How do you avoid a "no show" charge?

[lyric500]

I see where many people advocate a "back up" reservation but the fine print says you need to cancel 24 hours in advance to avoid a charge. I placed a back up with Alamo booked with Avis in Vegas and was charged a no show. I cancelled the reservation the same day at the Alamo counter. I called Alamo and they are removing the charge but I wondered if this was a glitch or standard procedure. I cancelled by handing my printed confirmation to a busy clerk and asking if he would cancel it. He said no problem. I wonder if he never did anything or if Alamo just charges for any resv. not cancelled in 24 hours.

Also does anyone know what company is associated with Z619843 code? I resereved a van and the charge went from $1100 to $600 with this code.

Thank you for your insights in using back up reservations.

[kingwallace]

In my experience I've never been charged because I've never had a form of payment on file for them to charge me.

No payment method on file = no "no show" charge

[JLewisinSyr]

I expect you're going to see more and more "credit card required for reservations" in the future and more and more no-show fees implemented. Its a huge untapped market in terms of revenue and honestly its long overdue.

I've heard of no-show percentages hitting 25% in some markets, and 15% is not abnormal. This really messes with inventories (and you wonder why people arrive with no vehicles available or are given upgrades).

I do not believe in back-up reservations, I do not believe in using "questionable" discount codes that I do not know if I am eligible for or know I am not eligible for.

[ChinaShrek]

Flight cancellations and weather delays aren't my fault. I will not reserve any car rental with a credit card and will simply take my chances upon arrival.

[katieq1]

Some companies only charge for no shows only if you reserve a special vehicle. You need to read the fine print when you reserve.