Costco car rentals

Question

We reserved a car in Dec 24 for an upcoming April trip. My DH was checking our reservation & car prices are now lower. So cancelled reservation & booked another car that is $300 lower for 2 weeks. Also enrolled in Alamos “Skip the Counter” program .

Answer

It sounds like you’ve successfully taken advantage of a price drop for your Maui car rental, which is always a smart move, especially for a two-week stay where savings can add up quickly. Costco’s car rental program, often through partners like Alamo, offers competitive rates and member benefits, so booking and rebooking as prices fluctuate can make a significant difference.

Enrolling in Alamo’s “Skip the Counter” program is a convenient choice for your upcoming trip. This program streamlines the rental process, allowing you to bypass the traditional rental counter and head directly to your car. It’s especially helpful during busy vacation periods, like April in Maui.

Price Monitoring: Checking rates periodically can save hundreds of dollars, as you experienced. Many travelers watch for price drops after initial bookings.
Costco Benefits: Costco rentals often include additional perks such as discounted rates, included collision damage waiver (CDW) in some cases, and no additional fees for young drivers up to a certain age.
Skip the Counter: Enrolling in this program reduces wait times at the airport or rental location and can make picking up and dropping off the vehicle faster and more convenient.

Additional tips for your Maui car rental:

Confirm your reservation and check the included insurance coverage and any additional fees to avoid surprises at pickup.
Keep your driver’s license, credit card, and Costco membership card handy when picking up the vehicle.
Consider selecting your preferred vehicle type online if allowed, since the “Skip the Counter” program typically provides access to the reserved category rather than a specific car.

Overall, by rebooking for a lower price and enrolling in Alamo’s “Skip the Counter” program, you’ve optimized both cost and convenience, setting yourself up for a smooth rental experience in Maui.