PBI West Palm Beach Economy Thrifty

[My Cat's Name is Bernie]

I am newbie PL and to this board. I just found out about this board this week.

Last week I got my first bid of $40/day for economy accepted by Thrifty for Feb 20-23 and PBI. Plus they gave me free upgrade to PT Cruiser (I arrived very late after all economy cars were gone). Hotwire price was $36.99. Cheapest non-opaque car from no-name rental was $69.

At the time I got the car I thought I had a good deal, but looking at the rates quoted at on this board maybe I could have done better? Are there any guidelines on relating likely PL price to Hotwire's offer?

I didn't know about SavingsBarn link to PL but I promise to use if from now on.

Thanks for the help!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Rates for all travel products (car rental, hotel rooms, airfare) are capacity controlled... therefore when demand is high rates go up; likewise when demand is low rates go down. So although you may see somebody with a much better rate for the same area than you received, don't feel too bad, because their dates could have been during a low demand period and yours during a high period. As well, even if for the same dates, inventory (and demand) constantly change... so if one person books weeks/months in advance and gets a good rate, rates may not stay low and just a few days before check-in the hotel (for example) may be nearly full and that rate no longer available (the opposite can be true as well).

Best bet is to research your available options (we recommend using our checker tools: hotels, car rentals, airfare, and another hotel checker) to know available rates and adjust your bid accordingly.

As well, there is a recent discussion regarding Priceline vs. HOTWIRE and doublechecking the total cost net of fees and taxes... you can read it here: Priceline and Hotwire Fees

[My Cat's Name is Bernie]

I am planning another trip to PBI for mid-March and I found the lowest non-opaque rate has dropped from $69 to $21. Quite a drop! I think the problem with my last trip was that is was at tail end of President's day weekend.

Thanks, thereuare, for this wonderful site!