In a comment on this post, I was asked how I “managed to get my rental car from Avis for half their lowest web rate and for 25% less than my reservation with Thrifty” when I was in Colorado Springs for the Freddie Awards.

Simple story, really.

When I checked pricing for a one-day rental in Colorado Springs, Avis and Hertz were showing ~ $40. Thrifty was ~ $28. Since Thrifty was cheaper, and they offer 1000 America West miles even on a one day rental, I went with Thrifty — even though they’re off airport.

When I arrived at Colorado Springs I didn’t feel like waiting for a shuttle bus to take me to the rental lot. I wanted to get going right away. So I walked up to the Avis counter and naively asked, “where’s Thrifty?”

The manager of Avis pointed to a phone across the lobby and told me that if I called them they’d send their van.. “but could I help you?”

I told her that Thrifty had given me a rate of $20.99 and she offered to match it. I took that in a heartbeat, handed her my Avis Preferred card, and walked right outside to my mid-sized car.