Our original plan had us arriving on a Saturday in Fort Myers. We’d pick up the rental car at the airport there and return it at the airport in Orlando. Using my go-to service for car rentals, Autoslash.com, I found that SUV rentals were quite expensive but a standard or large car was about half the price at about $450 for 13 days. I was sure to book a refundable rate.
Car Rental Take 2
There’s a reason I try to book refundable rates, particularly with car rentals. With car rentals, the price can often go up and down several times between booking and travel. We also have a tendency to switch up our plans, which happened in this case.
Not only had the dates changed but we were picking up in Fort Lauderdale instead of Fort Myers. I booked an SUV from Fort Lauderdale for 17 days dropping off in Orlando for about $1100. It was a lot more expensive than I wanted but would keep a lookout for cheaper rates. I booked the SUV because it was the same price as a full size car.
Car Rental Take 3
I got thinking that since we were arriving relatively late on Tuesday, picking up the car rental that night might take awhile at the airport when the boys were tired. We also wouldn’t really need a car until the next day when we would drive west to Fort Myers after school. Also, renting from an airport location is often more expensive than a local rental place.
I did another search using AutoSlash looking for a rental location near our hotel (as well as at airport locations) near our hotel for the best prices. As luck would have it we found one within walking distance of the hotel where we could get an SUV for 16 days for $700. It was an Avis location and I have status as a benefit of my Chase Sapphire Reserve. While there are few specified benefits, it usually means a quicker checkin and potential for a complementary upgrade.
By renting 18 hours later at an off-airport location I was able to save about $400.
Next up, Disney planning!
Tomatico Travels 
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