[binionrat]

So the online rates for car rental look pretty good for the first week in July from airport and return and I'm just wondering if there is a big difference reserving online or is the cost similar if we just wait until we get to the airport?

Does anyone know if pets in a rental car are ok? We have one chihuahua in a small carrying case when we're down in the Fall for 2 weeks and we want to rent a car then too. Thanks.

[ElleTea]

If it were me, and I found a good rate online, I'd go ahead and book it rather than chance paying more at the car rental location.

I booked my car with EZ Car Rental via Orbitz. My rate was pretty good, $12 a day plus taxes and fees. From Sunday morning to Wed morning I paid something like just under $60. They gave me a 2012 Hyundai Elantra, very nice car. The return process was so easy and well organized, too. I plan to do the same when I return in the fall.

[Trash Can]

I've never used this website, but a friend of mine swears by it.

lastminutedeals.com

He said the key to finding a great deal is waiting until a day or two prior to your travel dates, hence the name "last minute deals".

If you can find a price that you're comfortable with well ahead of time, I'd book it. You could always cancel if you find a better deal through the above website or somewhere else.

[macgeek]

Bing travel gave better and cheaper results then lastmindeals

Jonathan

[observer53]

Pets in a rental car are fine, in my experience. In a carrier, there should be even less of an issue.

[MadManofBethesda]

Originally Posted by binionrat

So the online rates for car rental look pretty good for the first week in July from airport and return and I'm just wondering if there is a big difference reserving online or is the cost similar if we just wait until we get to the airport?

Why not do both?

There is no downside to reserving online. You don't have to give a cc# and you're not committed to renting the car that you reserve (at least with most sites). If you don't show up the reservation just expires. (Similar to reserving a hotel room without a cc guarantee. If you don't show up by 6pm, the reservation vanishes.)

Reserve online, and then when you get to the airport see if there is a cheaper rental with a different company. If so, rent it; if not, use your online reservation.

[Okey Dokie]

I've also found that rates can vary day by day for the exact same car and company.

I'm one of those O-C's who double check rates all the time after I make the initial reservation and will rebook if the rate goes down.

Sorta OT to this particular thread but of interest to Vegas travelers: Southwest Airlines is notorious for this, and with their no change fee policy, I frequently rebook the same flight two or three times.

Anything to save a buck.

[binionrat]

So I'm looking at Budget and there's all these additional fees (besides the tax) for the 5 day rental..I guess all of them charge this?? Just thought I'd ask before I hit the confirm button....I can at least waive the insurance as my credit card company picks that up.

concession recovery $12.07
2.19 county surcharge 2.00 % 109.98
10.75 vehicle license 2.15 /day
18.75 customer facility 3.75 /day
10.99 STATE SURCHARGE 10.00 % 109.98
$ 54.75 Total

[Coco6163]

I have rented a LOT of cars in LV the last 2 years or so. I only use Hotwire to rent. The rates are always lowest there.

As for pets, no problem. But you are better off not mentioning yours. And to be safe, get the car interior cleaned before returning it. Some rental companies have nasty cleaning fees to remove pet hair. $200 is not unusual.

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by binionrat

So the online rates for car rental look pretty good for the first week in July from airport and return and I'm just wondering if there is a big difference reserving online or is the cost similar if we just wait until we get to the airport?

Personally, I like to rent from Alamo/National when I am at McCarren. You can pretty much enter everything on line and walk to the canopy. Also. based on the car you reserve, you can go out on the lot and pick any of the cars in the class you reserved.