best one-way car rental discount codes
Nov 2, 2013, 6:58 pm
#76
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1M
Posts: 31,474
Are there any special codes for US-Canada one-way rentals?
Also when using the Big 10/Ohio State id's won't the agents realize that something is amiss when they see the non-OH drivers license?
Lastly, as a suggestion, I think it might be good if the OP could mention which the type of the code. For example the avis codes are mostly the AWD. I tried all the national codes by putting them in the discount code, until I saw the post in page 2 of someone who put it in the contract ID.
Also when using the Big 10/Ohio State id's won't the agents realize that something is amiss when they see the non-OH drivers license?
Lastly, as a suggestion, I think it might be good if the OP could mention which the type of the code. For example the avis codes are mostly the AWD. I tried all the national codes by putting them in the discount code, until I saw the post in page 2 of someone who put it in the contract ID.
Nov 4, 2013, 8:54 am
#77
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,419
Are there any special codes for US-Canada one-way rentals?
Also when using the Big 10/Ohio State id's won't the agents realize that something is amiss when they see the non-OH drivers license?
Lastly, as a suggestion, I think it might be good if the OP could mention which the type of the code. For example the avis codes are mostly the AWD. I tried all the national codes by putting them in the discount code, until I saw the post in page 2 of someone who put it in the contract ID.
Also when using the Big 10/Ohio State id's won't the agents realize that something is amiss when they see the non-OH drivers license?
Lastly, as a suggestion, I think it might be good if the OP could mention which the type of the code. For example the avis codes are mostly the AWD. I tried all the national codes by putting them in the discount code, until I saw the post in page 2 of someone who put it in the contract ID.
I wouldn't worry about having an Ohio license for the Ohio State deal. Colleges have faculty/staff/students from all over. I can't imagine anyone behind a rental counter would even think of that. Be ready with a "Go Buckeyes" I suppose.
I guess I could include a primer on where to put the code. But if you're reading this thread, wouldn't you probably already know this?
Nov 4, 2013, 8:59 am
#78
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1M
Posts: 31,474
I try to avoid to using codes I am not eligible for, but the regular rate on my DTW-YYZ rental is $400+ and the big ten brings it down to $100ish.
Nov 4, 2013, 7:09 pm
#79
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,419
It can obviously be an ethical dilemma. Sadly, when it comes to one-way rentals, if you don't use the code you often don't do the rental because it makes no economic sense. And then the rental company makes zero money. Presumably, the car rental companies have priced these code deals at a level that's still profitable to them. In that case, it's kind of a win-win for you to use a "questionable" code. This might explain why, in almost all instances, little is done to "police" these discounts.
Nov 4, 2013, 7:31 pm
#80
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond 1.7MM, Starlux Insighter, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 3,947
Wow -- I didn't even know you COULD rent a car one-way from the USA to Canada? I see you can. At least with National, it looks like it's more expensive to go from Canada TO the US. This is a shame, because it eliminates another potential trick: fly TO Canada (very low airline taxes), and rent a car cross the border and fly home from the USA (to avoid the high aviation taxes in that direction). It would probably only make sense for a family.
Nov 5, 2013, 10:16 am
#81
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1M
Posts: 31,474
It can obviously be an ethical dilemma. Sadly, when it comes to one-way rentals, if you don't use the code you often don't do the rental because it makes no economic sense. And then the rental company makes zero money. Presumably, the car rental companies have priced these code deals at a level that's still profitable to them. In that case, it's kind of a win-win for you to use a "questionable" code. This might explain why, in almost all instances, little is done to "police" these discounts.
And I saw a incident in the National forum of what could happen if they do police it.
Nov 6, 2013, 7:27 am
#82
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 71
Awesome thread. Thanks all who contributed.
I just tried getting a one-way rental from AUS to SAT for 2 days and it was like $300-400. Ridiculous. I used the Priceline code on Avis.com and got it to $69. I am a little afraid that they may give me grief when I get there about the drop fee of $200, so just in case I might make a reservation with National jst in case (used the Car&Driver code with the $10 Ent book coupon code and got it to $119).
Has anyone ever had an issue with Avis and using the Priceline code?
I was also able to get a total of $99 with no drop fee through Avis with the BJ's wholesale (which I am a member of) discount code (A415900).
I just tried getting a one-way rental from AUS to SAT for 2 days and it was like $300-400. Ridiculous. I used the Priceline code on Avis.com and got it to $69. I am a little afraid that they may give me grief when I get there about the drop fee of $200, so just in case I might make a reservation with National jst in case (used the Car&Driver code with the $10 Ent book coupon code and got it to $119).
Has anyone ever had an issue with Avis and using the Priceline code?
I was also able to get a total of $99 with no drop fee through Avis with the BJ's wholesale (which I am a member of) discount code (A415900).
Nov 6, 2013, 8:46 am
#83
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,419
Decabea --
If I'm understanding your post correctly, you're uncertain whether there would be an additional drop charge with Avis using the Priceline code. This CAN be a problem with Avis's one way rates: they sometimes have drop charges AND mileage fees. So you want to look carefully at the quote. That said, if there's no drop fee listed, it is highly unlikely they will charge you one.
That said, why don't you try the National "Big Ten" code? I usually have an AUS-SAT one way rental at least once a year and, you are correct, the published rates are absolutely mind-boggling. I have found the "Big Ten" rate to be extremely reasonable in that market, however. Last time, I think I paid something in the $30s.
If I'm understanding your post correctly, you're uncertain whether there would be an additional drop charge with Avis using the Priceline code. This CAN be a problem with Avis's one way rates: they sometimes have drop charges AND mileage fees. So you want to look carefully at the quote. That said, if there's no drop fee listed, it is highly unlikely they will charge you one.
That said, why don't you try the National "Big Ten" code? I usually have an AUS-SAT one way rental at least once a year and, you are correct, the published rates are absolutely mind-boggling. I have found the "Big Ten" rate to be extremely reasonable in that market, however. Last time, I think I paid something in the $30s.
Nov 13, 2013, 12:45 am
#84
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 765
I just booked a one-way rental from Hertz for 5 days from LGA-FLL next week at $11.99 a day! Cheaper than renting and returning at the same location at either LGA or FLL. Didn't have to enter any codes. I tried to see if there would be a separate drop fee by changing it to the other direction, and the base rate went up to $200 a day. So there is no drop fee. Hertz really wants the cars to migrate south for the winter.
Nov 13, 2013, 9:02 am
#85
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,419
I just booked a one-way rental from Hertz for 5 days from LGA-FLL next week at $11.99 a day! Cheaper than renting and returning at the same location at either LGA or FLL. Didn't have to enter any codes. I tried to see if there would be a separate drop fee by changing it to the other direction, and the base rate went up to $200 a day. So there is no drop fee. Hertz really wants the cars to migrate south for the winter.
Nov 19, 2013, 5:20 pm
#86
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Cambridge, MA
Programs: AAdvantage EXP
Posts: 278
I understand that it's possible to be asked for ID. My question is whether that could happen both at pick up and drop off. In other words, if I pick up the car without any questions about the code, am I all set, or do I still need to worry at the other end of the trip? Also, if they do ask for ID and I don't have it, could I just cancel the whole thing and walk away? I assume there are no penalties for doing that, but I just wanted to verify. Thanks.
Nov 19, 2013, 8:42 pm
#87
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,419
Wow, this code is really great. It took a one day rental from $195 to $30. That's just crazy.
I understand that it's possible to be asked for ID. My question is whether that could happen both at pick up and drop off. In other words, if I pick up the car without any questions about the code, am I all set, or do I still need to worry at the other end of the trip? Also, if they do ask for ID and I don't have it, could I just cancel the whole thing and walk away? I assume there are no penalties for doing that, but I just wanted to verify. Thanks.
I understand that it's possible to be asked for ID. My question is whether that could happen both at pick up and drop off. In other words, if I pick up the car without any questions about the code, am I all set, or do I still need to worry at the other end of the trip? Also, if they do ask for ID and I don't have it, could I just cancel the whole thing and walk away? I assume there are no penalties for doing that, but I just wanted to verify. Thanks.
Most returns are done by a guy holding a device in the airport parking lot. I can't imagine you'd be bothered there. It's also hard for me to imagine you'd be bothered at the counter.
Nov 26, 2013, 10:51 pm
#88
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, UA Silver, HHDmd, MBvLTPLT, PCAmb/Dmd, HYT Dis
Posts: 1,579
The spread on the Ohio State/Big 10 code is incredible. I need a 12 day rental between ATL and LIT over Christmas/New Year's. The National price with my normal discount code is $2200; the Ohio State code makes it $594. So tempting, but not going to chance it. Just makes me think there has to be another code that I might qualify for out there with a similar effect?
As of now I am breaking my rental into 3 different reservations with Avis (ATL pickup with local ATL station return; local ATL station - local LIT station; and local LIT-LIT return) for about $850 total. But still searching because I would really like to avoid the hassle of the two local station swaps. And would prefer National so I can pick out a car from the Executive aisle for this long road trip.
As of now I am breaking my rental into 3 different reservations with Avis (ATL pickup with local ATL station return; local ATL station - local LIT station; and local LIT-LIT return) for about $850 total. But still searching because I would really like to avoid the hassle of the two local station swaps. And would prefer National so I can pick out a car from the Executive aisle for this long road trip.
Nov 29, 2013, 9:34 am
#89
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Portland, Maine
Programs: UA 1K, SPG PLAT, HYATT PLAT, HH GOLD, AA GOLD, MR GOLD
Posts: 1,179
Folks could use some advice and I have search this but not found my answer.
Need a passenger van for 6 ppl + luggage to go from Krakow, PL to Split Croatia.
Tried Sixt and Auto Europe (along with all the U.S. majors Avis, Hertz ect..) but either #1 don't have the size or #2 do not offer 1 way rentals into Croatia.
Any other website suggestions?
Thanks for your help...
Need a passenger van for 6 ppl + luggage to go from Krakow, PL to Split Croatia.
Tried Sixt and Auto Europe (along with all the U.S. majors Avis, Hertz ect..) but either #1 don't have the size or #2 do not offer 1 way rentals into Croatia.
Any other website suggestions?
Thanks for your help...
Dec 3, 2013, 9:00 am
#90
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,419
The spread on the Ohio State/Big 10 code is incredible. I need a 12 day rental between ATL and LIT over Christmas/New Year's. The National price with my normal discount code is $2200; the Ohio State code makes it $594. So tempting, but not going to chance it. Just makes me think there has to be another code that I might qualify for out there with a similar effect?
As of now I am breaking my rental into 3 different reservations with Avis (ATL pickup with local ATL station return; local ATL station - local LIT station; and local LIT-LIT return) for about $850 total. But still searching because I would really like to avoid the hassle of the two local station swaps. And would prefer National so I can pick out a car from the Executive aisle for this long road trip.
As of now I am breaking my rental into 3 different reservations with Avis (ATL pickup with local ATL station return; local ATL station - local LIT station; and local LIT-LIT return) for about $850 total. But still searching because I would really like to avoid the hassle of the two local station swaps. And would prefer National so I can pick out a car from the Executive aisle for this long road trip.