Opinions requested on Rental Car (which one?)

[Wolfelaw]

I have two rental car ressies confirmed for my December 5th - December 13th trip to Orlando. One is with Budget, for a total of $216; the other is with Enterprise, for a total of $137.

Obviously, Enterprise is about $80 cheaper, BUT, my plane gets in at 9:45 p.m. and Enterprise closes at 11 p.m. I asked the guy what would happen if my plane was late and I couldn't pick up my car by 11 p.m.; he basically said I'd have to get it the next day.

Since Budget is right in the terminal, I assume that they are open all night -- plus I am a member of Fastbreak, so I think I can just show them my id and pick up my car without waiting around for a long time.

Should I assume that the plane will land on time and that I'll make it to the Enterprise pick up point by 11 p.m.? and then spend that $80 on a nice breakfast the next morning? Or should I play it safe and reserve with Budget and we can all eat Pop-tarts the next morning?

I'll have my 8 year old son with me and it would be a pain to have to take a taxi to our hotel and then come back out to pick the car up the next day -- but Enterprise is so much cheaper that it's tempting (except that obviously if we don't get there in time it will end up costing a lot more, since we'll have to take a taxi to our hotel and back to the airport the next morning to pick up the car).

Finally, I've never rented with Enterprise. Anyone who has used them out of the Orlando Airport -- was it easy/quick to pick up/drop off the car?

Thanks for any opinions/advice.

 

[sln88]

what airline are you flying on? Is there any way to find out their record for on time flights?

another option might be to get an inexpensive airport hotel for your 1st night(using a shuttle) and then go get your car the next day- that would save you on rental for a day.

 

[disneysteve]

Interesting dilemma. Here's my input.

I ONLY rent from companies in the terminal. I think it is a royal pain in the behind to have to take a shuttle to some offsite location to get my car. We had a truly lousy experience the last time we did that with Alamo. Swore we'd never do it again. As thrifty as we are with our trip planning, and our lives in general, I won't even consider an offsite rental regardless of cost savings. Plus, my time is valuable too and it is much quicker to rent at the terminal. While my wife is claiming our luggage, I go down and get the car. By the time I drive around to the pick-up area, she and my daughter are waiting by the curb.

Personally, I'd be very uncomfortable with the narrow time window with Enterprise. It is not at all unusual for a plane to be 15-30 minutes late. Add in the time for deplaning and getting through the terminal and you could easily miss getting your car. Then you have the expense of getting back and forth from the airport, and the time lost the next day when you should be enjoying your vacation.

My vote - take the in-terminal rental and buy those Pop-tarts.

Steve

 

[rdrjj5]

If it were me I would go with budget if they will be open. I would be so uneasy about cutting it so close on time. Also keep rechecking the rates at Budget. They do change day to day sometimes. Also if you have an entertainment book they have a coupon code to use when booking for 20% off a weekly rate.

 

[battricia]

Hi
If I were you I would try calling Budget and tell them about the price quote you got with Enterprise, see if they can match that. If you're a preferred customer with them, they might be willing to go lower.. or as someone else mentioned check their rates again to see if they're getting lower.

Good luck,
Tricia.

 

[buzz2400]

I agree with DisneySteve. Having to be shuttled is a royal pain. I did that once but will not do it again. Did you check National's rates. Did you use the codes posted on Mousesavers.com. I believe there are 4 car rental's that are in the terminal. Also you said you had reservations from both. You can also check with Enterprise to see if they charge you if you don't cancel. That way you can go with both reservations.

 

[hygienejean]

I would vote Buget......Especially if you are a FASTLANE customer. We used that and bypassed a VERY long line of unhappy people when we walked right up to the counter and got our van...just like that! The convenience is worth it! Check mousesavers for a code, maybe it can be even less $$$$$....

Good Luck!

 

[antmaril]

I, too, agree with DisneySteve. I always use a rental company in the terminal. Also, you never know whether or not your plane will arrive on time. You just can't count on it.

I would go with Budget, but keep checking for better rates, not only at Budget, but other companies in the terminal. You may find a code you can use at rentalcodes.com I've had good luck with them.

 

[ncbyrne]

Have you checked the prices at all of the rental car agencies located onsite at Orlando Int'l Airport (MCO)? Be sure to check the codes at both of these sites. http://www.mousesavers.com/rentalcar.html

http://www.rentalcodes.com/
With a little time spent researching, you will surely find the lowest rate possible for your dates.