There are several ways to find discounted rental car and airline ticket packages. These deals can save money, streamline your trip and make your travel experience more enjoyable.
When booking flights and cars, you’ll want to book as early as possible to maximize your odds of finding a lower rate. It’s also helpful to use a site that tracks rental car prices, such as Autoslash, so you can rebook if rates decrease.
Look for Combination Deals
The best way to find a discount on your flight and rental car is to look for combination deals. Many airlines, travel agencies, and online sites offer deals on flights and rentals at the same time. These packages are incredibly enticing when you’re traveling with a group. Some even allow for free upgrades on rentals if you have the correct credit card.
One of the easiest ways to find a good deal on your next vacation is to use a tool like a travel spreadsheet to help you map out multiple itineraries. This will let you compare prices for flights and car rentals that are grouped by destination, airline, and type of vehicle. The same tool can also let you know which rental companies have the best deals and the most restrictions. Knowing which companies to call will save you time, money, and a bundle when you arrive at your destination.
Use a Travel Agent
A travel agent is an expert in putting together a vacation so that they can find the best deals on hotels, activities, airfare, and more. They also know the best travel times and locations for each destination.
They can find suitable hotels for your family, arrange your airport pick-up and drop-off, and give you tips on how to avoid the common pitfalls of traveling. They also know what hotels and attractions are accessible to people with disabilities, which can make a big difference when trying to accommodate a special needs family member or child.
When looking for a travel agent, ensure they are certified by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Cruise Lines International Association, or have earned the Certified Travel Counselor designation from The Travel Institute. This shows that they are committed to their craft and are constantly learning about the latest travel trends.
They can often save you money on airline ticket packages and discounted rental car deals. You can also use their expertise to maximize your frequent flyer miles or reward points and plan the most efficient ways to redeem them.
Shop Around
Buying your rental car and airline tickets together can be a great way to save money. These discounts are typically offered by airlines, travel companies, and online sites, but it is essential to shop around to find the best deal for you. It’s a good idea to check your frequent flyer program and credit card rewards programs before purchasing a package. It’s also important to know what restrictions are involved with a package deal so that you will only end up paying what you should.
You can also try a discount search site like Priceline, which compares hotel and car rental deals. It’s more flexible than a travel agent, but it’s still a good place to start when looking for a deal. In addition to comparing prices, it offers an easy-to-use interface for finding the right deal. You can search for discounts based on your preferred car type and total price range. The site also makes it easy to compare deals from different agencies by displaying reviews from previous customers. You can also sign up for a free membership and access exclusive offers and discounts.
Search Online
One of the best ways to find a discounted rental car and airline ticket packages is to search online for a promo code. You can search by airline, airport, and fare class, among other things. You can also look at an OTA (online travel agency) that specializes in finding the most lucrative deals available for your trip. This site’s search engine will also give unbiased reviews and recommendations on which airlines, hotels, and vacation packages will suit your needs.
Always book the cheapest budget automobile available
Assuming you don’t require something larger for a large family party, booking the cheapest car option offered will bring you the best price. You’ll be prompted to upgrade for a price several times—don’t do it. In some circumstances, no economy or subcompact cars will be available when you arrive at the rental counter to pick up your car, but you’ll get an upgrade anyway—and you won’t have to pay for it. The worst-case scenario is you get an economy automobile, which isn’t all that horrible.