Car rental - MCO ??'s

[kjsgrammy]

A friend of mine has asked for help in obtaining low rental cost for a van and a mid to full size car for the week of Dec. 4 - 11th; renting out of MCO (Orlando).

Told her to check mousesavers and allears for discount codes, as well as AARP. Advised her check priceline and hotwire for rental rates as starting place, then start plugging in discount codes to see what she comes up. She had an Impala reserved at a cost of $260 for the week, which I thought was high. She hasn't tried booking the van yet.

Reason she's trying to get (2) vehicles is that there are nine family members going together - staying at Bonnet Creek and going to Disney - 6 adults, 3 kids.

Any other suggestions I can provide to her?

 

[bankr63]

Two SUV Cheaper

Travelling with 9 ourselves in March '11. National often offers mid-SUV (Dodge Journey) for a couple of bucks more than a mid-size car, less $$ than full-size (if the offer is available for your dates). Two SUV's are cheaper than one van and should offer enough space for 9 and luggage. The larger vans and SUVs are VERY expensive.

Interesting thread on DISBoards or Mousesavers (can't remember which?) that there was a price survey of rental agencies, and MCO cars are actually cheaper than off-site cars due to volume and competition. So MCO may be the only airport where it is worth renting at the airport!

___________________

P.S. after writing I went online and checked National for rates for your dates. More than double what I booked at, and the SUV deal isn't there. What a difference a few weeks make!

 

[LisaRex]

Try Costco or Entertainment corporate codes.
Other codes are found at FatWallet.com

 

[kjsgrammy]

Thanks for the info! They're not Costco members, though they do belong to Sams Club, which she is also checking. Just trying to give her as many options as possible.

 

[BevL]

Thanks for the info! They're not Costco members, though they do belong to Sams Club, which she is also checking. Just trying to give her as many options as possible.

I don't believe I've ever read of a case where one's Costco card was required. I know I've never even had the rate mentioned, let alone checked, when I've used it.

 

[kjsgrammy]

I don't believe I've ever read of a case where one's Costco card was required. I know I've never even had the rate mentioned, let alone checked, when I've used it.

So how do you find it - just by going to costco's website?

 

[rickandcindy23]

Yes, to Costco.com, then to Travel, then rental cars.

I haven't had much luck with anything Costco offers lately, unless it's very last-minute, like today or tomorrow. I believe in booking the lowest rate, then looking often and booking the lowest each time, until I find my best deal. It actually works well. But I use Hotwire mostly, and then I under bid Hotwire's prices through Priceline by about 20-25%, then I book that way.

Costco deals aren't exciting anymore. I haven't gotten a bargain from them forever. So disappointing.

Full-sized cars are usually not much more than economy, and I would get two of those, instead of the mini-van. Carl's rents vans cheaper than the car companies do, and you can actually rent a huge van for a good price.

When is the trip? I am still watching for a bargain price for our trip 10/10-10/24

 

[kjsgrammy]

Yes, to Costco.com, then to Travel, then rental cars.

I haven't had much luck with anything Costco offers lately, unless it's very last-minute, like today or tomorrow. I believe in booking the lowest rate, then looking often and booking the lowest each time, until I find my best deal. It actually works well. But I use Hotwire mostly, and then I under bid Hotwire's prices through Priceline by about 20-25%, then I book that way.

Costco deals aren't exciting anymore. I haven't gotten a bargain from them forever. So disappointing.

Thanks Cindy. Just checked Costco and I see what you mean. I'm trying to talk my friend into just using priceline. Can't hurt to put in a low bid and see what happens!

 

[1st Class]

Sometimes it's better not to put in a discount code. I know it sounds crazy but that how it works. I know because I just checked Dollar for October Orlando rates and got a full-size for $188.44. I checked your dates and it was the same price for full-size. You put in your dates and click on city special. This was much cheaper than any of the discount codes I used. I don't know anything about Costco. How much is the full size through Costco?

 

[rickandcindy23]

Costco is outrageous for our dates. Even the economy is $600+ taxes and fees for two weeks.

I just booked a compact car (just two of us) for our trip on Dollar using coupon code using 2NFLM. The code only works for a compact, and the price is $375 all in. I hope I can find something better. We usually don't pay more than $220 for our Orlando rental cars, but it looks like I won't get that kind of deal this time. I see that last-minute through Hotwire, if I booked the car for tomorrow, the best price is $270 or so all in. So if I just keep booking as cheaply as possible, I should be able to beat that rate thru Priceline. We will soon see.

 

[LisaRex]

I'd also check out Mousesavers.com to see if there are any bargains listed.

The best rates can usually be had with corporate codes. If anybody traveling in your party works for a big company, see if they can use their corporate code for personal car rentals. Our company allows it, though we have to book it on our own vs. using the company's travel agency. It's usually the cheapest, hands down. I'm talking a mid size in Maui for a week for $165, all in.

 

[bccash63]

Costco is outrageous for our dates. Even the economy is $600+ taxes and fees for two weeks.

I just booked a compact car (just two of us) for our trip on Dollar using coupon code using 2NFLM. The code only works for a compact, and the price is $375 all in. I hope I can find something better. We usually don't pay more than $220 for our Orlando rental cars, but it looks like I won't get that kind of deal this time. I see that last-minute through Hotwire, if I booked the car for tomorrow, the best price is $270 or so all in. So if I just keep booking as cheaply as possible, I should be able to beat that rate thru Priceline. We will soon see.

Cindy, thanks for the coupon code for dollar. $195.04 for 10/23-10/30 is the cheapest I have been able to get so far. Dawn

 

[kjsgrammy]

Costco is outrageous for our dates. Even the economy is $600+ taxes and fees for two weeks.

I just booked a compact car (just two of us) for our trip on Dollar using coupon code using 2NFLM. The code only works for a compact, and the price is $375 all in. I hope I can find something better. We usually don't pay more than $220 for our Orlando rental cars, but it looks like I won't get that kind of deal this time. I see that last-minute through Hotwire, if I booked the car for tomorrow, the best price is $270 or so all in. So if I just keep booking as cheaply as possible, I should be able to beat that rate thru Priceline. We will soon see.

Our friend did find, and reserve, an Impala for the week she needs in December thru Costco for $151.00 total (can't remember which rental car place she got it thru). She's still trying to find a decent price on a van or full size SUV.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Vans just cost too much. I will do everything possible to get a larger vehicle like a van when several of us are going, but when two compacts or mid-sizes are much cheaper, then why pay for the van?

Still nothing better than $375 at Dollar for our two weeks. I am pretty disgusted with the car rental companies. I keep watching for a better deal, none are available to us.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Alamo will not let me use my Costco coupon code with the Costco Contract ID, so now I have no additional options for renting a car, because Costco is coming in at an outrageous price.

I called Costco Travel and connected to Alamo, and the Alamo employee said the Costco coupon is not valid because it's been used the maximum number of times.