"Discounts & Good Deals" Column for 'Seasoned' Texans
*Syndicated Newspaper Column
Discounts on Car Rentals (8/98)
"I can't be a senior--I'm only 80!" Let's face it, we're all in
denial about our age regardless of how old we are. Old age is 10 years
older than I am. Even my teen-ager agrees with that, and she doesn't agree
with anything. Part of the confusion about senior discounts is that
everyone defines a senior at a different age. The IRS defines seniors as
65 and older, AARP invites new members on their 50th birthday, and Texas
businesses offer discounts to seniors anywhere from age 50 to 66+. Joining
AARP for $8 a year (800-424-3410) immediately opens the door to many senior discounts at
age 50 you might not receive until you are 62 or better. This is certainly
true in the car rental industry.
Never rent a car without getting a special promotional rate or discount.
Most national agencies give discounts to travel clubs, AARP, AAA, USAA,
military, Sears Mature Outlook members and Ward's Y.E.S. Club members (a
future column on department stores), and others. Avis, Budget,
Dollar, Hertz and National offer senior discounts from 10-15% for
ages 50 and up. Dollar's senior discount starts at age 65, but they honor AARP
members at age 50. Be sure to have all your ID numbers handy
when you call and shop around for the best discount.
Always ask for the deepest discount available and mention you're a senior.
Also, don't forget to ask for your favorite airline's "frequent
flier" mileage when you rent your car.
