As a mile addict, i can not understand why Budget is not more popular amongst the other addicts in the FT community. Form what i can tell it is by far the best rental company as far as rewards for frequent rentors.

well i guess i should amend that, the miles you get stink, but if you leave it at budget points i think the rewards are all extremely valuable and relatively low point cost. I went to the Dorado Cerromar Beach resort for 4 days/3nights on an award and had a few hundred dollar slush fund (they prepay for the features such as breakfast everyday, golf and snorkeling so since i don't golf or snorkle, i used that money $300+ on other meals and drinks).

Considering you get DOUBLE POINTS for online booking, it gets even better. Why don't more people participate in this program?

I agree, IMHO Perfect Drive is the best rental program. But, points may not be a priority for some (as recalled in an earlier post on FT).

In my own ecperience with Budget, sometimes their vehicles are questionable: doors not aligning, wierd rattles, etc (I had a transmission fall out of a vehicle with less than 1000 miles, another had the instrument cluster almost opaque due to a chemical spray). Hertz has #1 Club Gold where you walk directly to your vehicle (Budget has some locations like that). Avis has the vehicle already running and warm (good for those cold winter days in the mid-west) and a newspaper.

Having benifitted from Perfect Drive numerous times, I will continue to endure the almost comical vehicle challenges. I just love those bennies.

You are the first person I've heard of that has used their Budget points for a hotel trip. How is the booking process? How far in advance do you have to reserve? Are there any hidden fees/taxes? etc etc etc

Booking was a bit of a hassle...

The promotions are run through a seperate group called Crown Marketing. Once you redeem your reward at the certain level (gold 2night, platinum 3 night, etc.) a packet is sent to you with all of your stay options. They almost all include breakfast, round of golf and some other entertainment.

You send or fax them back a request for with the dates you desire, along with 2nd preferences, and they call or email you a confirmation or denial in a couple days. In my case i was doing everything on a fairly short notice for a peak time (Easter break in Puerto Rico on a months notice). They were able to get me a room after i changed my dates just a little.

My favorite part was the 'slush fund' (see previous post). And no, there were no hidden fees.

Was that the Spa Wish award? I couldn't find any other area to transfer the points into hotels stays.

I agree, I love Budget perfect drive. Of course, I especially liked the online 19.99 Ford Ranger promo which I used over and over during Q1 & Q2 this year. AND I got double points!

I agree that the other vehicles can be questinable, but the Rangers were fully automatic (windows, locks, usually CD players), clean and fun to drive!

I've redeemed both for free rentals and Spa Wish. Both times, I was completely satisfied w/the process and speed of response.

Now I'm working toward a set of Big Bertha clubs!

I rent roughly 50 times per year from Budget, about 25 for work and 25 for use at home on the weekends. In fact, we have been able to get by with just one automobile for three years; opting instead me to either rent an auto or take the shuttle for the weekends at home.

As to the programs, I work (?) for the gubment, hence I only get the .5 segment on SWA per rental. Not too bad of a deal, but I do envy those of you who can participate in the Perfect Drive program.

I also always rent from Budget. This year I turned in points for an entire Callaway set of Irons, PW, SW and putter. They give double points and a 20% discount on their awards. They also just added Tumi in their awards catalog. I already have enough points for a nice bag, but after reading the above threads I might cash in a nice weekend.

Just to torment myself, I went and looked at the Perfect Drive program in detail. That really is a sweet gig; I would be making every single reservation over the net.

Argh! If only the gubment rate allowed for the accumulation of PD points!

I agree entirely. I have already cashed in for

2 x Calloway Sport Bags
1 x Calloway Umbrella (On the way)
1 x Spa Wish Gift Cert $100.00

And I don't have a humungous amount of rentals each year. The only thing I don't like is that their customer service is weak and non-caring.

------------------

So far, recieved:

Several weekly rentals of specialty cars and trucks.

A 15' truck to move dear 'ol dad to hes new digs.

Several multiple-day rentals for Mrs. Boilermaker when she visits her family.

A Calloway putter (very nice) and sand wedge (also very nice).

Lastly, a Ford Excursion (peak period) rental for a week for Mrs. Boilermaker's brother and family to attend the Rose Bowl (that would have covered several Big Berthas - yes, I was in tears ordering that certificate).

I just redeemed some Bolle Goggles and 500 AA points (#17 of my 20 partners). Have to agree, its a great program and I'm looking forward to many more great awards. As to the cars, I've had pretty good luck. They usually have a great deal on convertibles, and other times I've gotten a clean and well maintained car. At Denver, where they have the "real" fastbreak service, they drop you off at you car class row, and you're off. Where I have to go to the counter, I have gotten hassled for upgrades, insurance and gas. I'm willing to put up with it though and am looking forward to my goggles.

Happy renting,
Chris

Methinks they removed the hotels from the Budget catalog.

D*mn it! D*mn it! D*mn it! I had been saving up for a top tier hotel award!

As usual, if it looks too good to be true...

I can't believe it, they must have removed the vacation programs right afte i made my original post. This really stinks! It's still the best car rental points program around, but now less so.