Posts Tagged ‘frequent flyer’

Some Tips on Car Rental

May 3rd, 2009 Tushar Mathur
By Max Hammond

This is a very competitive world we live in where everybody wants something at a discount price but how do you know that you will always the get the best deal available. Most of us end up convincing our selves that we have done a good job of obtaining the best discount possible because it means we can relax and get on with the next thing on our agenda. One area that has risen owing to fuel costs and inflation is car rentals and it has seen many rises so if you’re not sure, here are a few tips on how to make your cheap car rental more realistic.

Booking your car over the counter will almost always cost you more than using an internet site. You could go along to the car rental office or use the phone but the internet booking sites are almost always able to offer a discount unavailable elsewhere. Getting a cheap car rental is not just about the cost of the rental though as there are other ways to save money.

By filling up with the cheapest gas you will save yourself quite a few dollars when you return it to the drop off point. You can guarantee to save a great deal more money than by letting them fill it up at their prices which are usually much higher per gallon. Try to always use the same company when you find one you like as they have customer loyalty schemes that can save you more money when you reserve your car.

It is worth asking if the company provides a service where they will swap your frequent flyer air miles for a discount on the rental of the car. This can be even more beneficial if your air miles are running out and you wouldn’t get a chance to use them anyway so why not try for a cheap car rental instead. Another way to lower the cost of your car rental is by making your reservation as early as possible as discounts for this are usually given.

Seasoned customers know the best time to collect a car is first thing in the morning when the offices are just opening as most of the cheap car rentals are out and not expected back for some time; the chances are you will be upgraded for free.

Click to continue reading

Posted in travel, Vacation Comments Off

Can I afford an Airline Lounge Membership ?

May 7th, 2008 Tushar Mathur

If you’ve ever sat through a 6-hour weather delay, you know why you’d like an airline lounge membership.  Lounges shelter us from the lines, noise, and chaos of the airport.  Even the worst, most crowded lounge is usually more comfortable than the average airport waiting area.

I used to think airline lounges were only for the wealthy, or the lucky executives whose companies footed the bill.  Not so.  Here’s how the “in the know” travelers get their airline lounge memberships.

1.  Even new travelers know the first option:  buying loung membership at full price, straight from a single airline.  If you have several hundred dollars you could go this route.  I don’t personally recommend it.

2.  Instead of buying full access to an airline’s club, you can consider a day pass with that airline.  Prices run from $25 to $75 and are only good for the single day.  If you only travel a couple times a year this might be the right option.

3.  If you’re offered an American Express Platinum card take a few minutes to consider the services it brings.  The annual fee is pricy ($450 least I checked) but it does give access to many airline lounges.  I recommend this approach if you plan to make use ALL of the frequent flyer cards services.

4.  Similarly, if you have a Diners Club card you have access to their network of lounges.  This benefit isn’t particularly useful in the United States.  If you travel internationally it’s a good option with a relatively low annual fee.

5.  Frequent travelers loyal to a single airline have more options.  Those with frequent flyer status usually get a discount on the airline’s membership fee (possibly even free if your status is high enough).  You might also be able to use your mileage points to pay for the remaining cost.  This is a terrific option if you travel one airline (or airline partnership) regularly.

6.  If you’ve made it this far down the list without finding an answer, don’t despair.  You still have Priority Pass membership to look forward to, and it’s a great option.  My Priority Pass membership gives me access to over 500 lounges in more than 275 cities.  They have access in the U.S. airports I frequent, and a nice range of membership fees.  You can start as low as $99 plus $27 per visit.

Click to continue reading

Posted in Airlines Comments Off