Car rental prices
March 18th, 2012 at 9:32:52 AM
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LV used to have cheap rental car prices. I haven't been to LV in 2 years. I was a regular (several trips a year) until about 4 or 5 years ago. I have a 3-day weekend trip planned for the first weekend in May. It's not a holiday weekend, or special events weekend, or anything out of the ordinary. Just a regular weekend so no car shortages or heavy traffic. I noticed that rental car prices in LV are twice what they were just 4 years ago. This is true for brand name companies and brand-X companies. Also, true for all sizes and types of cars. All of them are literally twice (or more) what it was just 4 years ago. I know prices go up, but twice the price in just 4 years? It's not the taxes and fees, which have always been excessively high in LV, it's the base rental prices that have sky rocketed. And I know it's not a national increase because I've rented cars in other markets that I travel to on a regular basis and have seen no price increases, and in some markets a price decrease, in the past 4 years. Price wise, LV used to be a cheap tourist market. No longer.
Why has LV seen such a drastic increase in car rental prices?
Why has LV seen such a drastic increase in car rental prices?
March 18th, 2012 at 9:35:12 AM
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Check the convention schedule. I have a rental upcoming where the no-name folks were $15/day all-in over a weekend.
March 18th, 2012 at 10:23:37 AM
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I always rent from National, which may not be the priciest company, but it's certainly not one with a bargain basement menu. I have learned that their rates jump all over the place, hour by hour, day by day, for the exact same rental. My practice has become that I reserve a car well in advance then keep checking back to see whether I can get a lower rate. If I can, I book that and cancel the earlier one. I developed the impression that the rates are highest on days and hours when business travelers are likely to be making reservations (maybe M-F, 8 am - 9 pm Eastern time) and lower when it's just the tourists who might be shopping around more. I'm not sure that holds true all the time. They also change rates over time, presumably because of how many they have booked for a particular period, that old supply/demand thing.
I made my reservation for a week's rental for WoVCon ][ in mid May. My first try, the rate was $324, including $108 taxes and fees. The one I'm holding now is for $172, including $72 taxes and fees. I just checked again, and the quote was back up to $215, even on a Sunday morning. But I'll keep checking until it's time to catch a plane. BTW, this rate is for their "Emerald Aisle" service, where I just go out to that area and pick out whichever car I like.
I made my reservation for a week's rental for WoVCon ][ in mid May. My first try, the rate was $324, including $108 taxes and fees. The one I'm holding now is for $172, including $72 taxes and fees. I just checked again, and the quote was back up to $215, even on a Sunday morning. But I'll keep checking until it's time to catch a plane. BTW, this rate is for their "Emerald Aisle" service, where I just go out to that area and pick out whichever car I like.
March 24th, 2012 at 11:39:09 AM
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Doc... I think you might be right that when you book makes all the difference in the world.
I checked last week during the middle of the week in the middle of the day. Rates where incredibly high. This was true for all car companies. That's why I posted the complaint. Rates were outrageous. For instance, for the cheapest car (ie. economy) from National was $226 for a 3 day weekend. I just checked now, Saturday afternoon. The same car, same schedule, same everything except booking on Saturday 1pm instead of a Thursday 1pm, is now $80 for a 3 day weekend. Apparently the car rental companies are starting to play games with prices the way airlines play games with prices. That's just a little short of a 3:1 price difference!
This same car 4-5 years would have run me $55-60 for a 3-day weekend. A price increase from 60 to 80 is acceptable; 60 to 226 was not.
BTW, the 3 days at $15.10 is $45.30. Add on top of that 75.7% tax rate, with zero add-ons or extras, is how you get to $80. If memory serves me, the total tax/fee/etc rate was around 55% 5 years ago. So the tax rate has gone up about 20%.
I checked last week during the middle of the week in the middle of the day. Rates where incredibly high. This was true for all car companies. That's why I posted the complaint. Rates were outrageous. For instance, for the cheapest car (ie. economy) from National was $226 for a 3 day weekend. I just checked now, Saturday afternoon. The same car, same schedule, same everything except booking on Saturday 1pm instead of a Thursday 1pm, is now $80 for a 3 day weekend. Apparently the car rental companies are starting to play games with prices the way airlines play games with prices. That's just a little short of a 3:1 price difference!
This same car 4-5 years would have run me $55-60 for a 3-day weekend. A price increase from 60 to 80 is acceptable; 60 to 226 was not.
BTW, the 3 days at $15.10 is $45.30. Add on top of that 75.7% tax rate, with zero add-ons or extras, is how you get to $80. If memory serves me, the total tax/fee/etc rate was around 55% 5 years ago. So the tax rate has gone up about 20%.
March 24th, 2012 at 12:40:03 PM
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I use rentalcarmomma for Avis, and I get a full size from Thursday at 4pm until Sunday at midnight for $57...cant beat that with a stick!
Gambling calls to me...like this ~> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Nap37mNSmQ
March 24th, 2012 at 12:59:24 PM
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Prices have gone up because of the crash in 2008,
not as many people are renting cars. I used to
check the rates and when I found a good one,
I'd reserve them every weekend for 6 months
in advance to get that rate. They don't care,
the company can't see the reservation until they
bring it up. The counter girls would ask me how
I got such a cheap price, and I'd tell them 'by
making the reservation 4 months ago'.
not as many people are renting cars. I used to
check the rates and when I found a good one,
I'd reserve them every weekend for 6 months
in advance to get that rate. They don't care,
the company can't see the reservation until they
bring it up. The counter girls would ask me how
I got such a cheap price, and I'd tell them 'by
making the reservation 4 months ago'.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 24th, 2012 at 5:14:18 PM
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Go to biddingfortravel.com and read what people are paying for rentals in Las Vegas, then go to Priceline and make a bid on it.
March 24th, 2012 at 7:17:09 PM
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wow...
just came back from vegas last week. $8/day from Payless. taxes + fees = 50% so like $12/day.
thx to my orbitz receipt, got them to take off the nusuince 'mandatory' roadside assistance $3/day fee
just came back from vegas last week. $8/day from Payless. taxes + fees = 50% so like $12/day.
thx to my orbitz receipt, got them to take off the nusuince 'mandatory' roadside assistance $3/day fee
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
March 28th, 2012 at 6:38:11 PM
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Just to test the theory. I checked back with the same criteria, same online search tools, same dates/times, same company, same everything. The National car I'm tracking is back over $150 for the 3-day weekend. So the theory looks correct. It makes if big difference when you book. Checking the prices during the week is expensive, same check on the weekends are cheap.
And the person who mentioned Pay-less.... they are cheaper, but they also are showing the same price action. Higher prices if you check during the week and much cheaper on the weekends.
I'm also noticing a time degrade in the rates. The closer you get to a slow weekend the cheaper the prices get.
And the person who mentioned Pay-less.... they are cheaper, but they also are showing the same price action. Higher prices if you check during the week and much cheaper on the weekends.
I'm also noticing a time degrade in the rates. The closer you get to a slow weekend the cheaper the prices get.
March 28th, 2012 at 7:42:02 PM
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Quote: fulkglWhy has LV seen such a drastic increase in car rental prices?
Of all areas of the travel business, car rentals companies can alter their underlying costs easier than other areas. Hotels can't change inventory very easily, and airlines can painfully retire jets early, or slow down new orders.
But car companies have relatively low overhead in offices and personnel. Many employees turn over naturally fairly frequently. The big expense is controlling the size of their fleet. Car rental companies have successfully cut their fleets, desk hours and locations to cope with falling demand -- which means that car rentals these days can cost more than they did before the recession.
Keep in mind that the bus pass you pay for the Strip bus is also good on all bus routes in the city. Find the express routes, and take short cab rides from their.
Consider renting a car from Enterprise for one day and doing all your travelling on that day. It beats the three day rental where the car sits in the garage most of the time.
March 28th, 2012 at 8:36:11 PM
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Quote: pacomartinBut car companies have relatively low overhead in offices and personnel. Many employees turn over naturally fairly frequently. The big expense is controlling the size of their fleet. Car rental companies have successfully cut their fleets, desk hours and locations to cope with falling demand -- which means that car rentals these days can cost more than they did before the recession.
I must have misunderstood the business economics in that. Did you say that the rental car companies have very effectively lowered their operating expenses, and as a result the prices they charge have increased? I would not have expected that as a normal cause and effect relationship. In my naive thinking, if a company can lower their operating costs, they should have an opportunity to lower their prices and attract customers from the competition.
April 21st, 2012 at 8:03:04 PM
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Quote: DocI developed the impression that the rates are highest on days and hours when business travelers are likely to be making reservations (maybe M-F, 8 am - 9 pm Eastern time) and lower when it's just the tourists who might be shopping around more.
Doc, I just want to personally thank you for this tip! This morning (Saturday) I booked a car rental from Alamo that was $35 cheaper than the rates I found yesterday (Friday). This thread is the perfect example of why I keep coming back to the wizardofvegas.com for advice.
I consider myself a well-informed savvy traveler, (and a cheapskate) but I had no idea that car rental quotes were lower on Saturdays. If the word gets out and this becomes common knowledge, will the car rental companies change their ways?
April 21st, 2012 at 8:30:34 PM
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Quote: renoDoc, I just want to personally thank you for this tip!
You are quite welcome.
Back in February, I booked a 6-day rental in Las Vegas for WoVCon][ at a very good rate. After that, each time I checked back, the quote had jumped by about $150. This weekend, it is finally back down to just $7 higher than my reservation. I'll keep an eye on new quotes right up until time to board the plane, but nights and weekends are the prime hunting times, in my opinion.
April 22nd, 2012 at 4:28:39 AM
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Doc, I second the thanks for checking rates. I have gone from about a $40 a day rate down to a $12 a day rate with the same company. I'm hoping eventually by the time WoVCon gets around, they'll be paying me to drive the car!
"One out of every four people are [morons]"- Kyle, South Park
April 22nd, 2012 at 6:37:38 AM
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Are you talking about before all of the "Taxes, Surcharges and Fees" stuff? My quote shows a $3.75/day Consolidated Facility Charge and a $2.35/day Vehicle License Fee. Even if they charged me nothing at all for the car and no percentage taxes I would be paying $6.10/day. Do you pick up rental cars at the consolidated facility near the airport? If so, are you really getting the car itself and the % taxes for under $6/day?Quote: TiltpoulI have gone from about a $40 a day rate down to a $12 a day rate with the same company.
The reservation I made on 2/29 and have right now for WoVCon][ has a weekly rate (only using it for 6 days) that includes unlimited mileage for $100.28. Then they add on $71.59 in Taxes, Surcharges and Fees for a total of $171.87. During the past month, they have been quoting rates for the same reservation at higher than $320. The quote that is offered today is $177 and change, so I'm keeping my current reservation until they drop the rate a little more. ;-)
April 22nd, 2012 at 7:50:04 AM
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I got a weekly rate from Alamo last trip for $123.00 all-in. Sign up for Alamo Insiders on their website.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
April 26th, 2012 at 9:13:04 PM
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Quote: DocThe reservation I made on 2/29 and have right now for WoVCon][ has a weekly rate (only using it for 6 days) that includes unlimited mileage for $100.28. Then they add on $71.59 in Taxes, Surcharges and Fees for a total of $171.87. ... I'm keeping my current reservation until they drop the rate a little more.
Tonight they are offering the same thing for a total of $170.73 -- it's not worth changing anything to save $1.14 (though I've done it before), but at least things may be moving in the right direction. Still hoping for a major cut before it's time to travel.
April 26th, 2012 at 9:47:52 PM
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Quote: DocI must have misunderstood the business economics in that. Did you say that the rental car companies have very effectively lowered their operating expenses, and as a result the prices they charge have increased? I would not have expected that as a normal cause and effect relationship. In my naive thinking, if a company can lower their operating costs, they should have an opportunity to lower their prices and attract customers from the competition.
Sometimes people lower costs to beat the competition. But sometimes it is easier to create a shortage, then everyone makes more profit per customer.
In the case of travel industry, companies have wanted to reduce their capital outlay. They reduce the size of their fleet, and they simply don't worry about peak demand. They let prices soar during those periods.
Hotels have the hardest time reducing inventory. Even closing an aging casino hotel is rarely a bargain, because their is still a lot of overhead in property taxes and maintenance or demolition costs. They usually have financing where the property is collateral, so that they can't level the building.
Airlines reduced inventory by retiring the older models much earlier than they had originally planned. The industry has almost ceased to grow. They are making more profit per customer today.
It will be interesting to see how the rental industry adopts to electric cars. They are hoping to sell a lot of models to the rental industry. Perhaps people will rent them for the novelty, or corporations will rent have their employees rent them as a political statement. In bigger cities the extreme maneuverability of the models with individually controlled wheels will probably make them popular.
I wonder if the Hiriko will be popular in Vegas because the top speed of 40 mph will be perceived as a safety feature if you are drunk.
April 27th, 2012 at 4:03:00 AM
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Recent lawsuits and newspaper headlines about the taxicab industry in Vegas may affect rental car rates too. Most of the money made by travel aggregators is made on the hotel room and car rental, not on the airline ticket. Room rates are lower Mon-Thursday than on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. However the rental car companies consider mid week traveling customer to likely be on a corporate expense account and so keep the prices higher figuring that even if the customer doesn't have an expense account he is still in a hurry and can have high prices crammed down his throat.
April 27th, 2012 at 5:30:09 AM
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I used Fox in October and am doing it again next week. It's considerably cheaper than any of the big names at the consolidated facility.
OK, it's a minor pain in that you take the bus to the consolidated facility, then another bus to Fox. Big deal. I'm not in that much of a rush to hit the tables and lose my bankroll.
On 3/30, when I thought I might be coming to WovCon][, I got a 6 day rate of 121.80. With taxes and fees it was 164.13 total.
On 4/5 I changed it for the ShuffleMaster event next week, 6 days for 108.42, or 146.98 total.
Since then, I've checked every couple days and have revised the reservation six times.
My current rate is 76.92, or 106.63 total.
At the same time, I keep checking the rates at several of the companies at the consolidated facility. The cheapest I found, and booked as a backup plan, was at EZ Rental. Booked originally on 4/16 at 92.87, total 152.24, and cheapest was on 4/18 at 71.00, total 124.83.
OK, it's a minor pain in that you take the bus to the consolidated facility, then another bus to Fox. Big deal. I'm not in that much of a rush to hit the tables and lose my bankroll.
On 3/30, when I thought I might be coming to WovCon][, I got a 6 day rate of 121.80. With taxes and fees it was 164.13 total.
On 4/5 I changed it for the ShuffleMaster event next week, 6 days for 108.42, or 146.98 total.
Since then, I've checked every couple days and have revised the reservation six times.
My current rate is 76.92, or 106.63 total.
At the same time, I keep checking the rates at several of the companies at the consolidated facility. The cheapest I found, and booked as a backup plan, was at EZ Rental. Booked originally on 4/16 at 92.87, total 152.24, and cheapest was on 4/18 at 71.00, total 124.83.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
May 12th, 2012 at 6:23:00 PM
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Fox seems to be really good. They want 118.00 for 7 days
and Budget wants 207.00
and Budget wants 207.00
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
May 12th, 2012 at 8:15:45 PM
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As I mentioned earlier, I used Fox in October, and was going to use them again last week.
I actually think that things went smoother last week than they had in October.
I would not hesitate to use Fox again.
I actually think that things went smoother last week than they had in October.
I would not hesitate to use Fox again.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
May 16th, 2012 at 8:00:58 PM
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I just booked Alamo through costco - $86 total for 4 days.
May 16th, 2012 at 8:22:41 PM
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My WoVCon][ final price for an unlimited mileage Chevy Impala from National at the Rental Car Center in Las Vegas for the period Wed. afternoon to Tuesday morning turned out to be $147.81 including all taxes and fees, with me paying for the fuel separately. I saw the same thing offered by National for well over $300, and it took several check-backs to get the lowest price. Note, this was a weekly rate for the car but only included six days of the daily add-on charges by the government.
April 14th, 2013 at 6:33:56 PM
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I was going to try Fox this time in Vegas until I read a
complaints page that had a couple hundred scathing
reviews. Old cars that break down and they love to
add on a bunch of stuff after you leave and make you
fight them. I checked Thrifty and they were $3 more
for the week, $144 for Fox and $147 for Thrifty. Screw
Fox. Just the fact you have to wait for and take TWO
shuttles from the airport is enough to turn me off. The
first takes you to where all the real rental companies
are, then you wait for another to take you to whatever
burned out building Fox is operating out of this week.
No thanks.
complaints page that had a couple hundred scathing
reviews. Old cars that break down and they love to
add on a bunch of stuff after you leave and make you
fight them. I checked Thrifty and they were $3 more
for the week, $144 for Fox and $147 for Thrifty. Screw
Fox. Just the fact you have to wait for and take TWO
shuttles from the airport is enough to turn me off. The
first takes you to where all the real rental companies
are, then you wait for another to take you to whatever
burned out building Fox is operating out of this week.
No thanks.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
April 15th, 2013 at 10:34:24 AM
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Quote: EvenBobI was going to try Fox this time in Vegas until I read a
complaints page that had a couple hundred scathing
reviews. Old cars that break down and they love to
ass on a bunch of stuff after you leave and make you
fight them. I checked Thrifty and they were $3 more
for the week, $144 for Fox and $147 for Thrifty. Screw
Fox. Just the fact you have to wait for and take TWO
shuttles from the airport is enough to turn me off. The
first takes you to where all the real rental companies
are, then you wait for another to take you to whatever
burned out building Fox is operating out of this week.
No thanks.
I think I posted about my Fox experience from around 2008 or so but I'll summarize it. I got a very low price that made it worth the shuttle to the pick up. It wasn't an old car but it did break down. Although we were only a few miles away we could not call Fox directly with the numbers they provided us. The numbers all went to LA and a very nasty individual who threatened to charge me for "breaking" the car. It took over three hours to resolve and only then because of the intervention of a State Trooper.
You made a wise decision, Bob.
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
April 15th, 2013 at 1:17:42 PM
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The two biggest problems seem to be their cars often have
a huge number of miles on them and break down a lot,
something they often charge YOU for, and if you refuse
insurance at pickup, they often add it anyway after you drop
off the car.
One person was charged $300 because the Service Engine Soon
light was flashing when they dropped it off. If a car breaks down
you're better off abandoning it because FOX might not show up
for 3 days.
a huge number of miles on them and break down a lot,
something they often charge YOU for, and if you refuse
insurance at pickup, they often add it anyway after you drop
off the car.
One person was charged $300 because the Service Engine Soon
light was flashing when they dropped it off. If a car breaks down
you're better off abandoning it because FOX might not show up
for 3 days.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
June 30th, 2015 at 6:01:04 AM
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It’s almost always smarter to prepay for a rental car when you book, rather than at the agency counter in Europe. Not only are you likely to get a discount, but, assuming that your quote was in dollars, you’ll know you’re paying the exact amount you were quoted. In any case, if you don't wish to do that, just find the best car rental price here
June 30th, 2015 at 7:15:54 AM
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The best rate I could find was at SIXT for this week, $ 213 (total) for a Full Size Car. I hadn't used them before.
+ Very easy to get from the Rental Car Center to their Bldg, which is VERY close, via their own shuttle.
+++ NO LINE on a Friday morning ! ! ! I have NEVER seen that at the Rental Car Center for ANY vendor.
+ They upgraded us to an Infiniti Q50 !
- Their cars are hot when you pick them up because they are parked outside.
- They want to charge $ 3.99 per day for the extra spouse driver. I know that won't make or break anyone, but on principle I think the spouse should be FREE.
- Cheapie crappy map of Las Vegas.
Overall, I would rent from then again. I hate waiting in lines. Especially after a long flight.
+ Very easy to get from the Rental Car Center to their Bldg, which is VERY close, via their own shuttle.
+++ NO LINE on a Friday morning ! ! ! I have NEVER seen that at the Rental Car Center for ANY vendor.
+ They upgraded us to an Infiniti Q50 !
- Their cars are hot when you pick them up because they are parked outside.
- They want to charge $ 3.99 per day for the extra spouse driver. I know that won't make or break anyone, but on principle I think the spouse should be FREE.
- Cheapie crappy map of Las Vegas.
Overall, I would rent from then again. I hate waiting in lines. Especially after a long flight.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
June 30th, 2015 at 7:35:36 AM
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Quote: JohnnyQThe best rate I could find was at SIXT for this week, $ 213 (total) for a Full Size Car. I hadn't used them before.
+ Very easy to get from the Rental Car Center to their Bldg, which is VERY close, via their own shuttle.
+++ NO LINE on a Friday morning ! ! ! I have NEVER seen that at the Rental Car Center for ANY vendor.
+ They upgraded us to an Infiniti Q50 !
- Their cars are hot when you pick them up because they are parked outside.
- They want to charge $ 3.99 per day for the extra spouse driver. I know that won't make or break anyone, but on principle I think the spouse should be FREE.
- Cheapie crappy map of Las Vegas.
Overall, I would rent from then again. I hate waiting in lines. Especially after a long flight.
I tried to rent from them once and they tried to tack on the Collision Damage Waiver Insurance and said it was mandatory! My online quote was $143 for the week with them bumping the price to $213 with their bogus insurance. I ended up taking the bus for a couple of days and then got a 5 day rental from Fox for $78.50 all in. I know some people hate Fox, but besides the long lines it was a no hassle experience.
Gambling is a metaphor for life. Hang around long enough and it's all gone.
June 30th, 2015 at 5:31:29 PM
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Quote: ncfatcatI tried to rent from them once and they tried to tack on the Collision Damage Waiver Insurance and said it was mandatory!
Apparently they have given up on that high pressure sales tactic. They were very pleasant when I was there several days ago.
I noticed they did go over the car with a fine tooth comb, documenting really really really minor scratches and dings. I don't think that is necessarily a good thing. So I am trying to encourage Mrs. Q to park a out aways from other cars.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
June 30th, 2015 at 5:47:05 PM
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Quote: ncfatcatI tried to rent from them once and they tried to tack on the Collision Damage Waiver Insurance and said it was mandatory! My online quote was $143 for the week with them bumping the price to $213 with their bogus insurance. I ended up taking the bus for a couple of days and then got a 5 day rental from Fox for $78.50 all in. I know some people hate Fox, but besides the long lines it was a no hassle experience.
A few years ago we rented from fox. I had no problems at all.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
July 2nd, 2015 at 5:39:40 AM
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I have an email in to Avis about this, but haven't heard back yet. I'm traveling to Texas in August, want to fly into DFW, rent a car, stay a few days, then drive down to Austin for a few days, and fly home. Can I rent a car in Dallas and return it to Austin's airport? Are rental places critical of their inventories? Is there an extra charge?
"Poker sure is an easy game to beat if you have the roll to keep rebuying."
July 2nd, 2015 at 6:19:27 AM
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Quote: zippyboyI have an email in to Avis about this, but haven't heard back yet. I'm traveling to Texas in August, want to fly into DFW, rent a car, stay a few days, then drive down to Austin for a few days, and fly home. Can I rent a car in Dallas and return it to Austin's airport? Are rental places critical of their inventories? Is there an extra charge?
My experience has been that you can always book "one-way" rentals. Will it cost more? Likely, buy maybe not. I have done one-way rentals in the past that have been more expensive, the same price, and cheaper than if I had returned the car to the same location. It all depends on the needs of the rental company's fleet at that particular time. For instance, there are usually very good deals if you want to rent a car in Florida in the fall and drop it off somewhere along the Eastern Seaboard. This is because all the snowbirds are doing the opposite, and rental companies need more inventory in the northeast.
Also, typically you can pick up at a Florida location, and drop it off anywhere within state, and there is no fee. I have heard that it is a State Law to encourage tourism, but I cannot confirm that part.
Personally, a couple of years ago, I rented a car from Hertz at a Manhattan location and returned it to JFK a few days later. The rate was cheap (~$30/day for a fullsize), and less than 1/2 the price than if I had picked it up at JFK!
The best thing to do is check travel websites or Avis' (or any other car rental) website. Put your specifics in, including the different drop-off airport and see what comes up. Sometimes you will see a fee itemized, sometimes it will just be hidden in the daily rate, and sometimes it just won't be there. I've never seen a case where a one-way couldn't be done, but I have seen cases where the cost made me re-think my travel plans. Also, if you do book online, you should check the coupon sites (retailmenot is my favorite, but there are many -- just google "car rental coupon codes") for discount/coupon codes.
Also, if you are not locked into Avis, there may be a big price difference among different rental companies. It could be that Avis has too many cars in Austin, but Budget desperately needs more.
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
July 2nd, 2015 at 9:04:28 AM
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Quote: JohnnyQ
I noticed they did go over the car with a fine tooth comb, documenting really really really minor scratches and dings. I don't think that is necessarily a good thing. So I am trying to encourage Mrs. Q to park a out aways from other cars.
Well at least you were OUTSIDE in the light to look for those issues before you took possession of the car. DOLLAR now has you fill in the damage card before you drive it away....problem being you are in the middle of the parking garage and well even with the lights in there you really can not see scratches and dings. People were using cameras with the flash/light on to document their cars before they moved them....always a good idea to do that . never had any issues with DOLLAR returns are easy they check the fuel receipt and tank level look around the car quick and print you your receipt
July 2nd, 2015 at 2:04:25 PM
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Quote: zippyboyI have an email in to Avis about this, but haven't heard back yet. I'm traveling to Texas in August, want to fly into DFW, rent a car, stay a few days, then drive down to Austin for a few days, and fly home. Can I rent a car in Dallas and return it to Austin's airport? Are rental places critical of their inventories? Is there an extra charge?
I rented a car in April in NOLA with budget. I picked it up at the airport and returned it in downtown NOLA. It was actually cheaper for me to do that than return it back to the airport. The city needs the cars and without me doing that they would have had to pay someone to drive the car from airport to downtown.
On the other hand, if I did it the other way around there would be a $65 drop charge.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
July 2nd, 2015 at 2:16:12 PM
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Hotwire has cars in Las Vegas next week for $14 a day.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
July 2nd, 2015 at 2:53:08 PM
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It's worth repeating; Delta frequent flyer/Hertz gold card is the best way to go, all things considered. In October I'll get off the bus, walk directly to my full size car and drive away showing my drivers license. A week later I'll return and walk directly to the bus paying $239 plus fuel on my Delta American Express card making more miles.
July 4th, 2015 at 9:16:09 PM
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Quote: Sabretom2It's worth repeating; Delta frequent flyer/Hertz gold card is the best way to go, all things considered. In October I'll get off the bus, walk directly to my full size car and drive away showing my drivers license. A week later I'll return and walk directly to the bus paying $239 plus fuel on my Delta American Express card making more miles.
THANKS. There are lots of options in Vegas for transportation, and all of them have serious disadvantages.
Thanks for the tip. I still like the opportunity to take a rental car out to Red Rock canyon and RR casino. But obviously there are costs involvedl
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
