rental car mco to chicago w/o one way fees?

[HappyCamperToo]

I'm exploring all possibilities.

Our family will need a minivan while in Orlando. One possible transportation option we're considering in the face of high airfare in December 2006 is flying there (AA for our date is currently only about $130 one way) and driving home with the minivan we'll be renting during our stay.

Dollar charges almost $300 in one way fees.

Anyone know if there are rental companies w/o such huge fees?

Thanks.

 

[Lewisc]

You have to shop it very carefully. Many agencies only offer unlimited mileage in the state of FL. You may wind up getting rid of the drop off fee but having to pay a mileage rate.

 

[addictedtoWDW]

Try Alamo. I just priced something similar. We may be driving down for our 4/8/06 trip and flying back. One way for a full size with unlimited mileage was $150.00

I hope this helps --here's a little pixie dust.

 

[CarolA]

My suggestion would be to CALL and confirm what your on line reservation says.... Some of the sites do not do a good job of telling you about some of the "hidden" fees etc. on one way rentals. I would hate for you to get back to whereever and discover that "opps" there was a charge.... (I have had problems on National's site so I would be concerned that Alamo has the same engine! And in my case the fees were in the reservation just never spelled out so I had no idea what they would have been.)

 

[manning]

I use Hertz and have done one way from MCO to chicago area. One thing you want to tell them ( any of the rental companies) is that you did NOT arrive by plane if you are picking up at the airport. If you don't say that you will get whacked with an airport tax.

If you work for a large company find out if they have a discount arrangement. It could save you a bit of money. That is why I use Hertz.

Be aware that just about all the rental companies are now holding you responsible for act of god damages to the car. I can see paying damages if I drive into a tree, but having the tree fall on the car while I am sleeping in a motel room is kind of frustrating.

 

[HappyCamperToo]

Thanks everyone! Here's what happened....

Lewisc: yes--that's exactly what happened at Avis. No drop fee, good daily rate, almost made the ressie, then I saw 30 cents a mile!!! yikes. I could buy the van for that!

manning: I tried Hertz, but their site said they were all sold out of vans for my dates. Maybe they don't let vans go one way.

I called made a ressie with Alamo (thanks addictedtoWDW), and it did NOT show a drop off fee. The rate was reasonable with unlimited miles, and maybe I'll be able to lower it as codes for December become available.

Not wanting to be hit with extra charges, I called Alamo, too, to verify (thanks CarolA). "Nino" assured me that the only thing which might change is the amount charges for various taxes. Apparently they wiggle a little. He said that if there was no item about drop off/one way charges on the ressie now, that there won't be then.

Should I believe him? I think I'll call back a few times to talk with other operators just to feel sure.

addictedtoWDW: Your trip is soon!!! Will you please post on this thread about your rental cal experience when you return? Have a great time.

 

[HappyCamperToo]

I just pulled this off Alamo's website. I'm feeling better now because of the last line, and will take a printout of it with me to MCO. Thanks again everyone!


Drop Charge

This is a fee that is assessed for renting a vehicle in one rental location and returning the vehicle to another rental location (see one-way rentals).

This is also known as an 'inter-city' fee.

The drop charge fee varies by rental location and time of year.

The drop charge fee will be disclosed when you book via the web site and is payable at time of pick up.

 

[DisOrBust]

Not knowing where you are I' asuming it in the ord area. Have you check Ted flights?? Or consider hanging in there until SW releases dates. If its not over xmas there are "usually" decent airfare to be had. Just a thought to avoid the 21 hr drive....which we have done. When I crunch the numbers for our family of 5 when all thing considered its not that much cheaper to drive UNLESS its high season. Delta has been cheap out of MKE.

 

[HappyCamperToo]

Not knowing where you are I' asuming it in the ord area. Have you check Ted flights?? Or consider hanging in there until SW releases dates. If its not over xmas there are "usually" decent airfare to be had. Just a thought to avoid the 21 hr drive....which we have done. When I crunch the numbers for our family of 5 when all thing considered its not that much cheaper to drive UNLESS its high season. Delta has been cheap out of MKE.

Well, it is sort of over x-mas. Our dates are approx. 12/16 - 12/29. So outbound is in "value" season, yet return home is "peak."

I saw AA flights one way for $123 (plus taxes) for outbound a couple of days ago. And I'm hanging in for SWA and Air Tran, too, although I know I'll probably have to wait until AUGUST!!!!!

The nice thing about rental car reservations is that there is no penalty if you decide not to use them.

 

[manning]

Thanks everyone! Here's what happened....

Lewisc: yes--that's exactly what happened at Avis. No drop fee, good daily rate, almost made the ressie, then I saw 30 cents a mile!!! yikes. I could buy the van for that!

manning: I tried Hertz, but their site said they were all sold out of vans for my dates. Maybe they don't let vans go one way.

I called made a ressie with Alamo (thanks addictedtoWDW), and it did NOT show a drop off fee. The rate was reasonable with unlimited miles, and maybe I'll be able to lower it as codes for December become available.

Not wanting to be hit with extra charges, I called Alamo, too, to verify (thanks CarolA). "Nino" assured me that the only thing which might change is the amount charges for various taxes. Apparently they wiggle a little. He said that if there was no item about drop off/one way charges on the ressie now, that there won't be then.

Should I believe him? I think I'll call back a few times to talk with other operators just to feel sure.

addictedtoWDW: Your trip is soon!!! Will you please post on this thread about your rental cal experience when you return? Have a great time.

That's right on Hertz. I forgot about that. You will have to pickup at the airport. This applies on all their rentals. Sorry. I did this last November and sweet talked the CM at the front desk to let me ride the Magical Express to the airport. If you do that let hertz know you did not arrive on a plane. That way you will avoid the airport tax. If you are using their site there is a box to check at the beginning just under pickup/return.

If it is around Xmas make your reservation early. Xmas sells out fast!!!