I wasn't asked for a military ID at this location. Who knows another location could ask. Since I've wanted to book a reservation in FLL for 5 days in May I just joined USAA this afternoon (I'm a veteran) and they gave me a membership number--which I'll carry with me in case they ask. I booked intermediate car for 5 days for $157 all in--once at the airport they'll deduct another $21 for using free day coupon--bringing the total down to $136--not bad eh? By the way this company (up until a couple of months ago) only allowed current veterans--or those discharged within two years to join. I'm pleased that the rules were changed and I'm now eligible. Best of luck to all.

Looking for the best *Mileage BCD* ... so far its the DL 5K one

My whole .02 on this though, is that Budget can encourage loyalty, referrals and FT'ers (who are SMEs on this stuff and sought out by their peers) to use their **commodity** service by making these BCD numbers available for scanning, actively finding & applying the best rate/restriction combos by motivated consumers?! ... an economist would suggest that this is a far better means of driving the kind of business they're looking for rather than this opaque, "does any one have a code for _____" nonsense

is there a Budget insider who can explain the policy that makes BCDs so obtuse?

I am a little confused with your terminology. I don't know of ANY "mileage BCD". Some corp discount codes prohibit earning miles but usually the BCD provides a special rate, or LDW, or waives the 25-old and under fee, etc.

The "DL 5K one" you mention is not a BCD at all. It is a coupon code (MUAZ015) and totally independent of the BCD used for price.

I think you are mixing apples with oranges. This thread is for BCDs and I agree somewhat with your take on BCDs and Budget's marketing but when you throw "mileage BCD" and "DL 5K" into the mix you are really clouding your point.

It seems that the USAA code results in the lowest rates.
Could it be because they have stringent insurance criteria?
I also printed out my membership page for ID, if asked.

Anyone have experience with them?

@Evan! - yes, you are correct I should've said "coupon" not BCD ... it seems that some coupons only work in conjunction with certain BCDs ... is that right?

Yes, some coupons must be used with certain BCDs. Usually it is stated in the T&C of the promo ad copy. Although I can't remember a specific Budget coupon that required a certain BCD there was a CO/Avis promotion about a year ago that did indeed require one use the CO AWD in order to take advantage of the coupon.

I'm trying to book STT for Christmas week and cannot find any codes that reduce the rate either.

it's my long experience that it almost is never worthwhile to make a car rental reservation well in advance. The rental companies have no incentive to offer low rates or any deals way down the road. Each rental company has this little man in an inside office, he lives with his mother, and for the past 37 years he dutifully shows up each day at 9 am, with instructions to develop a rate structure for the next 21 days. Anything beyond that, he's ordered by the top to simply put in "standard" rates with no discount or incentive offered.

So although it's admirable you're trying to plan out your trip over Christmas, making a car rental reservation so far in advance is futile. I'd add a note to your calendar, to check 60 days in advance (a total waste of time to get a cheap rate but ya gotta start somewhere), then 45 days in advance, then 30 days in advance, then 15 days in advance, rebooking it if you find a lower rate or promotion.

Doing it now, however, is about as productive as voting for Budget as the friendliest car rental company around...you won't have much company or success...

I'll have to disagree a bit with that.

I have been doing a ski trip to Lake Tahoe every year for about 10 years now. I usually go sometime in early March and start looking at SUV prices in Sept.

There always seems to be a window when the prices drop for a period of time and then go back up. It might happen in Sept or Oct or Nov. For instance this year I booked late Sept and got an SUV for $250 all in. The closer it got to departure day, the rates seem to go up and up and up. Topping out at around $600.

So I usually start my looking in Sept and then check once or twice every week until I see a good one and then book it. If it goes lower you can always cancel and get the new, lower one.

I'm glad you only disagreed "a bit". Your situation is the exception to the rule for the most part. Tahoe rentals in March: snow, mountains, groups of people, and ski equipment. These make SUVs a premium as they (rental agencies) start to sell out of the most popular vehicles. I would expect long advance reservations to be cheaper than close-in ones.

However St. Thomas is going to experience a more varied demand on vehicle types - smaller ones for couples, mid-sized for family sun bathers, and larger vehicles for sporting enthusiasts.

I have to agree with randix. Expecting good deals for Christmas in St. Thomas this far out is an exercise in frustration IMHO.

Is this historically the case with March bookings? I think it makes about the long range bookings, except for times when there is a popular short term promotion.

Just completed a series of two-day rentals at SBA using BCD U093306 and MUAZ015, and received the 5,000 mi. x 1.5 DL SkyMiles promotion credit (=7,500 mi.) several times in my SkyMiles account itself. Bravo. ^

Reserving for LAS: "Coupon applies."

Reserving for LAX: "Your coupon MUAZ015 isn't valid at this location. This station does not participate. Valid at corporate/participating licensee AIRPORT stations in the U.S. & Canada..." [Cut and pasted. CAPS theirs.]

Can this be true or is it possibly a glitch?

Thank you.

Has anybody used the costco bcd W852800 and received the bonus 5,000?