February Car Rental Rates Hold Steady
Rates climbed steadily through January, reaching $47.76 on Jan. 27. February rates remained at January levels, finishing the month with an average of $45.36.

Rate data provided by Rate-Highway, a provider of revenue management services for the auto rental industry. Rates are an average of aggregator/OTA rates for all vendors present in the markets listed on the date of the survey.
With the help of Michael Meyer of Rate-Highway Inc. and Jim Tennant of The Tennant Group, Auto Rental News publishes monthly auto rental rate surveys for six major cities: Boston, Miami, Chicago, Houston, Seattle and Los Angeles. The rates are based on weekly surveys.
Analysis and commentary provided by Jim Tennant of The Tennant Group. This survey is dated March 19. (Click on the charts and graphs for a larger view.)

These tables and graph show the average of all base rate quotes per day for an ICAR at the six airports shown for arrivals 15 to 21 days ahead of the date of the survey, for two- and seven-day rentals. If the arrival date is a Friday or Saturday, the two-day rate will be a weekend rate, otherwise it will be a regular rate.
Rates climbed steadily through January, reaching $47.76 on Jan. 27. February rates held steady, finishing the month with an average of $45.36.
Individual cities showed large variations. For example, Houston operators were quoting the highest rates we have seen since for that city we began the survey in May 2011.
Chicago was also strong, but Boston and Los Angeles were quite weak. Los Angeles rates have been remarkably steady since July. Miami rates continue to be volatile, reflecting the large variations in demand between seasons and major holidays.

Rate data provided by Rate-Highway, a provider of revenue management services for the auto rental industry. Rates are an average of aggregator/OTA rates for all vendors present in the markets listed on the date of the survey.
To see January's report, click here.
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