VENT WARNING: Alamo frustrates me!!!!!

[Clare]

OK, just venting here.........

A week or so ago I went to check rates for a 5 day Midsize SUV rental with ALAMO & found what I felt was a pretty good deal with the prepay option ($149 & change). This, after at least a half hour of playing around with various coupons, rate codes etc.....you know how it is! I didn't book right then, waited to talk it over with DH and went to book it next morning. Well, of course, the rate had jumped around $220 & I said forget it!! So, I booked the Midsize for $140.39 (still a good rate and it had actually gone down a tiny bit from the night before).

So, today I checked Alamo's site again and the rate for the Midsize had gone up (slightly) and the rate for the Midsize SUV was back down to $153.75. ARRRGH!!!! I was happy and irritated all at the same time and I did change the reservation, but since I was using the Prepay rate, I had to pay a cancellation fee.

Before I get flamed, I realize this was my fault for not grabbing the original reservation right away and I did end up with the car I want for what I feel is a good rate (the SUV will help so much with loading the stroller). However, I just feel like these rental car companies are so inconsistent with their rates. It seems to me that it shouldn't be this difficult to find a good car at a fair rate that won't fluctuate greatly within hours, let alone days.

 

[thelionqueen]

I totally agree!! I think that is why they are really pushing the pre-pay thing. That way they can lock you in and then change the rates. The airlines did it to me to, had my stomach in knots. But I've now learned, if you like it, get it and don't check again. (great advice for someone else I still check several times per day)

 

[Clare]

But I've now learned, if you like it, get it and don't check again.

That is so true!! On the one hand, I was hating myself for even continuing to check the rates. It just seems so obsessive (which is how I am....). On the other hand, I guess I'm glad I did since I got a better rate on the car I was hoping for.

 

[jimz]

You can make a reservation without paying for it. That way you can modify the reservation, with new coupons/codes, until that moment when it is time to go, then pre-pay to get the 15%.

 

[keishashadow]

Fine print sez you can't add pre-pay option to existing reservations...can you?

 

[Clare]

That would be a great way to go if that works. Thanks for the tip jimz- I'll certainly look into it next time!