sometimes better to avoid fastlane # in res

i was trying to make a res for next weekend in san diego, and when, as normal, i entered my fastlane number, it came back $5 higher per day than without. so i made it without and called to put the fastlane in the res. i think the car rental business is right behind the hotel business, which is right behind the airline business, in terms of weirdness. one more angle to check on next time. as though there weren't already enough.

I have also found that the AAA rate code (AA5553) will inflate a base rate and then give a "discount". The end result is a higher rate. (Hertz.com also does this). That's why I try and re-try every combo I can think of, all the way until the day before pickup. It's amazing how much variation there can be.

when booking reservations, try every single discount code you have, then call the location directly.

I have been able to beat my best reservation price by $5 per day by NOT using my reservation and just walking up. Airport locations will "rate shop" amongst competitors and try like hell to be competitive with each other. So you can go from one counter to another counter with your prices and you can beat them on occasion. dont EVER take for granted that the rates will be more expensive if you walk up. Thats the normal situation, but far from the rule.

If your reservation is better, then use your reservation. if your reservation isn't the best, then use the walk up rate. When they find your reservation in the computer, just say "cancell that reservation for me will you?"

This is one of the main reasons i do not "pre pay" for my car travel. If I prepay, im locked into those rates.

On A recent Vegas trip, it came in cheaper to book 3 and 4 days, rather than 7 straight??? I put the 2nd reservation in the Mrs's name. We just had to swing in midweek, to pick up A new clean car. Not too much work for $25.

I forgot to mention, we both got airline reward points out of the deal also !