Car Rental loyalties tested

[sam]

.... Economy Car Hire have a very user friendly web site and are consistently cheaper. Plus, if you become a "member" you can accumulate loyalty points and gain significant discount and get to choose the car supplier at Faro Airport. Travel Rent, Drive 4 Fun etc. I wanted to book ECH for my car in New Zealand, they were very helpful and gave me 10% discount without even using my loyalty points.....

I got my 10% discount last time and expected to have the relevany points deducted, but didn't so like you I keep my loyalty points for another 10% discount next time.

[TomUK]

Regarding ECH, Lamby has included the info that once you become a member then you can choose which of their providers to book with (Master Kings, Travel Rent, Luz Cars, Drive 4Fun, etc.) I have seen this quoted on here before. Some have said they didn't know which company would supply the car prior to their arrival at Faro.
However, when I log onto the ECH website and enter my details, the next page lists these various companies and their respective prices with a 'Book Now' button alongside each one. So if you click the button next to 'Travel Rent' for example, is this not choosing the rental company you require without being a 'member'?

[DaveK]

I believe this recently changed and anyone can now choose the provider. What you will not get are the loyalty points and associated discounts. We are now up to 35 hires with ECH, mainly TravelRent, and still no issues.

[TomUK]

Thanks for that Dave. It's looking like Travel Rent for me. They've had quite a few good mentions from other posters.

[Lamby]

Hi Tom. Yes, apparently, ECH recently changed their web site to include the car provider option to anyone. It used to be to members only, as a member you still incur loyalty points with every booking. Plus, I believe a little preferential treatment, such as I got when I booked my car for NZ. I even got an email from the UK Managing Director. I agree about the Travel Rent comments, I have used them a few times and they were excellent, I just think Drive 4 Fun edge it - never any queues at pick up (but tell everyone!!)

[Lamby]

(but DON'T tell everyone)

[EMM]

Drive4fun took Euros 2500 from a friends account at Christmas when they picked up their car, yes he got it back eventually ( in two refunds ) but at the time they could not get any funds via an ATM because of this.
Queues are a fact of life once the season gets underway for anyone who uses a company that shares a desk in the P4 hut.
The airport authorities have to improve facilities for renters. standing in the rain waiting for an agent to become free is not the best welcome to Portugal.

[TomUK]

Once again this forum has been a great source of useful information. Everything I needed to know about my forthcoming rental has been provided by all you folks who've taken the time to reply. Thanks to you all.
Think I'm going with Travel Rent.
One final question, do they operate from a van in P4 (like YOR), do they use the kiosk, or do they have desk in the airport arrivals area?

[Lamby]

Hi Tom. Travel Rent have a desk inside the kiosk in P4. Can't argue with your choice, Travel rent never given me issues. Enjoy

[TomUK]

Cheers mate!

[Steen Jakobsen]

Please note that algarvedriver.com will match price and conditions from any other company*, now with further advantages;

Price match credit card prices, with a further 3% discount if cash payment.
Bonus days are now earned even on price matches.

Along with the usual advantages such as payment only upon delivery, free cancellations and amendments.

*except July and August - reason being many brokers overbook with unrealistic low prices and following are unable to deliver the car

[joeysoap]

any update on the €17 euro airport tax and is it pro rata ie max is €17, what is the min or daily charge? Does it apply to all P4 rentals?

[Steen Jakobsen]

any update on the €17 euro airport tax and is it pro rata ie max is €17, what is the min or daily charge? Does it apply to all P4 rentals?

Unless authorities step in, they seem set; 17€ per rental initiated in Faro airport (except from companies with office/booth in the terminal building) starting April 1st (no Aprils fool I am afraid).

Further it looks as if the new airport owners will make collect/drop-off in front of the terminal building very difficult with only one lane in order to force drivers into the parking lots.

I understand rentals cars may be prevented from using visitors parking lots in order to eliminate cheating on the airport tax (number plates are registered upon entry).

There have been huge increases in the rent charged for parking lots to the car rental companies and all fear for the future. The result being that none invest in new cars and fleets thus diminish.

[EMM]

IS YOR going to honour bookings already made at the confirmed price ?

[Steen Jakobsen]

IS YOR going to honour bookings already made at the confirmed price ?

Any new taxes (Airport or other) will be charged extra as per booking conditions.