Please explain the Budget program...

[minivan3]

I have read on Budget rent a car's site about a "fast access" program that will let you skip going through the line to get your rental, however I can't find out if there is a few to join this program. Is anyone in this and how much is it? Is it a monthly fee, etc.
Thanks.

 

[KarenP99]

It's Budget Fastbreak. There is a registration right on their website.

The benefit is that rather than going to the counter in the terminal, you go directly to the garage and there is a booth there. You pick up the keys and are on your way.

The biggest benefit I saw was that a spouse/domestic partner can drive without additional fees.

Karen

 

[Luvdisney]

Go to the Budget website. https://rent.drivebudget.com/Home.jsp At the top of the page click on the Programs tab and apply for FAST BREAK. You can read all about there as well.

 

[jadejazzkayla]

if you go to the budget website and click on "programs" it gives a bunch of info. i just joined a few weeks ago and it is free. orlando has a fastbreak counter service, so you still have to go to the counter but i think they have a "fastbreak" line seperate from everyone else. i also just noticed that if you join fastbreak they offer "upgrade benefits". wonder what that means! here is some info from their website.

terry



Fastbreak Choice

Fastbreak Choice locations, available at most major US airports, provide the easiest way to rent a car. Simply confirm your reservation at the kiosk in the lot, select a car of your choice from your designated area, show your driver's license at the exit booth, and hit the road.


Fastbreak Counter

At Fastbreak Counter locations, show your driver's license to the Fastbreak counter agent, get your keys, and you're on your way.


Rapid Return and upgrade benefits also apply when you use Fastbreak.

Rapid Return is available at most major US airports - when you return your car, we'll print a receipt for you right in the lot. It's a perfect match with Fastbreak!

 

[MsLefty]

I was going to reserve a car at Budget, but was surprised at the $35 surcharges for my rental. What are the surcharges for? I can't find them explained anywhere, except in the case of drivers under 25 which I, unfortunately, am not!

 

[Kevenswife2]

All car rental companies charge a surcharge. There's a $2.35-per- day State surcharge, $0.40-per-day vehicle license recovery fee, and if you rent from a company with airport access, there's another 10% added on as airport tax. That's why the rental price might seem low...until you get the total rate.



Outta my way..... .... .....I'm headed to Disney!

 

[MsLefty]

Thanks for the info on the surcharges. I couldn't find that anywhere on the Budget site. I guess $180ish is still good for a Full Size for 8 days.

 

[Kevenswife2]

I got that info from the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World...I love it. Everytime I open it I learn something new.

 

[vasoccermom]

Another question regarding Budget. I'm currently holding a res. w/Budget for our Nov trip. Can I sign up for the fastbreak program now and apply the benefits to my existing upcoming rental res? The free 2nd driver is key for me since I'm making all these reservations but my husband is more likely to drive once we're there!

Karen

 

[Kevenswife2]

Yes! After you sign up for Fastbreak give them a call so they can apply your member number to your reservation. That's what I had to do.

 

[minivan3]

So, if I understand it all---it is a free thing to sign up? When I was going through the registration page, it did ask for a credit card #, that's when I quit because I didn't know how much I was about to agree to put on my card.
Also, at MCO, you still have to go to the counter? But , with a separate, and hopefully faster line?
Then there will be surcharges added once there, or I should see the surcharges on my reservation when I book it?

 

[Kevenswife2]

Yes, it's a FREE program. They ask for your credit card so it's on file and makes your pick-up process much faster.

You will bypass the counter and go straight out to the garage. There will be signs so you can find it. Stop at the kiosk there, show them your drivers license and fastbreak card, sign some papers, and you're on your way.

You should see the surcharges on your reservation when you book it, between 'base' rate and 'total' cost. (FYI, my surcharge on a 9 day rental with a 'base' rate of $146 is $37. Then there's $12 in taxes...it adds up fast!)

 

[Garretts92]

I have an existing reservation for a full size with a free upgrade to a premium. Can the upgrade be done if you bypass the counter?

 

[tinkerb]

I am a new member of the fastbreak program, and I am going to use it when we arrive thursday night, i am hoping everything goes great....once before we had wanted to rent a car at orlando and went down to the counters and the lines and wait times seems endless, we decided to use mears....i will post when i return our experiences......

 

[vasoccermom]

Tinkerb,
I too just signed up for Fastbreak at Budget based on all the comments from this board. When I spoke to Budget however, I was told I could not bypass the counter the first time I used it, since they need to verify I.D. (they apparently have had problems with people walking off with cars who werent signed up and never returning them!).

Please let us know about your experience once you return!

Karen