Thread: Rental Cars

browneyes--go to perks and work thru to the rental cars. best deals seem to be Budget or Thrifty, sometimes Dollar. You can also sign up for either of the first 2 and check out last minute specials.

Balance the Delta rental car perks against an affinity credit card - see what's best for you !
Have a Delta American Express Card - rack up the Sky Miles !

Add note when at the rental car counter don't be coerced into buying unnecessary insurance and travel protection.
Know what protections are offered by your credit card.
Also check out the car thoroughly with photos for damage and dings.

Not saying that bad things happen with every rental but rarely a Sunday goes by that Chris Elliott (chriselliot.org)
and his ombudsman's travel column people who have been taken advantaged of with car rental schemes.

Happens mostly in foreign countries but here in the good ole USA you are not immune from this.

A gamesmanship issue is you rent the least expensive car on the lot and they don't have it available when you want
to rent it. HOLD YOUR GROUND - wait a short period and if they don't have by then demand a complimentary upgrade.

Another issue is the gas in the car - know what the price of gas is in the car rental area. Know that you must return
the car with a full tank of gas. When you return the car will a cheap local gas station be open to do this ?
If not it might be more convenient to buy the gas upfront from the rental company and not deal with the hassle !

If you have rented cars before you no doubt have experienced the drill - for others beware the pitfalls !

Oh it is not all that bad - just be aware of what is going on !

I have *sometimes* found that AAA, Costco or BJs offer better discounts than employee discounts. It really depends on the destination and type of car. If your travel plans are firm, a last minute priceline name your own price can yield very good deals but you must pay in advance and there are no refunds if you don't go.

I have NEVER had any issue with a US car rental agency. I keep my paperwork, know the terms of my rental and have never had any desk agent try anything funny. I have no idea what RM is talking about.
First thing I do when leaving the airport car rental area is look for the gas station. Who wouldn't?
I get miles on EVERY rental that allows DL miles, card is not required for earning (use for hotel cards, too)--which only works IF you have a Skymiles account.
I rent my cars prior to arriving and already know what to include/exclude. I always check for any issues on the body and mark questionable ones before departing. I will turn down upgrades to larger, uncomfortable cars ($ gas and crappy ride) unless no alternative.
I have no idea what "schemes" RM mentions. If the price is right and the terms are good for you, don't fear the rental. I do NOT like third party sights vs 25% off emp discounts.
Cheers!

We usually go thru DLnet Perks (employee connections to perks to travel, rental cars bottom row of icons) and the discount is about 25%. Budget has been the best for us (Avis owns them) We also like Thrifty rates. I do all the rentals and we both belong to the companies' programs. Best to set up rental as soon as your dates are "expected" because rental rates usually go up based on availability/need. Just make sure you have a fully cancelable rate. Modifications may change rate. Recently rented w/Budget 2 days full taxes $75 for midsize this wkend. Ckd prior to cancel and price was much higher--$108 IF we had rented later. No charge to cancel morning of pickup.
Budget has rent more, pay less deals after a few rentals. We don't pay in advance because plans change and there are usually penalties.