Best Price Guarantee

[das_ubersoldat]

Just wanted to share my experience in regards to best price claims. I recently noticed that a hotel that I won was about 5 USD/night cheaper on agoda. So I filed a claim with PL and I didn't only get 100% of the difference but also an additional 20% of the corresponding retail rate.

 

additionally I got a 20% coupon code for PRICELINE EXPRESS deals.

 

can therefore only recommend to monitor the retail rates and file a claim. just be aware that screenshots get deleted when you email them. you have to attach a pdf or word doc with the screenshot.

 

the claim can be filed until midnight the day before you travel.

[AaronJB]

Thank you for the note! Glad to hear that you had a great experience with the Best Price guarantee.

 

 

[alanjwax]

I found the PL low-price guarantee meaningless.  I reserve a compact car at FLL for 5 days.  Most direct rentals were in the $36 range, Hotwire at $25. I offered $20 and was prompted to up to $23. I upped my offer to $21 and got a car w/Hertz ($166 total).  Now, HW is offering same car for $2.99 a day ($112 total).  PL says they cannot match, because my rez is with Hertz.  This is the last time I will use PL

[thereuare]

alanjwax,

I think there are a few issues with your attempt at a Best Rate Guarantee claim, but the most obvious (and the one i assume that PRICELINE is claiming above) is that the HOTWIRE offer is an 'opaque' offer and the name of the rental company is not shown? PRICELINE won't refund in this situation as you don't know if the supplier is the same one that you received.

While you may consider all rental companies to be alike, each company feels they offer something a little different/better than the next (whether it be better customer service, a newer fleet of vehicles, etc). So if you can take the viewpoint that each company is different, your claim is similar to you winning 3* Hotel XYZ... but then seeing an unknown 3* hotel for less (which ultimately may be an entirely different property, although both are 3* rated)

Both PRICELINE and HOTWIRE are actually very good at honoring their Best Rate Guarantees (especially compared to a lot of other travel companies) when the terms of the agreement are met, but unfortunately i don't think the situation above meets the conditions for a valid claim.