Had a really difficult time getting a rental for a work trip to ELP. All rental car agencies in the whole city were showing as sold out. Managed to pick one up from the airport as a walk-up, but now my work has told me I need to drive to TUS and fly out from there. I'm hitting the same issue though - all rental car companies are telling me their cars are sold out so & that I can't book this as a one-way rental or else I'll be charged $1k.

I'll try again in the morning and see if I get lucky, but I need to head out mid-day tomorrow at the latest.

My questions are - Are there any tricks or tips to getting a rental even if they say they are sold out? Are there any rental car companies that are better for last-minute one-way rentals? Or are more lenient with their one-way drop off charges? Is it better to try to get a one-way from an airport location or local office? When is the best time of day to check out if there are cancellations or cars that become available?

If I have to, I'll just suck it up and drive the 5hrs back to drop off the car, but am hoping to avoid it. (All locations within commuting distance of ELP are also sold out right now.)

I don't have any frequent renter status at any of the rental car companies (I do belong to their loyalty programs). But I am very nice and polite.