September 2015 Car Rental Watch

[n2mm]

I keep checking, but since my first drop when this info was posted, I've not seen anymore drops. My standard is staying at a base price of $114 before discounts and fees. I'm at $238 for a 13 day rental. Would love to see below $200.

I too love National (Executive Member here), but fear I will be losing my status because the rates just stay too high for us.

 

[richmo]

Wow, they did drop a lot. I'm seeing Dollar's Lock Low and Go for $89 base/$135 total for September 22-27. Nice to see some drops this early. I'll definitely make a reservation at these rates and I'd encourage everyone looking to check and see if they get similar results. I still won't do prepay...there may be further drops close to the date. (And don't be surprised if the rates go right back up shortly)

Replying to my own...actually I'm down about another $20 using Costco codes at Alamo. Looks like Alamo is back to using coupons again...they were pretty hard to find for awhile. Anyway, using Costco code and Costco free day coupon, I'm at $104 base/$115 total for a compact (which is all the car I need) for the above dates.

Do note one thing though when you're looking: If you look at my two examples, the Dollar base was lower, but the Alamo total was lower. Comparing base rates across companies isn't reliable; you have to drill down and get the total. (I think the reason is Alamo subtracted coupon at end, while the Dollar discount was reflected in the base)

 

[Disneylvr]

Honestly, Alamo is just about as easy to use as National's Emerald Aisle these days. You can do the entire checkin online now so you don't need to stop at the counter or the kiosk. You just head to the garage, go to the correct aisle and pick whichever car you like.

Do you need to sign up for the Insiders program to get this?

 

[alc571]

I tried with both AP and Insider, and the prices were always the same. I just went with the Insider deal.

 

[alc571]

Do you need to sign up for the Insiders program to get this?

Yes.

 

[pskelly]

Just got Sept. 19th - 27th, standard (which really means full size) for $140 including all taxes and fees.

 

[ashleyrm]

Just got Sept. 19th - 27th, standard (which really means full size) for $140 including all taxes and fees.

Why does a standard really mean a full size?

 

[pskelly]

Why does a standard really mean a full size?

There is no standard aisle at MCO, its auto upgraded to Full Size when you go to the garage.

 

[ashleyrm]

There is no standard aisle at MCO, its auto upgraded to Full Size when you go to the garage.

Ah. I see. For which rental company?

 

[n2mm]

Ah. I see. For which rental company?

Alamo. We always choose standard too

 

[hsmamato2]

oops

 

[n2mm]

I keep checking, but since my first drop when this info was posted, I've not seen anymore drops. My standard is staying at a base price of $114 before discounts and fees. I'm at $238 for a 13 day rental. Would love to see below $200.

I finally had a drop last night. My 13 day rental (standard) is now $226. (My base weekly rate before discounts/fees, is now $108)

 

[richmo]

I should add that Dollar has some decent discounts for AAA members. I ran my 9/22-9/27 rates thru with the AAA discount. Base rate was $71.20 for Lock Low and Go and total was $109.23. That's only $6 below my Alamo rate, so I'll stick with Alamo since its a little easier getting out of MCO.

By the way, the Dollar AAA code varies for which branch of AAA you're in (I'm AAA Mid-Atlantic, for example). To see what your code is, you can make a bunch of clicks from the 'Travel Center' tab, then 'Associations', then 'AAA members', then the 'click here' link. Or you can just go straight to: http://www.dollar.com/Business/D4BMain/Corporate/AAA_CAA_CD_Numbers.aspx

 

[VikingInMouseEars]

Down another $20 today. Booked a standard (so really a full sized) from Alamo for 8 days for $138 and change total. Using codes AD2338FDF ($30 off coupon) and 7014627 (Costco). My dates are 8/29-9/6.

 

[Kebby]

Just got Sept. 19th - 27th, standard (which really means full size) for $140 including all taxes and fees.

Just got a minivan for the same dates for $196! Thanks for updating!

 

[richmo]

Down another $20 today. Booked a standard (so really a full sized) from Alamo for 8 days for $138 and change total. Using codes AD2338FDF ($30 off coupon) and 7014627 (Costco). My dates are 8/29-9/6.

Nice! Keep in mind that the coupon code is (I think) a Visa code...if that's the case, you'll probably have to pay with a Visa.

 

[Dis5150]

Nice! Keep in mind that the coupon code is (I think) a Visa code...if that's the case, you'll probably have to pay with a Visa.

Is it just the Disney Visa or would any Visa work?

 

[VikingInMouseEars]

Is it just the Disney Visa or would any Visa work?

Any Visa. I actually use a Visa Debit card.

 

[Dis5150]

Any Visa.

Thanks! I got my premium down to $150 now for 9/17 - 9/22.

 

[VikingInMouseEars]

Thanks! I got my premium down to $150 now for 9/17 - 9/22.

Nice!