What's the deal with car rentals for Christmas week?

[jpmom]

I've heard of price gouging -- but come on! Every rental car agency I have checked for 12/28 till 1/3 comes in around $500 for a compact car. Never before have I paid more than $250 for the week.

I checked out Mousesavers discount codes and nothing seemed to help.

Does anyone with Christmas week experience know if I would be able to get a last minute deal??? Or do the prices simply stay high for that week???

Thanks!

and yes - we absolutely want a rental car - would never, ever go without one.

 

[robinb]

Does anyone with Christmas week experience know if I would be able to get a last minute deal??? Or do the prices simply stay high for that week???

Once prices go up for Christmas week they stay up there. I usually book my car as soon as the dates are available in early February while the prices are still "normal".

Try National and the AMEX code (5125601) from Mousesavers plus the $15 off coupon here: http://www.vacationoutlet.com/car/default.asp

I get $145 for a Compact, $159 for an Intermediate and $187 for a Full Size on your dates, including taxes.

I am going to be bummed when the code goes away next year. It was always good for "OK" rates and really great rates over Christmas/NYE.

 

[disneyldwjr]

Once prices go up for Christmas week they stay up there. I usually book my car as soon as the dates are available in early February while the prices are still "normal".

Try National and the AMEX code (5125601) from Mousesavers plus the $15 off coupon here: http://www.vacationoutlet.com/car/default.asp

I get $145 for a Compact, $159 for an Intermediate and $187 for a Full Size on your dates, including taxes.

I am going to be bummed when the code goes away next year. It was always good for "OK" rates and really great rates over Christmas/NYE.

The AMEX code is only good if you have an AMEX card. Sometimes they do ask to see it, I know, they asked me, happily, I had it with me. See mousesavers.com for further information.
Also, on mousesavers, there is a 20.00 off coupon. http://www.mousesavers.com/national.html

 

[riu girl]

I have been messing with codes since Feb for Christmas/New years and the best rate I have been able to find so far is using the magicard code for thrifty. This code is listed on mousesavers until Thrifty.

 

[robinb]

The AMEX code is only good if you have an AMEX card. Sometimes they do ask to see it, I know, they asked me, happily, I had it with me. See mousesavers.com for further information.

That's good to know. I have an AMEX card, but if the OP doesn't I think it would be worthwhile to get a freebie one to save over $350.

Thanks for the $20 coupon. I thought that one had expired.

 

[jpmom]

Wow!!!
Thanks soooo much. Just booked my week for under $200. I really thought I'd be spending close to $500.

I have an Amex card -- where did you find that code? On their website???

Thanks again!

 

[disneyldwjr]

That's good to know. I have an AMEX card, but if the OP doesn't I think it would be worthwhile to get a freebie one to save over $350.

Thanks for the $20 coupon. I thought that one had expired.

I have to agree about the freebe AMEX card.
The coupon is on mousesavers, I honestly did not check the date, but, I did get an email yesterday with a link to one from National.

 

[disneyldwjr]

Wow!!!
Thanks soooo much. Just booked my week for under $200. I really thought I'd be spending close to $500.

I have an Amex card -- where did you find that code? On their website???

Thanks again!

It is on Mousesavers. The link I posted previously should take you there.