Avis - A call to web savvy programmer types

I was recently reviewing the thread with all the great AWD numbers that I check periodically http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum77/HTML/000061.html
and thinking that it seems like many people keep a list of these codes (I know I do)and manually try them when looking for the best deal.

Wouldn't it be great if there was a script or web-crawler-type program that could plug all of these AWD codes into the avis.com website and return the cheapest rate. Maybe it could even function like the script that was posted on the UA forum awhile back that would register you for all the available promotions once you entered your MP number.

I don't know if this is possible and I certainly don't know how to write it but it seems that something like this should be- right?

Are there any FTers out there who could create something like that?

My thought is that you would like to be able to specify dates, times, pickup location, car class, a list of AWD codes, and possibly coupon codes.

Thoughts?

I cut and paste from my list in my Palm, but a script would definitely be a step up.

My programmers can do this - but would people be willing to PAY $1 per search or an amount per year to access such a search engine? It costs money to keep a website running, you know. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by msn:
My programmers can do this - but would people be willing to PAY $1 per search or an amount per year to access such a search engine? It costs money to keep a website running, you know. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif</font>

yeah, i'd pay.

I'd rather pay an annual flat fee so I could do multiple searches rather than a fee per search but I'd pay too.

I thought about the flat rate too - but the temption would be there to only sell one subscription, and that would be it. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I'm told it will take two weeks, but it *should* be nicely running and be a big time-saver.

I guess I'd like to hear from some more people as to who is interested and how much this is worth to people of a pay-as-you-go basis before I pull the trigger here.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by msn:
I thought about the flat rate too - but the temption would be there to only sell one subscription, and that would be it. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I'm told it will take two weeks, but it *should* be nicely running and be a big time-saver.

I guess I'd like to hear from some more people as to who is interested and how much this is worth to people of a pay-as-you-go basis before I pull the trigger here.</font>

i would pay a buck or two per search. i think i would prefer that than a annual fee, but it depends.

I'd probably pay a buck for each search.

Depending on the amount, I'd maybe consider an annual fee.

I'd pay a buck or two, but would expect to be allowed to make several searches, perhaps within a day, or maybe even an hour. The reason being is that I often have a choice of flying to, for example, either MKE or ORD. I normally check hotel rates, car rentals, and airfares, availability, upgradeability, etc, before pulling the trigger.

I thought about that as well - it would be a pay per shot idea, so until you say, "Book 'em Dano!" you would not get dinged.

Based on the feedback I have gotten, I will put someone on it this week.

Anyone that wants to be a guinea pig, let me know.

+++ Now accepting Beta testers +++

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by msn:
+++ Now accepting Beta testers +++</font>

Hmmm. Automating this may be a mistake. How long before Avis cop on and tighten up their procedures.

Please try not to abuse this, folks.

I might be interested if the result also gives what the AWD number used is associated to - so we can decide if we feel comfortable using it or not.

It does.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Ex Amex Card:
Hmmm. Automating this may be a mistake. How long before Avis cop on and tighten up their procedures.

Please try not to abuse this, folks.</font>


I disagree - with a fair rate on Avis, they kept my business, versus hitting priceline or going to Dollar/Thrifty/Alamo.

i would be interested in trying this service.