Usually cheaper to book car rental earlier rather than later?

[HappyMommy2]

Booking rental cars and flights can be maddening! Seems like the rates fluctuate so wildly.

We've rarely needed to rent a car but on our upcoming trip we will; should I go ahead and book at the crazy rate I'm looking at, and then hope I can change to a lower rate if one comes out?
Or do rental car rates tend to just go up and up as you get closer to your dates? I guess I'm just wondering if there's any hope that the rates will go down. BTW we'll be renting out of Ft. Lauderdale at the end of the month.

Thanks for any insight you can give me.

 

[MK Familystone]

Hi !
Post your thread on the Budget Board ASAP and be specific as to the type of vehicle you need and the rental period.
Plus look through call your credit cards issuers and ask for their discount, travelclubs, associations.
Locking in a rate and term NOW is better than not at all when the cars are not available, and then cancel after you get a better rate. Don't wait the DIS Mems will help!
ENJOY!!!

"THE MAGIC HAPPENS!!!AAARRR!

 

[Tigger Fans!]

Prices for rental cars DO fluctuate wildly! I've been watching rates for months now....they can change from day to day! I'd suggest checking out the following 2 websites for discount codes/coupons:
www.mousesavers.com
www.rentalcars.com

Also, I have been using a program recommended by another DisBoard member. It is called SideStep (It compares rates at multiple locations on the web). You just download the program directly from their website at www.sidestep.com

Hope these websites will help in your search!

TTFN!

 

[HappyMommy2]

Thank you so much for the helpful responses--that was just the kind of info I'm needing! I am doubtful that I'll find anything much lower that what I'm seeing now but I guess it's always worth it to keep checking!

 

[BobH]

Unless you are renting at prine time such as a major holiday or school vacation week when rates may constantly climb you can expect to see rates fluctuate. Keep checking websites like travelocity until you get an idea of a good rate for the size car you like to rent. You can then make a reservation online and then cancel it if you see a better rate come up.
I have checked up until the week before and sometimes have seen rates drop and I will rebook. Make a reservation at a price that you can live with and then keep re-checking the rates.

 

[mrsstats]

My opinion is the earlier that you book, the cheaper. That's what I have found from past experience. However, I still keep checking and sometimes manage to get rates down a few $$.