When do you start checking for rental rates?

[tmonferdini]

We're planning on being in WDW & FL between 3/18 - 3/29 (dates aren't for sure, still waiting for SW fare to come out). Anyway, when do you start checking for rates for rental cars? We won't necessarily need one the entire time, but definately from 3/24 - 3/29. If it's not too much more, we might rent for the whole time, but I'd like to know about how much to budget as far in advance as possible. Haven't rented a car for 15 years. We usually drive. Any suggestions?

 

[Bob P]

Hi,

LOOK NOW!!!

If you find a decent price, book it. Then keep checking back (with all rental companies, not just the one you booked) to see if the price goes down. If it does, just cancel and rebook. That way your rate is locked in and can not go up. And if it goes down, you just cancel and rebook.

I have booked a car as much as 10 months in advance, and in that case I probably cancelled and rebooked to get a better deal about 8-10 times.

 

[dcgrumpy]

I book a car as soon as I book my trip. I then continue to check and rebook and cancel if the price drops

 

[hollyk]

with all that being said, if we book it now, do they charge you now for it or when you pick up and what places would be recommended?

 

[Bob P]

Car rental companies do not charge you until you pick up the car.

 

[The Rocketeer]

I agree with Bob P. Check now. Also do a little research and do a google search for discounts/coupons for a better deal. Since I'm a member of Costco, I always start there. I was just searching for car rentals in Maui for our May trip, and prices varied wildly depending on the company for the same size car. It pays to do your homework.

 

[kidzant]

I have been booked with them for three months and we travel in April, a van has gone from 700.00 (16 days)to yesterday it was up to over 1500.00 (crazy),

You don't enter your credit card to secure the rental, so reserve away and change as many times as you want. Other Disney friendly sites list car codes on a regular basis, we have never had a problem using them.


Good luck

 

[tmonferdini]

Thanks so much!!!

 

[Laxmom]

That's spring break time for us here. Check now!! At a high demand time like that, start checking early especially if you need a family type vehicle. I already have a ressie for our trip next labor day for a mini van thru National for $350 but will keep checking for a lower rate. I am a "better safe than sorry" traveler.

 

[mmmgood]

Just don't use one of the aggregators such as Hotwire or Priceline where you have to pay when you book.