My latest source of discontent is the slick way that travel coupons are sent to all of us-they usually arrive in snappy envelopes that promise good stuff. They always have great graphics and look terrific.
But - try to use them!!
I am a very frequent traveler and spend 2-3 nites a week in hotels and using rental cars.Marriott sent out a nice book of coupons, but as I researched it, there was absolutely nothing that I could use.Every location that I go to included all hotels that "do not participate". Same with Hertz. I have 3 coupons from them and thought that I could use them on my vacation next week. But no - Fort Lauderdale is "blacked out" next week.Ridiculous! It sort of removes my reason for being loyal to these companies, doesn't it??

My Avis coupons always seem to be blacked out, and with Hertz, the coupon always gives me a higher rate than when I use AAA or Frequent Flier discount. They told me "coupons do not usually apply to our lowest rates".

I wish they'd stop wasting so much postage and glossy paper and ink to send out those coupons, they just raise the rental rates to pay for that garbage.

Generally speaking, I agree. I was going to start a collection of virgin Entertainment books, but it became to depressing to look at 'em

However, two or three times a year, in the midst of some otherwise useless dreck, tucked in between a coupon for storm windows, and the pizza parlor up the road, Northwest includes a Discount Travel E-Cert. I like that little beauty....

With rental cars, the coupons they mail always tend to not work but I've done really, really well with the Entertainment book coupons - especially in Hawaii. No other discount even touched them. I've done pretty well with booking through the United Airlines website too - other airlines probably offer similar deals.

Hotel coupons never seem to be worth the paper they are printed on. And I hate seeing an advertised rate for a hotel in a travel magazine or the AAA guidebook and never getting that rate no matter how flexible I'm willing to be.

emily...sorry to say, this does seem to be a trend. airlines, hotels, cars offer all this stuff. and i suppose on the grand scale it's to monitor their frequent customers, and to obtain information. the actual use is another thing entirely. on my end, we hear alot of complaints.

ajcolorado: While researching hotel & car prices (separately) I found AAA nor AARP was of no benefir to me....the 'Senior Rate' was as good or better (usually the same). Disappointing, when you pay for a membership to get the discounts!
Ever signing with AARP as I get TONS on junk from them constantly!

Not 'no benefir'...should have read 'any benefit'. Sorry

HI OSBelle, I had AARP for a couple of years and did not renew. I get about two mailings from them a week..when are they going to figure out that they are wasting money sending membership renewal information to someone that hasn't been with them for over two years?

LoveItaly: I think they are slow learners.lol!