Two car rental questions: what if I don't cancel, and is this a good rate?

[coastgirl]

Ok, folks, I've had TWO email "events" in the past few months and I can't find a car rental reservation I know I made. I don't want it anymore, I found a better rate (I remember the approx dollar amount), but I can't even remember which agency it was. I know you don't have to use a cc to hold them, so I'm hoping I won't be held responsible if I'm a no-show? Can anyone confirm that I won't be charged if I don't cancel?

Spent this snowy afternoon sorting through rental rates. I ended up with a midsize (Sonata or Camry) from MCO for $217 from Alamo and $222 from Dollar, for 10 days in Feb. Are those decent rates, or should I keep looking?

And, any opinions on which is the better co to rent from, Dollar or Alamo? I know we've used both and neither has been awful, but rates and vehicles being more or less equal, is one more convenient or otherwise better?

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

For most rental companies there are situations where there will be a no show policy. This can be for certain specialty vehicles, for certain makes and models or for certain times of year. Some small locations have no show policies on all of their vehicles.

Unfortunately you would have to know which agency you reserved with in order to check what their specific no show policy is.

If you weren't required to give a credit card number when you booked I don't see how they could charge you for a no show - unless your reservation is tied into one of the car rental frequent renter programs where you have your CC stored.

 

[coastgirl]

Ok, I was feeling so guilty I went searching some more...found I had emailed it to myself with about a hundred other emails at my yahoo account as a back up. Cancelled it! It was about THREE-fifty, not TWO-fifty, so I am feeling better about the recent deal I got! Still would like opinions on the two co's though, if anyone has any...

 

[sympatico]

Ok, I was feeling so guilty I went searching some more...found I had emailed it to myself with about a hundred other emails at my yahoo account as a back up. Cancelled it! It was about THREE-fifty, not TWO-fifty, so I am feeling better about the recent deal I got! Still would like opinions on the two co's though, if anyone has any...

Are those rates with taxes included or just the base rate? I like Alamo and National because they let you go to the row of the size car you reserved and pick whichever one you want in that row. If you reserve a midsize you can go to the midsize row and pick the one you want. They all have the keys in them. You'll just pass the tag (that's in the car) in at the exit booth on the way out.

 

[coastgirl]

Yes, that's everything in...really misleading otherwise, I looked at some rates that looked good until I got to the last screen!

 

[sympatico]

Those are good rates. For Feb 22 - Mar 5 they are really high. For a midsize with taxes included it's around $570ish.
I guess because it's Presidents week. I'm hoping for a last minute rate later on.

 

[buckbart]

We used hotwire.com for our rental last week. We paid $141 US/week for a full sized car. After confirmation we found out it was through Alamo. When we arrived at ALamo in the airport, they told us to go ahead and pick any vehicle in the full sized line, which included vans. Of course we took 1 of the vans. Did you check them out?

Edited: I just did a search on hotwire using Feb 13 -23 and the price is $13.95/day for a mid sized and $17.95 for a full sized

 

[bfost87]

I worked for a rental company for the last two years, if they don't have your credit card they can't charge you for anything, no show or otherwise. The only way they could even begin to try (they won't) to charge you for no-show is by calling you up and asking for your c/c, and you simply wont give it to them of course.

Second, 222 (22.20/day) for Dollar is a pretty good rate. You are going to have trouble finding a better one. Have you tried Enterprise? If you book ahead of time your rate will be quite a bit lower and if you book online as well (about 10% cheaper to book online than over the phone)

 

[minnie56]

I just booked a full size with Budget via Expedia. Dollar was also there but we have Fastbreak with Budget so chose them.All taxes and fees incl for $252 CAD for March 3-13. I thought that was pretty good. I went through a link from an Expedia email I rec'd but I would assume just going in through the Expedia site it would be the same?

I know last trip we paid a lot more!

 

[dancin Disney style]

I just booked a full size with Budget via Expedia. Dollar was also there but we have Fastbreak with Budget so chose them.All taxes and fees incl for $252 CAD for March 3-13. I thought that was pretty good. I went through a link from an Expedia email I rec'd but I would assume just going in through the Expedia site it would be the same?

I know last trip we paid a lot more!

I was looking at a car through Expedia as well. It showed $149CAD and said all taxes and fees included. Have you rented through them before? I can't seem to find out if there is anything else to pay at the counter. The only, sort of, negative is that is needs to be paid in full up front.

 

[minnie56]

I have and paid nothing addt'l at the counter.

The only addt'l fees/charges it says in the fine print would be for an addt'l driver, the refuelling option, young driver surcharge and delivery and collection fees.

Yeah, having to pay now is a bummer but at least softens the blow of the CC bill at the end of a trip!!!

 

[angela1044]

Anyone put 5 people into an intermediate? With two being kids in booster seats? I'm wondering if we could get away with that.

 

[bfost87]

Can you do it? Theoretically? Yes. They are designed to fit 5 people. But with two car seats it's going to be a very very tight fit and it isn't going to a good time in that back seat, as the car seats are wider than most people so you're pushing the boundaries.

 

[dancin Disney style]

I have and paid nothing addt'l at the counter.

The only addt'l fees/charges it says in the fine print would be for an addt'l driver, the refuelling option, young driver surcharge and delivery and collection fees.

Yeah, having to pay now is a bummer but at least softens the blow of the CC bill at the end of a trip!!!

So I would be wise to jump on this deal with Expedia???? It's a full size, during March Break...$149.10. I also have booked a compact on the Budget website for $165USD plus taxes...approx $232.


Do you know if I can cancel without penalty with Expedia? I've never booked anything with them so it's a little uncomfortable. I usually book everything myself and have full control over ressies.

 

[minnie56]

Cancellations can be made, I am sure there is a fee though?

 

[angela1044]

Can you do it? Theoretically? Yes. They are designed to fit 5 people. But with two car seats it's going to be a very very tight fit and it isn't going to a good time in that back seat, as the car seats are wider than most people so you're pushing the boundaries.

That's what I figured. Hmmm, I guess we're driving then. Thanks.