car rental rates. who has the best rates?

I use kayak most of the time when it's last minute, but prior to that I usually book straight through Dollar. They've always been the cheapest for airport-based ones when I book early (they raise rates more than others if you're booking short notice). I also like them since they don't do car walkarounds and aren't sticklers for regular wear and tear other companies are. Parking lot dings and scratches are bound to happen.

 

Costco is decent. '

 

Costco has the best pricing within the 4 brands they're partnered with. However, those 4 brands are among the most expensive when I compare to the others brands at the same airport. I'm comparing it for a trip I'm currently on in Phoenix as an example.

Dollar/Thrifty is still cheaper off Kayak than Costco and Dollar apparently deals with BJ Wholesale so that may be even less. BJ apparently also partners with Hertz and National as well. Costco and BJ both deal with Avis, Alamo, Budget, and Enterprise.

I'm a Costco member and had no idea BJ Wholesale had that many...

 

Car rentals are a real racket now. Get this...USE THE APP on your phone, not the website. I always get a better deal from Hertz when I use the app. I mean waaaaayyyyy better (15-20%).

 

Shop on travelocity, kayak and similar.

Then buy on the actual company's website. That way you can use AAA or whatever web coupons/promotions you can find (usually advertised right on their website).

Pro tip: make sure the chosen company has "in terminal" service and not "remote/bus". Sometimes only a few companies are in the terminal and others one has to spend time getting to/from the rental lot. (and of course sometimes its one large all -encompassing rental facility). Anyways...just check so you know what you are getting and comparing apples to apples.

 

If you're staying long term, vary your rental dates. My parents go for 5-6 weeks every year and we've discovered that they can do a 4 week rental then a 2 week rental for significantly less than a 6 week. We'll play with different times and dates, but we can always save them money. They drive in, drop the old car, get in the new car, drive away. Save a few hundred $.

 

I have had exactly the same experience with Thrifty, which is the same company. I use the app, which is good but the text is not optimized for mobile so you have to squint.

But it works. I often wait until I land at a major airport and I'm usually able to get a great price from Thrifty using their app, and my reservation is finished and confirmed before the jetbridge has extended and the airplane door has opened.

 

It must work for you, but isn't avoiding the hassle/stress/time suck of returning to the airport a consideration?