Rapid Travel Chai: The Secrets of Renting Cars at Home and Abroad at FTU DFW 2015

1. The Secrets of Renting Cars at Home & Abroad FTU DFW 2015 The Secrets of Renting Cars at Home & Abroad FTU DFW 2015 Stefan Krasowski Rapid Travel Chai

3. My Rental Car Experience Rented cars weekly for 2 years of NY-Atlanta commute Lots of short US trips for 1-2 people International rentals in many countries Fender benders in US Breakdown in Bulgaria Smash and grab in Toronto Wife threatening divorce in Saudi Arabia Rented cars weekly for 2 years of NY-Atlanta commute Lots of short US trips for 1-2 people International rentals in many countries Fender benders in US Breakdown in Bulgaria Smash and grab in Toronto Wife threatening divorce in Saudi Arabia ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

4. Itinerary Rental Agencies Portals Hotwire and Priceline More Deals Extras and How to Avoid Them International Strategy Rental Agencies Portals Hotwire and Priceline More Deals Extras and How to Avoid Them International Strategy ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

5. Goal Setting Reserving: You can spend a lot of time to save a little money Renting: You can save a little money to have a lot of aggravation Set goals and stick to them! Reserving: You can spend a lot of time to save a little money Renting: You can save a little money to have a lot of aggravation Set goals and stick to them! ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

6. Rental Car Tradeoff Hypothetical When to not save $10: Orlando, FL car rental Spring break Huge lines at counter Eye-rolling spouse Screaming children When to save $10: Moline, IL car rental Always off-peak No lines No spouse No children When to not save $10: Orlando, FL car rental Spring break Huge lines at counter Eye-rolling spouse Screaming children ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved When to save $10: Moline, IL car rental Always off-peak No lines No spouse No children

9. Avis Preferred – skip the line Avis First – 12 rentals/35 days or Chase Ink; weekend certs Avis President’s & Chairman’s – invitation only Double-dip with Avis Corporate Rewards Lots of miles & points promos Avis Avis Preferred – skip the line Avis First – 12 rentals/35 days or Chase Ink; weekend certs Avis President’s & Chairman’s – invitation only Double-dip with Avis Corporate Rewards Lots of miles & points promos ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

10. Lots of international locations RapidRez profile + FastBreak to skip the line Technically need 3 rentals/year to keep FastBreak No rewards program Budget Lots of international locations RapidRez profile + FastBreak to skip the line Technically need 3 rentals/year to keep FastBreak No rewards program ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

11. Dollar Express/Thrifty Blue Chip to skip the line Enroll for rewards: 16 rental days = 1 free day Few big miles and points promos Watch for scammy fees like huge daily toll charges Dollar/Thrifty Dollar Express/Thrifty Blue Chip to skip the line Enroll for rewards: 16 rental days = 1 free day Few big miles and points promos Watch for scammy fees like huge daily toll charges ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

12. Tons of US neighborhood locations Enterprise Plus: Stingy, complicated rewards program Must register, then separately opt in for rewards Can credit National rentals to Enterprise No miles and points promos except Delta Enterprise Tons of US neighborhood locations Enterprise Plus: Stingy, complicated rewards program Must register, then separately opt in for rewards Can credit National rentals to Enterprise No miles and points promos except Delta ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

13. Gold Plus Rewards - earn and redeem in many countries Rewards great for one-way rentals - ≈ double price Five Star/President’s Circle = 7/20 rentals per year Platinum membership fee $1,200-$1,500 per year Amex Biz Platinum – 4-hour grace period (must use CDP) Amex Open Business – 3-10% discount or 1-4 points bonus Hertz Gold Plus Rewards - earn and redeem in many countries Rewards great for one-way rentals - ≈ double price Five Star/President’s Circle = 7/20 rentals per year Platinum membership fee $1,200-$1,500 per year Amex Biz Platinum – 4-hour grace period (must use CDP) Amex Open Business – 3-10% discount or 1-4 points bonus ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

14. Delta Medallion status + bonuses with Hertz United copied earning and added elite status for 2015 1K/Plat/Club Card/Presidential Plus Card = President’s Circle Gold/Silver = Five Star Hertz: Delta & United Delta Medallion status + bonuses with Hertz United copied earning and added elite status for 2015 1K/Plat/Club Card/Presidential Plus Card = President’s Circle Gold/Silver = Five Star ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

15. Emerald Club: 1 rental = 1 credit (8 day rental = 2 credits, 12 = 3, etc) Free days are 7/6/5 credits depending on elite status Credit Enterprise rentals to National Regular 1-2-Free promo is generous Exec Exec Elite 12 rentals or 25 days or Amex Platinum Exec Elite 40 rentals or 80 days Emerald Club Aisle – must reserve midsize or higher National Emerald Club: 1 rental = 1 credit (8 day rental = 2 credits, 12 = 3, etc) Free days are 7/6/5 credits depending on elite status Credit Enterprise rentals to National Regular 1-2-Free promo is generous Exec Exec Elite 12 rentals or 25 days or Amex Platinum Exec Elite 40 rentals or 80 days Emerald Club Aisle – must reserve midsize or higher ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

16. Watch the fees, see Travel by Points @ bit.ly/1mF4AOY Offers constantly come and go, always check fine print Avis has lots of offers: Virgin Atlantic 1,000 miles for 1-day rental Club Carlson 9,000 points for 3-day rental Delta & Hertz often have good offers Earning Miles & Points Watch the fees, see Travel by Points @ bit.ly/1mF4AOY Offers constantly come and go, always check fine print Avis has lots of offers: Virgin Atlantic 1,000 miles for 1-day rental Club Carlson 9,000 points for 3-day rental Delta & Hertz often have good offers ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

19. Membership or credit card to book (maybe not to rent) Discounts/coupons are quarterly, best deals within 3 months Typically cannot earn awards or miles Typically cannot skip the line with frequent renter program Typically few international locations Often saves a lot of money Portal Basics Membership or credit card to book (maybe not to rent) Discounts/coupons are quarterly, best deals within 3 months Typically cannot earn awards or miles Typically cannot skip the line with frequent renter program Typically few international locations Often saves a lot of money ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

20. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise – can add frequent renter Fully flexible – no credit card required Good for large vehicles Low price finder not perfect – test coupons manually Costco Travel Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise – can add frequent renter Fully flexible – no credit card required Good for large vehicles Low price finder not perfect – test coupons manually ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

22. Must have Capital One card, but can pay with any card Pay with points or cash Prepaid but can cancel up to 24 hours before rental Capital One Must have Capital One card, but can pay with any card Pay with points or cash Prepaid but can cancel up to 24 hours before rental ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

23. Same platform, often same pricing Chase must pay with registered card Pay with points or cash Prepaid but can cancel up to 24 hours before rental No one-ways or off-airport Chase Ultimate Rewards & Citi ThankYou Same platform, often same pricing Chase must pay with registered card Pay with points or cash Prepaid but can cancel up to 24 hours before rental No one-ways or off-airport ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

25. The Hotwire and Priceline Tradeoff Why to Not Use: No changes, no refunds* Unpleasant surprises* No elite status recognition* No miles and points* *There are always exceptions and luck Why to Use: Save Money Why to Not Use: No changes, no refunds* Unpleasant surprises* No elite status recognition* No miles and points* *There are always exceptions and luck ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

26. Hotwire and Priceline Fees Hotwire Priceline opaque rates often loaded with fees Do not compare per day rates Do compare total price ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved Portland 1 day car: Expedia $18/day=$23 total vs Priceline $18 bid=$29.34

27. Rates often not as good as flexible reservation portals (Costco, Capital One, Chase, etc.) Guaranteed major agency – but includes Dollar/Thrifty No off-airport, no one-way Must be age 25+ Hotwire Hot Rates Rates often not as good as flexible reservation portals (Costco, Capital One, Chase, etc.) Guaranteed major agency – but includes Dollar/Thrifty No off-airport, no one-way Must be age 25+ ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

28. Pick-up up to 24 hours late – book Sun night, pick-up Mon (call agency to hold a car on peak times) Hotwire Hot Rates ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved Atlanta Sun 10 pm pick-up $63.65 vs Mon 8 am $81.26

29. Always unlimited miles (important for international) 30-minute grace period on returns Extensions at agency rates – can be very expensive All add-ons billed at agency rates (e.g. Dollar/Thrifty huge toll charges) Hotwire Hot Rates Always unlimited miles (important for international) 30-minute grace period on returns Extensions at agency rates – can be very expensive All add-ons billed at agency rates (e.g. Dollar/Thrifty huge toll charges) ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

30. Rates often 10-30% lower than Hotwire Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National only Rates not always available – change search parameters No off-airport, no one-way Always unlimited miles (important for international) Extensions and add-ons at agency rates Drivers under 25 allowed for additional fees Priceline Name Your Own Price® Rates often 10-30% lower than Hotwire Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National only Rates not always available – change search parameters No off-airport, no one-way Always unlimited miles (important for international) Extensions and add-ons at agency rates Drivers under 25 allowed for additional fees ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

31. Step 1: Priceline Lowball Test Enter a lowball bid and click “Choose” Priceline Cars – Bidding Strategy Step 1: Priceline Lowball Test Enter a lowball bid and click “Choose” ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

35. Step 3: Bid around Priceline Sweetspot For short, economy rentals, $1-$2 under often works Longer rentals and bigger cars can widen the gap Can be more aggressive depending on lead time Priceline Cars – Bidding Strategy Step 3: Bid around Priceline Sweetspot For short, economy rentals, $1-$2 under often works Longer rentals and bigger cars can widen the gap Can be more aggressive depending on lead time ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved Needed car next day so bid $16, final price $54.36 with Hertz

36. Same trip wait 24 hours to re-bid Can immediately re-bid for different car type (up or down) Compact may be same price as economy Change return date may allow re-bid (e.g. Tue 6 am, then try Mon 11 pm – you get the car for 24-hour days) I generally find 1-2 weeks out is good time to bid Priceline Cars – Re-Bidding the Official Way Same trip wait 24 hours to re-bid Can immediately re-bid for different car type (up or down) Compact may be same price as economy Change return date may allow re-bid (e.g. Tue 6 am, then try Mon 11 pm – you get the car for 24-hour days) I generally find 1-2 weeks out is good time to bid ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

37. 1. Use browser private window 2. Don’t log in 3. Bid with low balance gift card 4. Repeat in new private browser Priceline Re-Bidding Hack 1. Use browser private window 2. Don’t log in 3. Bid with low balance gift card 4. Repeat in new private browser ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

38. If bid is accepted you get a processing error If not accepted, no processing error You can enter correct number or abandon Priceline Re-Bidding Hack If bid is accepted you get a processing error If not accepted, no processing error You can enter correct number or abandon ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

42. $20 for $40 certificates at Alamo, Enterprise, National Read the exclusions, except some hassles in redemption Check out FrequentMiler @ bit.ly/1hoI3Vy Discover Certificates ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

43. Corporate codes can be useful IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE Safest to use codes that have no attached insurance Corporate Codes ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved SEA-PDX: $62 vs $198 with my corporate code

44. Very hard to avoid one-way charges Minimize by doing separate rental for one-way days only Redeem National certs Redeem Hertz points for roughly 2x cost Some corporate codes unlimited mileage + no drop charge See MapHappy @ bit.ly/1IVIKnu One-Way Charges Very hard to avoid one-way charges Minimize by doing separate rental for one-way days only Redeem National certs Redeem Hertz points for roughly 2x cost Some corporate codes unlimited mileage + no drop charge See MapHappy @ bit.ly/1IVIKnu ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

45. Check locations on agency websites Reach by walk, hotel shuttles, public transport Verify hours – closed Sunday, charge till Monday May pick you up (but not at airport) May drop you off (possibly at airport) Many portals do not include off-airport Off-Airport Check locations on agency websites Reach by walk, hotel shuttles, public transport Verify hours – closed Sunday, charge till Monday May pick you up (but not at airport) May drop you off (possibly at airport) Many portals do not include off-airport ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

51. Most credit cards provide CDW secondary to any insurance Chase United Explorer and Diners Club are primary Amex Premium Rental Protection is primary but only CDW ($19.95/$24.95 per rental) If you are comfortable using your own auto insurance, you don’t need CDW Business cards typically limited to business rentals Example: smash and grab in Toronto on business rental with Chase Ink Plus – claim process took 3 months Insurance - CDW Most credit cards provide CDW secondary to any insurance Chase United Explorer and Diners Club are primary Amex Premium Rental Protection is primary but only CDW ($19.95/$24.95 per rental) If you are comfortable using your own auto insurance, you don’t need CDW Business cards typically limited to business rentals Example: smash and grab in Toronto on business rental with Chase Ink Plus – claim process took 3 months ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

52. Credit cards only cover CDW, nothing else!!! Liability – state mandated minimums enough for you? Personal Accident, Theft – evaluate based on your needs Insurance - Other ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

53. 1. Avis, Budget & Enterprise – free for spouse or partner 2. Alamo, Hertz & National – free for program members 3. Book through Costco Travel portal 4. AAA, AARP & USAA membership & using their codes 5. California law See details at Million Mile Secrets @ bit.ly/QAZ8Bv Additional Drivers 1. Avis, Budget & Enterprise – free for spouse or partner 2. Alamo, Hertz & National – free for program members 3. Book through Costco Travel portal 4. AAA, AARP & USAA membership & using their codes 5. California law See details at Million Mile Secrets @ bit.ly/QAZ8Bv ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

54. 20 years old can rent with Hertz, 21 at other agencies Under 25 surcharge varies by agency and state, $15+/day Free membership with USAA (no military affiliation required) and book with their codes waives the fee at Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz See details at Million Mile Secrets @ bit.ly/QHW0nc Young Drivers 20 years old can rent with Hertz, 21 at other agencies Under 25 surcharge varies by agency and state, $15+/day Free membership with USAA (no military affiliation required) and book with their codes waives the fee at Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz See details at Million Mile Secrets @ bit.ly/QHW0nc ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

55. Most agencies charge per toll plus daily fee for entire rental Dollar/Thrifty charges per day for unlimited tolls Trip one toll and you are charged for the ENTIRE rental Ways to avoid: 1.Get a toll pass for frequent destinations 2.Pay tolls online with toll authority right after rental Tolls Welcome to Newark - $17.49/day Most agencies charge per toll plus daily fee for entire rental Dollar/Thrifty charges per day for unlimited tolls Trip one toll and you are charged for the ENTIRE rental Ways to avoid: 1.Get a toll pass for frequent destinations 2.Pay tolls online with toll authority right after rental ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

59. International Driving Alternative Charter a taxi for a day • Pick a moving taxi, not one parked by your hotel • Test driver first with a short trip • Be very clear about route, time and costs Charter a taxi for a day • Pick a moving taxi, not one parked by your hotel • Test driver first with a short trip • Be very clear about route, time and costs ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

60. My Guide to International Driving Driving on the left is surprisingly easy Driving a manual in tight, hilly European towns is not easy Automatics are rare and expensive ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

61. International Driving Permit Valid only for 1 year, can be forward dated for trip Need to get in home country (get at AAA in US) Relatively few countries insist on IDP to rent Absolutely must have in Japan and South Korea Must carry driver’s license as well Valid only for 1 year, can be forward dated for trip Need to get in home country (get at AAA in US) Relatively few countries insist on IDP to rent Absolutely must have in Japan and South Korea Must carry driver’s license as well ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

62. International Booking Booking sites often ‘location not found’/’sold out’ Try rental agency websites Try AutoEurope for unlimited mileage (not just for Europe) ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

63. International Rental Process Major agencies are almost all local franchise Rarely get elite benefits (some exceptions like Australia) Slow, slow, slow rental process in many countries Frequent renter program preferences can mess things up like insurance options that are not equivalent (ex: I have had Avis US liability become EU Supercover) Major agencies are almost all local franchise Rarely get elite benefits (some exceptions like Australia) Slow, slow, slow rental process in many countries Frequent renter program preferences can mess things up like insurance options that are not equivalent (ex: I have had Avis US liability become EU Supercover) ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

64. International Gotchas High mileage charges – I had a 0 km rate in Macedonia! After-hours pick-up/drop-off charges – especially Europe Winterization – Europe again Mandatory insurance – Mexico & Central America Cross-border fees and paperwork One-way drop charges Administrative fees for traffic violations High mileage charges – I had a 0 km rate in Macedonia! After-hours pick-up/drop-off charges – especially Europe Winterization – Europe again Mandatory insurance – Mexico & Central America Cross-border fees and paperwork One-way drop charges Administrative fees for traffic violations ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

67. The Avis/Budget Home Currency Scam Avis/Budget default opt your credit cards to bill in home currency at terrible rate plus 3% fee Europe may still be USD – don’t use Avis profile to reserve Uncheck!!! Avis/Budget default opt your credit cards to bill in home currency at terrible rate plus 3% fee Europe may still be USD – don’t use Avis profile to reserve ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

68. International Insurance Credit card CDW exclusions – Ireland, Israel, Italy and more Many Chase and Citi cards now cover ALL countries – get certificate of coverage for rental agency (Ireland, Israel) Insurance often mandatory, sometimes included in rate: • Canada rates include liability • Mexico/Central America require adding liability • Basic CDW included in Europe – Supercover enhances • Kuwait temporary license and insurance Credit card CDW exclusions – Ireland, Israel, Italy and more Many Chase and Citi cards now cover ALL countries – get certificate of coverage for rental agency (Ireland, Israel) Insurance often mandatory, sometimes included in rate: • Canada rates include liability • Mexico/Central America require adding liability • Basic CDW included in Europe – Supercover enhances • Kuwait temporary license and insurance ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

72. My goal: economy to mid-size for cheap 1. Baseline check at Hotwire 2. BJ’s, Costco or Capital One provisional booking 3. Recheck 2-3 months out (new portal coupons) 4. Recheck and try Priceline 1-2 weeks out My key: keep discipline to avoid endless rate searches My US Strategy My goal: economy to mid-size for cheap 1. Baseline check at Hotwire 2. BJ’s, Costco or Capital One provisional booking 3. Recheck 2-3 months out (new portal coupons) 4. Recheck and try Priceline 1-2 weeks out My key: keep discipline to avoid endless rate searches ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

73. My goal: basic car, unlimited mileage, no surprises 1. Check portals, especially BJ’s (others limit locations) 2. Check agencies & verify location, hours, charges 3. Check OTAs like AutoEurope and Priceline My key: unlimited mileage with no bogus fees My International Strategy My goal: basic car, unlimited mileage, no surprises 1. Check portals, especially BJ’s (others limit locations) 2. Check agencies & verify location, hours, charges 3. Check OTAs like AutoEurope and Priceline My key: unlimited mileage with no bogus fees ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

74. bit.ly/1Djio75 bit.ly/1b7MjZl bit.ly/1hoI3Vy bit.ly/1IVIKnu bit.ly/QAZ8Bv bit.ly/QHW0nc Short Links bit.ly/1Djio75 bit.ly/1b7MjZl bit.ly/1hoI3Vy bit.ly/1IVIKnu bit.ly/QAZ8Bv bit.ly/QHW0nc ©Stefan Krasowski, All Rights Reserved

Rapid Travel Chai: The Secrets of Renting Cars at Home and Abroad at FTU DFW 2015

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