makes me nervous!

[amjl]

Hi,

I was online at the National site and got a weekly rate plus all fees for 353.79. I've never used my credit card on line so I decided to call National to book the reservation. When I called the rate went up to 503.41. She said she could not get me the online rate. I went back on line and booked it. I'm now nervous that at pick up the rate will be different. Have others booked online with National? Were there any problems with getting the rate you were quoted?
thanks for your help!

 

[prncess674]

I always book rental cars online. The rates are usually cheaper. Don't fear, Just Do It! Be sure to print out your confirmation showing the price and you will be fine.

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by amjl
Hi,

I was online at the National site and got a weekly rate plus all fees for 353.79. I've never used my credit card on line so I decided to call National to book the reservation. When I called the rate went up to 503.41. She said she could not get me the online rate. I went back on line and booked it. I'm now nervous that at pick up the rate will be different. Have others booked online with National? Were there any problems with getting the rate you were quoted?
thanks for your help!

Actually, what kind of car is that? That rate seems high if it's a full size or less.

If it's a minivan or luxury car then that might explain it.

Don't worry. Rates are almost always cheaper online than getting a live person at most websites...even airfare too.

I've never heard anyone having a problem with National with the rate they were quoted upon arrival except maybe by a few cents due to those fees/taxes...they can vary but only by a few cents.

Print out your confirmation and put it with any coupon you may have.

 

[Dodie]

Wow! That sounds like a LOT of money for a weekly rental.

Nonetheless, I have booked via National online many times in the past. It is a secure server. I don't think you'd have any problems.

 

[CarolA]

On line rates are cheaper to encourage you to book online. It is cheaper for the rental company not to pay someone to talk to you.

 

[sgtdisney]

I have booked online for years both car rentals and booked airfares... Have never had one problem. The airlines sometimes give substantial discounts if you buy tickets using their websites as well. Make sure, as others have said, to bring your printed out confirmations and you will not have any problems.

 

[erikthewise]

Actually, I feel it is more secure to give your credit card number over a secure web site than over an open phone line to a person.

I can double-check the reservation online any time that I want.

And I feel much more secure at the checkout window when I hand them a printout of the transaction from the web site, with all relevant information in black and white (or in color if you prefer!), than I would just hoping my phone reservation has not been garbled somehow.

 

[CRCrazy]

Check Mousesavers for all of their current rental discounts for minivans, cars, etc. You can use a discount code (I use the old DC code, as my card is good through Dec.), as well as a discount coupon. If you are an Emerald Club member - you can bypass the counter, and still use a coupon.

Your rate looks a little high!

 

[inkkognito]

I have not booked a rental car directly through the rental company online, but I've booked four times via Priceline. I would think that would be even more potential for problems, since it is through a third party, but everything has gone very smoothly. Once we even got an upgrade of one size.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[amjl]

Okay you've all calmed my worries about booking on line but I now feel that my good rate is not so good. I am booking a minivan and have been to every major car rental site and that was the lowest rate. I tried to apply the codes I could from mousesavers but they didn't do anything. I guess this would be a good time for me to join something - AAA or DC but I don't think you can join DC anymore - right? Thanks again for all your great advice!

 

[prncess674]

have you looked on www.travelocity.com or www.orbitz.com or www.expedia.com

What dates are you looking at? If you give more specifics someone may be able to help.