rental car $500 a week? HELP!

[My2CrazyGirls]

We are flying into San Antonio and need a rental car. It has to be a mini van or similar because we will need to tote around 4 adults and 2 kids in car seats. We have checked AAA, USAA, COSTCO, etc. and the least expensive was just shy of $500. Is there a way to get a better deal? This is really depressing

 

[momof3ds]

Try bidding on priceline.

 

[MEK]

When are you going there? Often the prices are really high in advance of the date. As you get closer they drop.

You can check allearsnet.com for codes, however, they usually focus on Orlando codes.

You can also ask your question on the transportation boards. Those people are wizards at codes and websites to check.

Good luck!

 

[WeCantWait]

We are flying into San Antonio and need a rental car. It has to be a mini van or similar because we will need to tote around 4 adults and 2 kids in car seats. We have checked AAA, USAA, COSTCO, etc. and the least expensive was just shy of $500. Is there a way to get a better deal? This is really depressing

I have had luck with CarRentals.com....they sometimes have specials on minivans...check daily because their rates sometimes come down for a short ammount of time and then go right back up. Good luck.

 

[MEK]

Yeah - I was going to say priceline.

Also - if you belong to AAA they sell vouchers for Hertz at a discounted rate. I think you can use up to 3 vouchers on a rental.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

When are you going there? Often the prices are really high in advance of the date. As you get closer they drop.

You can check allearsnet.com for codes, however, they usually focus on Orlando codes.

You can also ask your question on the transportation boards. Those people are wizards at codes and websites to check.

Good luck!

March. We just don't want all the mini vans to get sold out, but we can wait a while longer. I want to try Priceline but I hate that then it is totally not refundable and not changeable. We might have to though because $500 is crazy!

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

Yeah - I was going to say priceline.

Also - if you belong to AAA they sell vouchers for Hertz at a discounted rate. I think you can use up to 3 vouchers on a rental.

Can you tell me more about "AAA vouchers?" I can't seem to find any info on that. AAA rates are $500

 

[BadgerGirl84]

I would think you wouldn't start to get any decent rates until a month before your trip. That's how it seems to work at least when booking cars in Orlando.

 

[undertheradar]

Have you asked this question on the transportation board? Lot of good info over there.

 

[sallysue66]

check mousesavers. they have codes listed for all the car rental agencies. i found a code there for our Easter trip to the Keys. We are flying in to Ft Lauderdale and renting from Budget at the airport, $230 for 6 days in a full size car. without the code it was close to $500.

 

[Pumpkinmuffin]

Unfortunately that's been the going rate for mini vans for awhile now We rented one for our trip a few months ago and paid just under $500 for a week

 

[mrsklamc]

Since booked rentals are usually refundable, I book the lowest rate I can find with a code. Then as it gets closer, maybe a week before the trip, I bid on priceline, and can usually get a much better deal. there's a website called bidding for travel, and another one I can't think of right now, that can help you know what to bid.

 

[Bowen9475]

Try using the Budget Travelocity code X474200. I've had very good luck getting good prices on minivans with this code.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

Try using the Budget Travelocity code X474200. I've had very good luck getting good prices on minivans with this code.

Thanks, I just saw that code. The problem is Budget is sold out in San Antonio of all cars for our dates and any dates I plug in! So maybe they are not there anymore or are not renting cars for a while. Very strange.

 

[jls886]

If you're renting from/returning to the airport, I have had really good luck on pricing booking through Southwest's website. They offer discounts for a lot of car rental companies and if you're a member of Rapid Rewards you can also earn some bonus points.

http://www.southwest.com/rapidrewards/promotions?int=GSUBNAV-RR-PROMOS

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

If you're renting from/returning to the airport, I have had really good luck on pricing booking through Southwest's website. They offer discounts for a lot of car rental companies and if you're a member of Rapid Rewards you can also earn some bonus points.

http://www.southwest.com/rapidrewards/promotions?int=GSUBNAV-RR-PROMOS

Thanks! I got excited, but with the discount it came to $647.00

I think the prices go down closer to the date. But I guess I should book something refundable soon, and then I can cancel and book something better. Is that what most people do?

And thank you to everyone who has replied I am checking into everything!

 

[FlyingBelle]

Try bidding on priceline.

Agreed! You can still select your size vehicle. I do it all the same and save quite a bit. The only downside is if your plans change - with priceline you pay up front.

 

[ssawka]

If you belong to Costco, try going through their site.

 

[searlproudbottom]

I just checked the price though my Account with Alamo
Dodge Caravan
Pickup at San Antonio Airport Feb 1, 2013 12:00 pm
Drop off San Antonio Airport Feb 7, 2013 12:00 pm

Total Price $361.21

Found this on the Alamo site

Free Day with 5-Day Rental: Offer valid at participating Alamo locations in the US and Canada; not valid in Manhattan, NY. To redeem a free rental day, rent a Standard size car or higher for a minimum of five days. Rental must include a Saturday overnight stay. Here are a few other things you should remember: Make your reservation 24 hours ahead of time. Sorry, this offer cannot be combined with another and it is not available for one-way rentals. And obviously, you have to meet standard rental qualifications. The free day is prorated against the base rate for the length of your rental. Some things that might cost you extra include taxes, government charges, recoupment fees, multiple airport fees, refueling, additional driver fees, drivers under age 25, one-way rental charges and option items (e.g., CDW Waiver Savers® up to $30 per day). Remember to check your insurance policy and/or credit card for rental vehicle coverage. Don't forget, availability is limited. This offer may change without notice. Unfortunately, blackout dates may apply, and this offer is void where prohibited. Valid for rentals December 31, 2012 through February 2, 2013.

 

[searlproudbottom]

Forgot to mention
You must go to Alamo and create an account first to get this price.