Cars cost more than airline tickets!
Feb 7th, 2006, 03:42 AM
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Cars cost more than airline tickets!
Having a hard time finding a reasonable rental for 6/17-6/27. A month ago the cheapest compact car was 549-now they are almost 100 more. That's more than I paid for 2 airline tickets from the east coast.
We are flying into Anchorage at 8:30pm and therefore the off airport vendors are closed. I considered picking up the car the next day, but most are closed Sunday as well.
Are the rates likely to go down? Any suggestions on how to find a cheaper car?
We are flying into Anchorage at 8:30pm and therefore the off airport vendors are closed. I considered picking up the car the next day, but most are closed Sunday as well.
Are the rates likely to go down? Any suggestions on how to find a cheaper car?
Feb 7th, 2006, 05:50 AM
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What are you looking for??? A costly 4 wheel drive?? Expect those rates for the costly cars. But I always rent compact or economy. Plenty big for 2 and if you have more, then your costs split should still be reasonable. Priceline has had very good rates in the past. There is also Dollar, Thrifty, Payless, Alamo at the airport. I have rented with Alamo the last 2 years and caught one of their specials for $140/week. Get on email lists and keep checking.
Feb 7th, 2006, 07:42 AM
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Often the weekly rate is okay, then the extra three days add $60 per day to the rental. You might save by getting a hotel that first night with shuttle, and the same on your last night, cutting a day or two off the end of your rental.
And make sure you have a credit card that covers the collision insurance, or add another $200 to that rental.
And make sure you have a credit card that covers the collision insurance, or add another $200 to that rental.
Feb 7th, 2006, 08:36 AM
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I can also vouch for the increase in rental car costs. I travel for work so hae noticed the change in several cities. Last week in STL I paid $80/day when I have gotten the same car for less than $40.
I know, it's supply and demand, but I have not gotten any deals lately.
I know, it's supply and demand, but I have not gotten any deals lately.
Feb 7th, 2006, 08:59 AM
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Prices are definitely up... I'd book the cheapest one I could find and check back at Orbitz or similar every few days to see if I could find a cheap one.
Last year (September) we got a full size (Chevy Impala) for 2 full weeks in Anchorage for $397 including all taxes. Just keep trying and you'll probably get a better rate at some point.
Last year (September) we got a full size (Chevy Impala) for 2 full weeks in Anchorage for $397 including all taxes. Just keep trying and you'll probably get a better rate at some point.
Feb 7th, 2006, 12:10 PM
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Part of the problem is the 40% taxes and fees added on to the already-high rates.
Perhaps find a hotel for the first night with shuttle from the airport. Then rent from Hertz Local or another downtown location and save 20-25% of the "fees". You can usually return the car to the airport at no extra charge.
Perhaps find a hotel for the first night with shuttle from the airport. Then rent from Hertz Local or another downtown location and save 20-25% of the "fees". You can usually return the car to the airport at no extra charge.
Feb 7th, 2006, 02:22 PM
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Have you tried www.rentalcodes.com?
Feb 7th, 2006, 02:39 PM
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Thanks for the hint about rentalcodes.com-never heard of them. In answer to the questions posed-yes, I've tried hotwire and priceline and the prices I noted were for a compact car.
Unfortunately, we are only spending the first night in Anchorage so the suggestions re: curtailing the number of days we need the car won't work.
steviegene-I paid $322 per ticket from Newark to Anchorage on United. Fare was initially 362-$50 Entertainment coupon + 10 telephone booking fee.
Unfortunately, we are only spending the first night in Anchorage so the suggestions re: curtailing the number of days we need the car won't work.
steviegene-I paid $322 per ticket from Newark to Anchorage on United. Fare was initially 362-$50 Entertainment coupon + 10 telephone booking fee.
Feb 7th, 2006, 03:23 PM
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Avis downtown is open Sundays, so you should be able to save one day's rental fee plus about 20% of the airport fees, so maybe save $100 by renting from Avis downtown. Try AWD discount code A469100
Mar 13th, 2006, 10:34 AM
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Tracy2cents, I used the A469100 code on the avis website and got a corporate rate that was significantly cheaper than the competition. Is it OK to use this corporate rate code, if I'm not with that corporation? Do car rental companies require any sort of verification?
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