Priceline=Avis...should I be scared?

[mellvswdw1]

So I have been trying to score a really good deal for a few months for our upcoming trip....May 28th checking in at 11am and returning June 10th at noon. I had a deal with Alamo for $268 for a compact/standard and I went on priceline for fun and put in $9 a day and got a Fullsize from Avis for a total of $245.

Stupid me started reading some reviews of Avis and now I am scared. I did see that I can add my DH on for free which is good, but the thing I am worried about are the extra charges. I am not going to take the extra insurance(and I will keep all copies and pay attention to what I sign), I will refuse the fuel and the tolls. I did a search to see if I could see if other DISboard folks had a good experience, but I really didn't find much.

Did I make a huge mistake, or did I get a good deal with a good company? Thanks so much!

Melissa

 

[robinb]

So I have been trying to score a really good deal for a few months for our upcoming trip....May 28th checking in at 11am and returning June 10th at noon. I had a deal with Alamo for $268 for a compact/standard and I went on priceline for fun and put in $9 a day and got a Fullsize from Avis for a total of $245.

Stupid me started reading some reviews of Avis and now I am scared. I did see that I can add my DH on for free which is good, but the thing I am worried about are the extra charges. I am not going to take the extra insurance(and I will keep all copies and pay attention to what I sign), I will refuse the fuel and the tolls. I did a search to see if I could see if other DISboard folks had a good experience, but I really didn't find much.

Did I make a huge mistake, or did I get a good deal with a good company? Thanks so much!

Melissa

You'll be fine and $9 per day is a GREAT rate . IMO, all the major car rental companies are the same and you can ready bad reviews of any company.

 

[HoosierDisneyDad]

You'll be fine with Avis. I've had good experiences with them. And I agree that you got a good rate.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

You are worrying for nothing. Avis is fine; I have rented from them many times.

 

[mellvswdw1]

You'll be fine and $9 per day is a GREAT rate . IMO, all the major car rental companies are the same and you can ready bad reviews of any company.

Thank you so much! I had used priceline in January and got Budget, it was fine so I wasn't too worried until I looked up the reviews on Yelp. Thanks for the info!

Melissa

 

[mellvswdw1]

You'll be fine with Avis. I've had good experiences with them. And I agree that you got a good rate.

Thanks so much!

 

[mellvswdw1]

You are worrying for nothing. Avis is fine; I have rented from them many times.

Thank you....quick question. Has anyone ever used priceline and then added their preferred number so they could skip the line in the terminal and go straight to the garage? I did join Avis's preferred "club" and I tried adding it onto my reservation and it didn't recognize the number.....maybe I can call the customer service line....any info would be great!

Melissa

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Thank you....quick question. Has anyone ever used priceline and then added their preferred number so they could skip the line in the terminal and go straight to the garage? I did join Avis's preferred "club" and I tried adding it onto my reservation and it didn't recognize the number.....maybe I can call the customer service line....any info would be great!

Melissa

I'm not sure you can do this with a Priceline reservation. I would call.

 

[mellvswdw1]

I'm not sure you can do this with a Priceline reservation. I would call.

Thank you for the quick answer. I will give them a call and even if I can't I still feel really good about what I am paying since I started out with a compact at $450!

Melissa

 

[Lewisc]

The rental agencies normal polices don't always apply to customers who rent via PL. Are you sure Avis customers who rent through PLs name your own price option are allowed an additional driver for free. Programs like Hertz #1 don't apply.

 

[pigletto]

I used Priceline in February and the answer was no, you could not add any membership numbers to bypass the counter etc.
Regardless it was worth going to the counter for the great price I got. You've done well and you'll be fine with Avis. Like any agency it depends on how pushy the person at the desk is and how much information you have. You already know you don't need all the extras so I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

[mellvswdw1]

Lewisc and Pigletto thank you for letting me know that I will not be able to add the preferred Status, and if I can't add my DH, no worries. I get really car sick unless I drive so that will not be a big issue if I cannot add my DH. I am just happy that I am not paying an arm and a leg. Thanks so much!

Melissa

 

[Lewisc]

Lewisc and Pigletto thank you for letting me know that I will not be able to add the preferred Status, and if I can't add my DH, no worries. I get really car sick unless I drive so that will not be a big issue if I cannot add my DH. I am just happy that I am not paying an arm and a leg. Thanks so much!

Melissa

You can add your DH, just not sure of the cost.

 

[Greysword]

Avis is my preferred rental car service, so I think you did well. Hand the agent your preferred service card when you check in. It may not do much, but it will let them know you are not just here for the cattle call and instead are a client of theirs. It helps when negotiating upgrades and such, if that comes into play. Plus if you could add it, then they will do it at the desk, so you get credit for the rental.

 

[mellvswdw1]

Avis is my preferred rental car service, so I think you did well. Hand the agent your preferred service card when you check in. It may not do much, but it will let them know you are not just here for the cattle call and instead are a client of theirs. It helps when negotiating upgrades and such, if that comes into play. Plus if you could add it, then they will do it at the desk, so you get credit for the rental.

Thanks for the heads up.....I am looking forward to being at the Happy Place in 12 days!