Thrifty upgrade question (m)

[mom2jp]

This is our 3rd DW trip and previously we have used Dollar and National and been happy. But I can't seem to get good rates yet for our trip in January through those two. I went to the Thrifty website and used the code AU02 for our 10 day trip and got a rate of $138 - about $200-$300 cheaper than the other two. But that is just for an economy class car and it would be nice to upgrade to at least intermediate or full-size.

There was another thread that discussed upgrading, but I'm not sure exactly how to do that. Where would I find upgrade coupons for Thrifty? We should be getting the new Entertainment book soon, are there Thrifty coupons in there? Do I need to somehow have an upgrade coupon code when I make the reservation? Can it be used with the AU02 code? Any other Thrifty tricks I should know? I would prefer the other two rental agencies, but so far can't beat Thrifty's price! Thanks!

 

[SB in KY]

Well the good news is that Thrifty by MCO does not even have economy cars...so you are assured of at least a compact when you rent from them. I don't have any coupons for Thrifty however you can always ask when you pick up the car....they almost always are willing to offer upgrades for a few dollars a day.

I would hang onto the Thrifty ressie for now, but keep looking because Dollar, National, Alamo etc have not put out discounted rates past mid-Dec yet so they are quite likely to go down in another month or so. If the others get within a few dollars of thrifty I would opt for something in the terminal to save the hassle of shuttling over to Thrifty for pick up.

 

[Kevenswife2]

SB in KY, are you sure they have no econos? On a previous page someone wrote about the AU02 code and seeing a large family trying to squeeze into a 2-door geo metro. I'd be very happy if they don't as I have a ressie with them for an econo but was hoping for an upgrade.

Also, would you trade a definite mid-size through Budget for an econo from Thrifty (with almost certain upgrade) for $35? Is the shuttle thing really a hassle? I'm trying to save money so I'm uncertain and would like your opinion. Thanks!

 

[jiminy14]

I just rented from Thrifty in August and found it to be a hassle-free endeavor. The shuttle ride is about 5 minutes and the shuttle was downstairs waiting. My DH was able to get to Thrifty, pick-up the car, and get back to the terminal before our luggage had arrived. We had a reservation for a Dodge Intrepid but they were out of that specific car. They offered my DH a Ford Taurus but he refused it (hates those cars). The clerk then offered to upgrade him at no charge to a Dodge Caravan minivan. We were so happy with the price and service that I have booked a minivan with them for Christmas. I used the same AU02 code and was able to get a minivan for $170/week. I would suggest that you join their Blue Chip program. You can access it through their website. It makes things a lot easier when you pick up your car.

 

[riu girl]

Yesterday I booked with Thrifty(using AU02) for two weeks over Christmas and the sales rep. booked an economy for me but also requested a "4 door". She hinted that this might help us get a bigger car.

The rate was very good (especially considering that it is over the Christmas holidays) 79 US/wk plus taxes and fees total $105 US/wk.