USA Car Rental Advice Wanted

TheDreadPirateRoberts
TheDreadPirateRoberts Posts: 225 Member
edited December 2024 in Chit-Chat
Hi,

I've got to hire a car to go from NOLA to Baltimore. I'm going to pick it up tomorrow. The company I was going to use had a problem, so I'm booking it myself.

Any tips? Should I use the hotel? Book on line? Book in person? Any companies I should / shouldn't use? Any things I should be aware of?

Current "plan" is to book online. I think it will cost about $650.

Thanks

Replies

  • hdsqrl
    hdsqrl Posts: 420 Member
    I usually go through National - if you sign up for their (free) membership, you get to pick the car of your choice from their "Emerald Aisle" instead of just having to use whatever they give you.

    Enterprise is another one I've had good luck with.

    Editing to add: Use kayak.com to help you narrow down prices and such across multiple companies. Once you've made your reservation, print out your confirmation, including the quoted price. Then, when you go to pick up the car, if there's any price discrepancy, you'll have the printout available and they'll fix the price back to what you were expecting it to be. :)
  • Erin0164
    Erin0164 Posts: 64 Member
    Online certainly best prices. Hetrz, Alamo, National, AVIS all good brands. Sometimes you can get a deal with through the hotel if it is a big chain. Enjoy your drive!
  • Nerple
    Nerple Posts: 1,291 Member
    I usually go through National - if you sign up for their (free) membership, you get to pick the car of your choice from their "Emerald Aisle" instead of just having to use whatever they give you.

    Enterprise is another one I've had good luck with.

    Editing to add: Use kayak.com to help you narrow down prices and such across multiple companies. Once you've made your reservation, print out your confirmation, including the quoted price. Then, when you go to pick up the car, if there's any price discrepancy, you'll have the printout available and they'll fix the price back to what you were expecting it to be. :)

    For a one time rental, I'd go through National too. I use rental cars alot though and go through Hertz, as they have a better rewards program.
  • TheDreadPirateRoberts
    TheDreadPirateRoberts Posts: 225 Member
    Thanks all. Went with National and have a compact for a week drop off in another state for $700 with GPS and all the insurances. Couldnt get the Emerald Club as it needs a US or Canadian D/L, which being British, I dont have. :)
  • hdsqrl
    hdsqrl Posts: 420 Member
    Well, good, then. Hope you have a safe trip! :)
  • mfp_junkie
    mfp_junkie Posts: 359 Member
    Remember,

    RIGHT SIDE! RIGHT SIDE!

    Enjoy your trip.
  • p0kers0ph
    p0kers0ph Posts: 250 Member
    AVIS, but then I am biased as I work for them in the UK lol ;-)
  • cobracars
    cobracars Posts: 949 Member
    You might consider asking the rental company if they have a car in NOLA that needs to be returned to the Baltimore area. They might give you a great rate for re-positioning the car back to where it came from
  • kimpossible471
    kimpossible471 Posts: 268 Member
    Ditto to Cobra's comment. The trick is to call the baltimore return location, and ask them if there is anything they need - and sometimes they can work out a deal for you to bring that type of car to them. I haven't done this personally, but have co-workers that have had some success.
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