Contract ID gone bad: 5299328 Amex/Carlson - actually GMAC

[kmcg]

I booked a res using 5299328 (listed as Amex Family Pass or Carlson Travel) and the agent asked me if I worked for GMAC. Apparently this rate is limited to GMAC employees, and requires a GM car to be provided. I told her I'd gotten the rate from a friend but was not an employee. Happily, after much discussion, she and her supervisor agreed that they could give me a comparable rate, but I'll definitely not be borrowing this rate again!

[jonnychoc]

That's wierd, I'm currently on that rate right now and picked up a Sebring Convertible off of the Exec Aisle in FLL this morning. No questions or concerns, just handed me my paperwork and I was off (at the reserved rate).

I'll double check when I return the car tonight but I have not had any issues lately with this rate code...

[kmcg]

I've used the rate before with no problems, but just happened to get an attentive agent at LAX, I guess. I think many of these codes are great almost all the time, but I posted this just so people would know there's some risk (assuming one is unwilling to pretend to be a GMAC employee when asked). When I thought it was an Amex Family rate, it seemed possibly okay to use it with my Amex card.

[jonnychoc]

I hear you, I'd be more apt to use it if it was with Amex (my card of choice). I (knock on wood) have not had an issue using the Aisle service at most Florida locations with just about any code, but it's great to bring the note to everyone.

Thanks for the heads up!

[Paminaz]

You can't just SAY you are GMAC employee (or Boeing employee or a Travel Agent with the CORRECT IATA ID or whatever)...you have to Prove it when asked or you don't get the rate. A Rental Agent or a Manager will try to get you best rate available but won't match the rate.
This happens frequently. Many friends try to say..."hey use this code, it will get you a good rate!" but in essence it's a rate that isn't 'shareable'...and can cause problems for the person trying to use it.