Priceline typically allows several free rebids when bidding for rental cars — that enable you to increase your initial bid without waiting the usual 24 hours. These rebids are accomplished by changing the preferred car size.
Photo by Keith McDuffee, Flickr
Portland Travel Tips provides a step-by-step walk through showing how to bid for car rentals on Priceline. One tip he mentions, that I have not seen elsewhere, is to enter an initial bid of $1 daily rate. A pop-up window from Priceline will advise that your bid has a low chance of acceptance and will suggest an alternate rate, providing an additional data point to inform you bidding. Never bid the suggested rate, as you always will be able to do better.
Gadling now reports that Priceline is now allowing fewer alternate car sizes as free rebids. However, he suggests a workaround: click on the link to “Update Itinerary” in the upper righthand corner of the screen, and adjust your pick up or drop off time by 30 minutes. The car rental companies will not hold you to an exact time so this technique potentially allows you to make at least two additional free rebids for your desired category of car.
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how do you keep from getting stuck with a too-big car?
Truth be told there is not much difference between an Intermediate and a Full Size vehicle.
Thank you Deborah for the great tip! I also wasn’t aware of it.
You are welcome!