Should I get giftcard for Alamo, Avis, Budget or Hertz?

[kellia]

I was going to use some of my SW rewards for a rental car for our trip the last week of Jan. Which typically is the cheapest: Alamo, Avis, Budget or Hertz? Or, do you think I'd be better off redeeming for restaurants so I can go with any company?

I've only rented a car once, so I have no idea who has the best deals or what the prices are.

 

[Southernswthrt]

I personally like Alamo or National. I like choosing my own car and their rates are usually the best - check discount codes and coupons on disboards or mousesavers. Super easy and convenient with kiosks, etc.

 

[mek17]

Word of warning -- the Alamo "gift card" you receive via cashing in SW points is a "$100 off coupon" that requires use of specific contract ID and coupon code. You cannot use it with other contract IDs or coupon codes. You can only use up to three $100 coupons per rental. I found this out the hard way yesterday. Instead of booking the best price I can arrange via Costco contract ID and the AA $35 off coupon, and then paying with my $500 worth of gift cards, I am now trying to figure out a way to use these five $100 coupons that are really only worth about $50 each after you consider the loss of use of the $35 coupon and the loss of discount from the Costco code. Not cool.

 

[francie57]

We usually use Alamo but for our trips so far this year their prices have been outrageous. We used Budget in June and will be using them next week. We have a minivan for just over $300 including taxes and the same minivan for Alamo was well over $500. Not sure why they have been so high - even their last minute specials didn't come close to the price I have with Budget.