Travel Tips -
Rental Car
How can I save money on my Rental Car rates?
Shopping the Internet can be the quickest and best
way to compare many Rental Car rates.
If you are planning on purchasing extra items such
as a damage waiver or insurance, you should also
comparison shop those rates.
Make sure their mileage policy is favorable to you
so you can avoid extra charges.
Airport fees can be quite large so you might see
if it is worth it to use an off-airport facility.
However, if the off-airport company picks you up
at the airport, you'll probably still have to pay
some of the fee.
You can check their national reservation centers
and their local offices; one may be offering a better
deal than the other. ASK, if this is the best rate
they have available.
Make your reservation as soon as you have decided
on plans. Most Rental Car Companies increase their
rates as reservations come in and their fleets become
booked. Also, certain classes of cars will sell out
and you may have to end up reserving and paying for
a larger vehicle than you want.
Being flexible about your travel plans can save
you money. Rental Companies that focus on the business
or replacement market customers often have great
weekend specials. The best rates are found during
the off season and at other times when the Rental
Companies have extra cars sitting around.
Check into booking your vacation as a package. You
might be able to save by booking your car along with
a certain airline, hotel or attraction ticket package.
Book the smallest car that you will need and hope
for a free upgrade. But, remember you may get stuck
with that small car.
Check into other size class vehicles. They may have
extra cars in a certain class and be offering discounts
for that size class.
Use coupons, but read them carefully for exceptions.
Most upgrade coupons are "based on availability",
so if you have an upgrade coupon that you wish to
use and also have a monetary discount coupon, bring
them both. If they can’t honor the upgrade,
they may still give you the monetary discount. Also,
remember to book any coupons or discounts in your
reservation.
Apply any special discount programs for which you
are eligible.
When you get to the counter, ask if there are any
upgrade specials available, they might have some
good deals. |
