Travel Deal of the Day (Mar. 7, 2007)

Car rental pricing is very unpredictable. Rates go up and down all the time without reason. There are often car rental promotions and coupons that are listed on car rental websites, membership club websites and this website. It is important to note then when you use a rental car coupon such as a buy three days, get one free coupon, the daily rates using the free day coupon are not always the same rates that apply without the coupon.

The Deal:
When checking rates using a coupon or promotion, be sure to check the rates without the coupon as well. Sometimes free day coupons are attached to higher rate plans – so it may actually be cheaper to not use a coupon.

How:
When checking rates, include the details associated with a coupon. Then logout of the website and check rates using a discount plan (such as AAA or AARP) but not using the coupon.