quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
Thanks guys some good thoughts. How about through Costco or AAA?

I almost always find the best rates through the Costco website.

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What airport are they flying into? Some of us may be able to provide more specific advice.

I want to say it is Albany, NY.

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Originally posted by ryan81986:
They're all basically the same, just price shop it like anything else. Stay away from some of the no-name rental car places (Basically anything other than what you listed).

I'd add another one to the mix.

I'm an Emerald card member but on a recent trip to San Francisco I did some price shopping.
I ended up renting from Sixt Sixt and had a great experience. I signed up for the basic econobox and ended up with an upgrade to a 4Runner. It was also convenient, both for pick-up (Fisherman's Wharf area) and for drop off (SFO).

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:

quote:

What airport are they flying into? Some of us may be able to provide more specific advice.

I want to say it is Albany, NY.

Here's what their link says, you have five choices: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, and National/Alamo.

http://albanyairport.com/parki...ransport/car-rentals

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sigmund,

I went Alamo since Enterprise turned anti-second amendment but now I read it’s the same company??

Frick.

When in doubt go Costco.

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Originally posted by SJS:
I like National because you can pick your own car.

I think that's limited to members of Emerald Club and it depends on the airport. At small airport it's pretty slim choosing and you may have a car assigned to you.

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Take good pictures with your cell phone (assuming you have one) of all four sides of the vehicle to show any damage present when you pick the car up and drop it off.

Excellent advice. Casino valet parking videotapes all high end cars. It saves the casino a lot of money, when the owner claims damage.

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Originally posted by 2Adefender:
My recent experience renting cars from Enterprise has been horrible. I will never do business with them again because of their high pressure sales tactics. Just about any of the other companies are good to deal with. You can compare prices on rentalcars.com.

I had the opposite experience with Enterprise at the airport in Atlanta. I walked up to the counter to a friendly, well dressed gentleman who asked me to sign a paper and then sent me to the garage to get the car. I was even prepared to say no to all of the add-ons but it never happened. Now, I did reserve online a few months in advance and declined the extra insurance but I was still expecting the hard sell.

On a trip to Dallas right after the flooding, the Budget car rental agent tried to get me to sign for all of the extra coverage because the roads were really rough due to all of the flooding. She didn't even tell me what she was doing and just said sign here. She also steered me toward getting an SUV for the same reason. I just rolled my eyes and kept saying NO. Read what you are signing.

Also, try to make a reservation as far in advance as possible. Doing so will save a lot of money.

NOT BUDGET! The WORST experience ever! Never again!

We rented from SIXT in California and got the small but not tiny Merc for only a few bucks more a day than Hertz wanted for a Chevy Impala. This year we used them in Minnesota; they advertised a Merc minivan (class) and we got a Pacifica. Not complaining; it’s a very nice minivan, and we needed the room. The counter agent said SIXT doesn't send Mercs to Minnesota. We did rent off airport; Minneapolis airport fees were considerable.

There is an additional "Destination" charge for renting at the airport.

I have seen this across the board with rental companies.

Best to contact directly to ascertain what that would be.

Otherwise, I've had no issues renting from airports and have never had issue with minor scratches.

Make sure mileage and gas levels have been recorded properly.

I tend to use Enterprise.
Though I haven't checked their 2A stance since my previous trip.

If I am CONUS, I may not opt for insurance, abroad I always do, has saved my ass more than once.

Airport taxes add to the price too. But it's convenient. We have flown to the kids in Savannah. They pick us up at the airport and we rent off-site and save $10-$20 per day.