tomfuller

You don't say where your home airport is. Have you looked at a direct flight to Flagstaff (not through Phoenix)?
Renting 2 economy/compact cars will always be cheaper than a minivan even in Flagstaff. There are daily bus tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon that avoid some of the problems of renting vehicles.

travelfan1

Should have included we're also visiting Sedona. I've done the drive from Vegas to the Canyon...long.....and I don't want that after a 5 1/2 hr flight. I didn't find any company which would be cheaper for 2 cars vs minivan.

Thanks for all the input - still working on the plans.

Kealalani

sbulldog,

I believe if an editor of this forum wants to defend their post, they don't need someone doing it for them, since, well, they are an editor working for fodor's.

sf7307

Kealalani, I'm here to defend spirobulldog. Kealalani, I have no idea why you have a problem with Doug's post.

sassy27

If I may and if I'm reading these posts correctly, it might have been Doug's last sentence that prompted Kealalani's response.

There is a lot to do in Arizona other than the Grand Canyon. We actually enjoyed the other parts so much more than the Grand Canyon. Would I return? Sure I would revisit all the places I've been to.

As for the car rental price, ouch that's a lot of money. The price DebitNM found is more reasonable. If you don't mind, post back and let us know what you decide. The drive from Phoenix to Sedona is really not that bad after a flight, so good choice there.

tracys2cents

It's a 3 day rental, not 2 days. So the Enterprise deal is more like $600. With Hertz off-airport, you can get the van for $350 or two mid-sized cars for $400. But you've got the hassle of the 15 minute taxi ride to Hertz, and then back to the airport to pick everyone up.

tomfuller

The drop off fees for Fox between Phoenix and Las Vegas are $200 during that week in June. Right now they are about $70.
Fox doesn't rent a minivan but has full size 4X4 SUV for less than $700/3 days. 2 economy/compact cars from Fox would be slightly cheaper for the rental but the gas may offset any savings.

spirobulldog

travelfan1,

Vegas to Grand Canyon vs. Phoenix to Grand Canyon is only a 50 mile difference. True, Phoenix would be a lot closer to Sedona than Vegas. It would probably cost you an additional 3 hours drive time to stick with just Vegas.

What about a Suburban or Full Expedition vs. a Mini Van. Might be more comfortable and might hold more luggage. Those are usually expensive as well.

doug_stallings

My point was about money, not the merits of various destinations in Arizona. If the OP is flying into Phoenix primarily to visit the Grand Canyon, then it does indeed make more sense to switch the airport to Las Vegas. The addition of Sedona complicates matters, so it's makes the decision harder.

irishswampyankee

Try carrentals.com. They offer several companies. I found a one way rental from PHX to Denver through them with National with no drop off charge. Then I went to National and rented directly from them. Also, keep checking. Car rental pricing can change daily. If you reserve directly through a car rental company, you can cancel without penalty. Sometimes, I cancel several times when a better deal becomes available. Good luck.

joesorce

7 people and all that luggage in a minivan, going all those miles....no way, that's nuts.

And if you get a larger vehicle like a Suburban, check with your own car insurance to see if it will still cover you. Credit card collision coverage generally won't cover anything bigger than an SUV or Minivan.