Silly Rental Question... (large family related)

[GAGirlInVA]

The only time I've ever rented a car, there were only two passengers so it didn't really matter what we got.

Hypothetical: When you rent a vehicle, can you guarantee how many seats there are?

I guess what I'm asking is this. If I have 8 passengers, and I rent a mini van, is there a possibility you get one that only has 7? (Some have 7, some have 8.)

And is it safe to assume, that if this is possible, you should go directly through the provider and not through a bidding site, etc?

 

[anonymousegirl]

the rental website show how many passengers fit in the car/van for each vehicle

 

[letsgoreds]

I agree with the PP, every car rental company I have rented from lists the # of passengers and luggage sizes that the vehicle will accommodate.

I don't know if I have ever rented an 8 passenger van...always has been 2 captains chairs in the middle.

That's also quite a bit of luggage to try to fit in the back. Maybe 2 cars? Might even be cheaper than the minivan based on discounts.

 

[dmunsil]

If you have 8 people plus luggage, you're going to need either a full-size van (maybe even a stretch van) or two standard cars or larger, depending on number and size of bags. Four people can fit in any of the car classes, but it's hard to fit 4 checked bags plus carry-ons in anything smaller than a standard without getting creative. And while there are 8-person mini-vans, again luggage could be a problem, and I can't recall seeing that as a category on any of the web sites. It seems like 7-passenger is the "normal" mini-van or full-size SUV category.

The big companies all have a full-size van category, and sometimes a stretch van or "15-passenger van" category. But if you have two drivers available, you may want to compare to renting two cars.

 

[Jestocost]

If you have 8 people plus luggage, you're going to need either a full-size van (maybe even a stretch van) or two standard cars or larger, depending on number and size of bags. Four people can fit in any of the car classes, but it's hard to fit 4 checked bags plus carry-ons in anything smaller than a standard without getting creative. And while there are 8-person mini-vans, again luggage could be a problem, and I can't recall seeing that as a category on any of the web sites. It seems like 7-passenger is the "normal" mini-van or full-size SUV category.

The big companies all have a full-size van category, and sometimes a stretch van or "15-passenger van" category. But if you have two drivers available, you may want to compare to renting two cars.

Agreed. While minivans with the eight-passenger configuration do exist in the rental car world, I've never seen it as a bookable category so if you absolutely need space for eight people I would not book a minivan. And, regardless, if you fill up all of the seats in a seven- or eight-passenger minivan you probably will not have enough space for luggage unless everyone packs very light.

Larger 10- and 15-passenger vans are available, but they are expensive and can be difficult for an inexperienced driver to handle. Unless you only have one driver in the group or you have someone who has experience with a larger van I definintely would look into renting two vehicles or at least compare the cost of two smaller vehicles with one larger van.

 

[FoodLover]

Another thing to consider is that any van larger than a standard minivan is probably NOT covered by your personal car insurance or credit card rental car insurance, so you may have to purchase the insurance offered by the rental car company. That can cost a lot of money ($25+ per day or so).

Personally I would get two standard cars.

Mary
MouseSavers.com

 

[hollerfolk5]

I was at MCO/WDW in May. I did see a section at Alamo for "8 passenger mini vans" in the garage. But never saw the option on their website. You could call them and ask. But keep in mind unless the van would have stow in go for your luggage- it might not fit with 8 people in the van. Good luck!!

 

[GAGirlInVA]

Thanks. It was a total curiosity question. We only have 7 people.

I was just curious how it worked. Oh the things that flash through my head at night.

We are trying to decide if we want to drive down or fly and then get a rental.

We pack light. Especially when we have access to a washing machine and dryer.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

Not sure about his current fee, but we had used Carl's Van rental in Orlando. He watches the flight to pick you up and take you to his office. Same on return, he'll drop you off.
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