Question
Last week, I uncovered a system glitch while booking a (regular cash pay, "non point") car rental on the MBNA/BoA WorldPerks online travel website run by Carlson Travel.
I searched for a weekly convertible rental at PBI (2/8-2/15) and all the quotes were MUCH lower than offered at those major co websites. The lowest was from Alamo @$137/wk and w/taxes & fees total $181. The priciest quote was Hertz at $252.99/wk - @$317 all in.
I booked the Alamo car at $181 and printed out my receipt. Sounds good right?
Here's where things got wacky...
My confirmation email had a nonworking link to the itinerary. Carlson was no help so I called Alamo and got my confirm #. Pulled up my res on Alamo.com and while the rate was correct $181. The car type was wrong -an economy instead of a ragtop.
I called Carlson and found it very difficult to find a rep who even knew that their online system handled nonpoint car rentals. Finally got someone to help me and she said she would contact Alamo and correct the problem and restore my ragtop.
Well when i rechecked with Alamo, i now had a ragtop but with a rate of $425.24. I called Carlson right back but of course the rep I had just spoke with was gone. The new rep didn't believe me about the rates I had been originally quoted and accused me of doctoring the WorldPerks receipt that I had emailed as proof.
Next I had the rep go through the same steps I used and she too got exactly the same low quote for the convertibles FINALLY, the rep had to acknowledge I had been telling the truth. The rep said she would look into it and get back to me the next day.
Carlson's solution was for me to rent and PAY the $425.24 ragtop at Alamo. I was then told to fax the receipt to a guy who would then cut me a check for the $244 difference.
When I asked for a email to confirm and provide instructions w/ contact info, I was told no. When I asked for the help desk guy's last name and/or extension, I was told no. I tried calling back in an effort to get the help desk guy's extension or email but each time I was met by a stonewall.
FYI, the online booking system glitch is still not fixed.
From what i can tell, all car types are being quoted at economy prices. So, if you're the trusting type and believe that Carlson will make good on their promise...then go for it.
fwiw, I decided I spent too much time with those secretive Carlson folks and ended up booking a convertible on Priceline ($182/wk you guessed it w/ Alamo)
and as my gift for those of you who have read this far...here's the direct phone # to Carlson WorldPerks Travel agents that will le you bypass about 5 levels of menu prompts .
208-429-2300
Answer
[QUOTE= The new rep didn't believe me about the rates I had been originally quoted and accused me of doctoring the WorldPerks receipt that I had emailed as proof.:td: nice!
When I asked for a email to confirm and provide instructions w/ contact info, I was told no. When I asked for the help desk guy's last name and/or extension, I was told no. I tried calling back in an effort to get the help desk guy's extension or email but each time I was met by a stonewall.
:td:
uh, it would be a lot of time to get your bucks WITH the above info.
Withouit it forget it.
fwiw, I decided I spent too much time with those secretive Carlson folks and ended up booking a convertible on Priceline ($182/wk you guessed it w/ Alamo)^
Best move yet!
smart call.
[/QUOTE]
FWIW, I find that an engaging friendly personality and a discreet tip of $20 almost always yields a 4 or 5 category upgrade.
In other words, I get the best car on lot for lowest booking rate and $20-
Answer
FWIW, I find that an engaging friendly personality and a discreet tip of $20 almost always yields a 4 or 5 category upgrade.
In other words, I get the best car on lot for lowest booking rate and $20-
What rental car company do you use that the rep gives you a max upgrade for $20 tip? Do they let you go as far as a Mini Van or Hummer?
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What's the URL of the reservation site? Can it be accessed without an MBNA/BoA card?
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What's the URL of the reservation site? Can it be accessed without an MBNA/BoA card?
iirc, yes, a MBNA/BoA account is required to log into the site. however, given how screwy their operation it's worth a shot, after all ya never know?
will post the url when i return to my home pc where it's bookmarked.
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will post the url when i return to my home pc where it's bookmarked.
Thanks!
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*bump*
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Carlson was ok when I used their services, but that was 2 years ago.
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here's the link I have bookmarked
https://www.bankofamerica.com/index.jsp?page_msg=mbna
looks like ya need an account
fwiw, this is where you go after you login with a BoA/MBNA card
https://www.travelsandrewards.com
I just ran a test to see if they fixed the glitch and upped the convertible prices but even though they're a wee bit higher, it looks like they haven't.
For the week (2/27 - 3/6) the price for a convertible at Alamo is
173.65 USD/Weekly
224.03 USD Total * (7 Days)
* = Includes approximate taxes and fees. Rental Company:
ALAMO RENT A CAR
Priced on a "Weekly" rate
fwiw, Alamo.com is showing a weekly rate of $254, $319 all in WITH their prepay discount
hth