Originally Posted by Autoslash
Well, we do search up to a 25 mile radius for alternate locations that may have a better deal than the location you're currently booked at? Do we search every possible location in every state? No, that would be cumbersome, but then again, nobody has ever asked for that before. We're sure there are people who will drive 2 hours to save a few bucks, but clearly not the average customer as it has never come up in the 8 years we've been in business.
When I ask for NYC quote, Autoslash frame seems to force me into one airport (not sure whether that was different prior to "Priceline"). Meaning that Autoslash gives best rate in its book at LGA, but for a rate at JFK it seems to require a separate query (not to mention EWR, or smaller regional airports). For a rate at non-airport location, it appears to require more queries. What if one wanted to capture a better than Manhattan rate? Would one need to query Bronx, NY separately; Brooklyn, NY separately, Queens, NY separately, Staten Island, NY separately, Long Island, NY separately? There are also many NJ, PA, CT locations (i.e. tri-state) cheaply reachable by bus for better rates. 25mi doesn't work out with some metropolises. Other than "1 day low-group car", person may be significantly more out-of-pocket at center-city locations - especially near holidays. I've seen $400 differential. I've seen vans "not available" at location Autoslash checking; but of course available at a location not included in search.
CostcoTravel's performance is often worse, cuz you're required to actually select "no more than 4 locations".