Rental Car Discounts for Thanksgiving Travel
Cut Thanksgiving rental base rates with AAA, AARP and Costco codes plus pickup-day timing and fee checks.
Yes, Thanksgiving travelers can reduce rental costs with membership discounts from Hertz, Avis, Budget and Costco Travel. A discount code is a membership code entered during booking that lowers the base rate before taxes and fees. AAA projected 81.8 million Americans would travel 50 or more miles from home over Nov.
25-Dec. 1, 2025. That record was up 1.6 million from 2024.
AAA booking data found domestic Thanksgiving car rentals were 15 percent cheaper in 2025 than in 2024.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 02, 2026.
When is pickup busiest?
Hertz told AAA that Wednesday is expected to be the busiest Thanksgiving rental pickup day. Travelers who pick up Tuesday or earlier face shorter lines. That timing matters because the holiday window packs many pickups into a few days.
If your schedule allows, compare Tuesday and Wednesday pickup times. Bring your confirmation and membership proof to move through the counter faster.
What does the Hertz AAA discount include?
Hertz states on its AAA partner page that AAA members can save up to 20 percent off pay-later base rates when the AAA discount code is in the reservation Hertz AAA discount details. The base rate means the time-and-mileage charge before taxes, fees and options. The same Hertz benefit set waives the young-renter fee for ages 20-24.
It also includes one free child seat and no charge for an added driver who is an AAA member. Add the code before you pay and keep the AAA card ready to show. Check that the discounted base rate appears on the reservation summary.
What do Avis and Budget offer AARP members?
Avis states on its AARP page that AARP members can save up to 35 percent off base rates for Pay Now or up to 30 percent for Pay Later at participating United States and Canada locations using AWD A359807 Avis AARP offer details. The Avis offer also includes an upgrade, unlimited mileage, one free added driver and 3 percent credit toward a future rental. Budget states on its AARP page that AARP members can save up to 35 percent off base rates for Pay Now or Pay Later Budget AARP offer details.
The discount code applies automatically after entering a valid AARP number. Use requires verified United States or Canada residence and a participating location. Pay Now usually requires prepayment and may carry stricter change rules.
Pay Later keeps more flexibility but may show a smaller discount at Avis.
How does Costco Travel compare rental rates?
Costco Travel states on its rental page that its Low Price Finder lets Costco members compare exclusive member rates from Alamo, Avis, Budget and Enterprise Costco Travel rental details. Members pay nothing upfront and can cancel free. The Costco Travel rental benefit also waives one added-driver fee at participating locations.
Enter traveler and membership details before comparing. Re-check the Finder after booking, since the rate can change.
What limits apply at checkout?
Advertised percentages apply only to base or time-and-mileage charges. They exclude taxes, airport, concession and recovery fees, plus options such as seats, toll devices and protection. Locations must participate, and staff can ask for membership verification at pickup.
Prepare for these checks:
- bring a current AAA, AARP or Costco membership card or number
- confirm the discount code appears on the reservation
- ask for the out-the-door total with taxes and fees before paying