Costco for car rentals - seems to be cheapest always!
Aug 13, 2017, 1:55 pm
#61
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,720
So this has happened twice. About a month ago, reserved a 3-day one way rental for tomorrow on Costco Travel (Alamo) for $225. Checked the rates last night for the hell of it and, dang, $53 for same. Booked and canceled previous. So worth checking 24-48 hours before rental.
Just checked a 3-day rental for 31 Aug that I made 2 months ago. Rate dropped from $171 (Hertz) to $93 (Alamo via Costco) for an SUV. Significant savings but not a big Alamo fan so hopefully others will match soon.
Oct 27, 2017, 3:50 pm
#62
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Upper U.S.
Programs: AA EXP x 1.5, DL GM, JB, HH GLD
Posts: 145
Join USAA. They usually also include a free extra driver, particularly a spouse. Although their company choices are limited, they frequently come in less than Costco, which I use much of the time.
But, I shop all around, have a bunch of codes, and usually find one magic combo that all of a sudden brings the rate way down. Then I check again, right up to the rental date, as many times when there are a lot of vehicles around, prices can drop precipitously.
Oct 28, 2017, 3:17 pm
#64
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 880
This happens all the time. I generally find it useful to check at 30, 21 and 3 days mark. Rates are tied to anticipated demand, but often adjust when initial estimate is off. This is why I never ever use prepaid rates.
Just checked a 3-day rental for 31 Aug that I made 2 months ago. Rate dropped from $171 (Hertz) to $93 (Alamo via Costco) for an SUV. Significant savings but not a big Alamo fan so hopefully others will match soon.
Just checked a 3-day rental for 31 Aug that I made 2 months ago. Rate dropped from $171 (Hertz) to $93 (Alamo via Costco) for an SUV. Significant savings but not a big Alamo fan so hopefully others will match soon.
I use a pre paid rate back in July when I went to Pittsburgh on a one way. I started looking at rates like 2 months prior and decided to so a pre paid rate around 15 days left which ended up being the cheapest. Yeah maybe I was lucky but in the end I would set yourself a set price for a car class you want and if it reaches for it and your willing to accept the fact it could be lower it's no loss if you do a pre paid. I did check the rates later for mine and it went up around $200 in total price.
Nov 16, 2018, 2:44 pm
#65
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1M
Posts: 31,474
I used to have Costo membership sometime back and had set up a Costco travel account. The travel account is still valid and I was able to make a car rental booking without a problem. Is it really possible to make a reservation without a valid Costco membership?
Feb 26, 2019, 7:12 pm
#66
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 3
You can still rent a car however they might ask your Costco membership card when picking up the vehicle.
Mar 16, 2019, 12:44 pm
#68
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
Anyone know how to search for the Costco cash deals? As in, just booked a rental at $45 which includes a $30 Costco cash card.
Popped up randomly. I don't know if this is just a particular promo or not.
It was only for Budget, nor for the others.
Popped up randomly. I don't know if this is just a particular promo or not.
It was only for Budget, nor for the others.
Mar 16, 2019, 6:58 pm
#69
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 44
Well I have never received my cash cards. Both were for $20. I am located in Canada so not sure maybe that's the reason.
Apr 17, 2019, 9:57 am
#70
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Long Island, New York
Programs: DELTA Skymiles:GOLD
Posts: 438
If i make multiple reservations, will I be penalized for not picking up at one of the companies? I just have a feeling they won't have the SUV I need so I would rather have backup.