Rate codes for renting a car?
 

I see periodically on this site that someone mentions specific rate codes for discounted rates on car rentals. How does a person find these codes? We are planning a trip to Hawaii in September 2004.

Thanks for your help.

The major car rental companies often feature specials on their web sites (or in print or other ads). A rate code is given. Use the code when boooking on-line, by phone or otherwise.

Hi,

I haven't seen the other references you are talking about, but some ideas:

AAA has deals for its members, and there is usually a code associated with that.

The Entertainment Books that you can buy for major cities has codes for discounts. Note, however, that I usually get better rates on the rental car websites without using these codes, not sure why.

I think you can sometimes get discounts if you are a member of frequent traveler deals with hotels, but I'm not sure.

2 other thoughts for good deals

1)Priceline.com. If you read the info at www.biddingfortravel.com before going to the Priceline site, you can see what other people have bid successfully on cars in Hawaii.

2)Hotwire.com - discounter that tells you the price - you don't have to bid.

Hope this helps.

Karen

Alamo has a rate code for Hawaii, 6T.
I learned of it at this site. Used it to reserve for the BI and Maui this September and got very good rates.

car rental discounts abound.I am sure there is a website featuring all the discounts but I am not familiar with it.There is nearly some sort of 'deal" with my credit card statements.I got one out of the blue not too long ago--2 free days because I am 25,have red hair,blue eyes and am under 6 ft tall and speak Spanish!! What next!!

rentalcars.com

they list the current specials.

we used the entertainment book coupon (20% off a weekly rental at budget) and saved a bundle. we got an SUV for 8 days for under $400.

fiasco

Thanks so much for everyone's help.

I always use bnm.com for a quick 'n dirty rate comparison...

The 6T rate code for Hawaii was in the Maui Gold (free visitors publication) brochure. It is only good for convertibles, SUVs and maybe the luxury class - I can't remember the third option. It is only valid through 12/31/03 though; so I don't think that one will help you.

Try rentalcodes.com

I used a code from this site for an Avis rental in Orlando last month.

No problems and saved $$$

Rentalcodes.com looks like a great site for car rental deals. Thanks.

You're welcome.

I will be arriving in Maui in three weeks. Can't wait!! The 6T rate code for an Alamo rental is certainly good. A much better deal than anything else I've found. But I am wondering, is this code open to everyone? Do I need a coupon? Not knowing what the code means, I'm hesitant to use it. I have visions of arriving at the rental desk and being told that I don't qualify. Has anybody run into problems using this code? Thanks for your help...

The car rental companies themselves advertise these rate codes on websites, in ads, and in other places. They want you to use them !!! If you don't qualify for any reason they will tell you when you reserve, not when you get to the counter. The main reason that you might not qualify is because the rate code special was for a limited time and the time has expired.

PS Don't take the "coverage" offered by the rental companies if your own insurance policy already covers rental cars.

Try using your AARP membership guide, Costco membership or hotel membership; they all have special "codes" to use for your rates. I have found using National Car rental for AARP the best, Alamo for Costco membership rates. I did finally use Priceline and got a minivan for $38/day December 23-January 10 in Kauai. Your frequent flyer membership also has codes in the newsletters. Good luck!

RickyB-I felt the same way about the 6T code, and kept a backup reservation just in case. The price seemed too good to be true. However, we had no problem. There is no coupon necessary. It is posted in an Alamo ad in the Maui Gold visitors publication, which you will see everywhere on the island. Pick up one at the airport and you will likely see the ad. If you feel more comfortable, keep your other res like we did, just in case.

On the 6T. Are you limited to what kind of car you can get? We have rented a convertible and would like a pretty nice one. What kind of convertibles do you get there?

I've also used rentalcars.com which lists all the companies and the deals that they are having.

Just a few more passing comments:

Do a complete web search on rental cars, discount, coupons etc. For example if you go to Wal-Mart; you will find numberous rental card contract ID #and special rates....almost all major stores offer some kind of rental car discounts.

Recently(weekend of 8/8-9-10/03, Mar.2003) Used weekend coupon for National Car Rental....weekend special...one day free....rate 21.98 day for full size car...This is probably not applicable to Hawaii...but check for other areas (Orlando, Des Moines were where my rentals were). I will look up website and post in another post.

Insurance: If you have "primary" (your own personal collision) coverage, credit card coverage is "secondary" ALWAYS...Unless you do not have personal coverage, and you decline the rental car coverage(which is not actually insurance), then your credit card coverage will be "primary"....Also remember you are responsible for any deductible, and filing of necessary forms and reports.

Personally $20.00 a day is sometimes worth the "peace of mind" when on vacation....Incidentially....I had a car totaled 2 years ago in Fla....I just called the rental office, they picked me up, towed the car, gave me a new car, and I was on my way....It's a personal decision....but understand the facts, before making a decision.

Rental cars are just expensive!!

http://www.nationalcar.com/servlet/D...ons_coupon.jsp

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/shops.gsp?cat=91612
http://www.traveldepot.net/car/agency/national.shtml

The above are for Wal-Mart car discount codes, National Car Rental, and Nationa Car Rental weekend coupon....check them out.

FYI: The National 3 day weekend rate/discount is available for Honolulu

Regular rate was 42.95 a day....but was 29.95 a day with one free day- with coupon (Contract I.D. 6600330, Coupon I.D. 10008484)