hallen

I spent hours- different rates etc- and still couldn't find an unlimited mileage rental from YVR to YYC for less then $1000 for 6 days! I tried everything and anything- even called in and the best they could do over the phone was $1400!!!! I've since reserved with Hertz with unlimited mileage for $400 and tried status match- waiting on that- Executive with National- VERY VERY Disappointed National couldn't help me out at all! I typically make 6-8 10 day plus rentals per year guess that isn't enough for them to keep me as a customer!

kxc262

I would not expect discounts on one-way rentals.

hallen

I don't expect an big discount but I expect them to be competitve- not 2-3x more then the competitors!~

Auto Enthusiast

In general, National and Hertz have different business models when it comes to one-ways. Hertz prides itself on having maximum flexibility, with a large network of corporate stores. That means more cars and locations, which lends itself to more acceptable pricing.

National was historically a collection of airport franchises, and runs a higher utilization, so they have generally not been as interested in one-ways. They will offer a better free day program, which can be used for one-ways. How? They're hoping that either through higher prices, or relative rare use of free days, the one-way will happen relatively rarely.

hallen

It's not just Hertz though basically National is 2-3x everyone !

azepine00

Why does it upset you? I am sure you encounter situations when your prefered airline or hotel are priced much higher and you book alternatives.

I d be happy there was $400 option for this particular case and you ll earn points too - i am not a fan of hertz but its an acceptable option. They have some bonus points promo going on btw...

Ironically national was by far cheaper than hertz on the upcoming yvr-sea oneway i booked without any discounts. Perhaps they are trying to move cars south.

Auto Enthusiast

Yes, all companies are gearing up for the AZ and FL driveins. Overlapping with that tends to be unadvertised specials from Canadian to US border cities. Ex, YVR-SEA, and there's a $25/day special from SEA to PHX at the same time, etc.

hallen

I guess I just LOVE the 'unknown' of getting to an Emerald Aisle and getting a selection to choose from- I did get my Executive Status matched by Hertz gold to 5 star- so I will be eligible for a 1 class upgrade 'upon availability' so it is what it is! I have just not seen such a huge difference in pricing before is all!

Tuneman1984

In my experience National at YVR seems to DESPISE one-way rentals. In 2010 I had a one-way to Toronto and they gave me a Kia Sorento from Alberta. When I inquired about the beautiful new Fusion Sport right in front of me, they told me because it was a BC car it would be an additional $250 drop fee, on top of my $200+/day rate. I think they were bluffing and just hoping to shove me into a car that didn't even belong to them so they could keep their own fleet to themselves.

I get on the highway, and anything over 55 MPH the back end was vibrating badly. I figured it was a tire out of balance, and not worth going back, so I continued to the ferry and on to Victoria. When I go to the Enterprise-sanctioned repair shop in Victoria, I find out the entire rear differential is actually bent and the car is basically undriveable. Since the National on the island is a franchise, I had to deal with Enterprise, and the best they had for me was a Dodge Avenger which was way too small for me and all my kit moving across the country. So I ended up having to switch at YVR again, this time into yet another AB-plated car.

So I suspect the higher than competitor rates are to discourage one-ways entirely. Just bear in mind this is a YVR thing, not a National thing. I wouldn't let one imperfect location spoil the lot.

bobu

Have you tried rentalcars.com?

azepine00

No issues with car choice at YVR last weekend. I even asked if they had anything specific to send south - he just said to pick anything i wanted from the aisle. Took a fusion. Perhaps depends on agent...

NoSleepTillMnhtn

Can't say a one-time price difference is enough to make me ever leave a company in anger... there are so many factors involved in a car rental price. Heck, changing a reservation to pick up in the afternoon versus the morning can sometimes be a $50/day difference in the east coast of the states.

With that said, are you taking all 6 days to drive to YYC, or are you zipping along in 1-2 days and keeping the car for an additional 4? If the later, I'd always recommend renting one-way for the exact days needed, then rerenting in Calgary for a local and likely much cheaper rate.

Tuneman1984

Yeah, there's one guy I know who would probably stand on his head before a "Vancouver car" gets through on a one-way. When I tried asking once why I was paying $200/day just to be shoehorned into one of the cars belonging to that franchise anyways he cut me off and said "Sir, don't waste your time."

hallen

Eeks- I finally found a contract code I was eligible for that gave me a decent rate- even paying for kms- Yes we are exploring BC and Alberta for 7 days so will need car whole time-I have executive status would they actually pull me out of what I pick from the executive aisle?

kxc262

Check the faq as many of your questions might be answered here. I am not understanding what your asking, but you need to book a midsize or higher for aisle access. Selection of cars will vary. I would also keep your Hertz reservation as a backup.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/natio...questions.html