DCA Washington Reagan Pick-up/IAD Washington Dulles Drop-off Mid-Size Thrifty

[JayM]

This is my first HOTWIRE rental. I am curious how it all works out. I made my reservation and no credit card information was asked for. Is my reservation guaranteed? How can they hold a reservation without credit card information? Do hotel reservations work the same way?

Pick-up:

Mid-size car

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport , DCA Washington , District of Columbia

Washington National Reagan Airport

2600 Jefferson Davis Highway

Mon, Sep 24, 2012 at 12:00PM

Drop-off:

Washington Dulles Intl., IAD Washington, District of Columbia

Sat, Sep 29, 2012 at 12:00PM

[thereuare]

It appears that you purchased a 'retail' rate rental... was the name of the rental company shown before your purchase OR only after you make the reservation? (ie- did you know the rental company would be Thrifty before you entered your name on the reservation?)

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

[JayM]

The name of the rental company was not given beforehand. The reservation is cancellable at any time without penalty and like I said no credit card information was given. It says it is not necessary to reconfirm with Hotwire nor Thrifty.

Any clarification on the situation would be appreciated.

[thereuare]

My guess is that you likely booked a 'retail' reservation thru HOTWIRE as these are typically fully refundable and don't require any credit card information to hold the reservation... their "hot Rate" rentals are from their 'opaque' inventory and these reservations do require a credit card and are always final with no refunds/no changes.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.