Supporting Gay-Friendly Businesses A few businesses, including airlines and car-rental companies, are actively courting the gay and lesbian community. Many of them are providing the same benefits to gay and lesbian couples that married couples have enjoyed for years. Finding these companies can save you a few dollars, and can encourage other businesses to recognize the needs of their gay and lesbian clientele in the future. You and your significant other can save a few dollars when you rent a car from an agency that waives the usual extra-driver charge for committed couples. Some major car-rental companies that will never charge your partner are Avis, Budget, and National (all of which can be booked through Travelocity). Some agencies have policies that vary by location. A list of these companies includes Americar, Dollar, and Thrifty. It is possible to reserve cars from these agencies, too, through Travelocity. Similarly, some airlines are more friendly than others. If you are thinking of cultivating a frequent-flyer relationship with an airline, inquire as to whether or not it allows domestic partners to share frequent-flyer miles. Even if you do not have a domestic partner (in fact, even if you aren't interested in becoming a frequent flyer), it's always a good idea to support businesses that support your community. Other questions you might ask of airlines include whether or not they participate in gay vacation packages, offer domestic partners access to airline club lounges, or offer bereavement fares to domestic partners. Whether it's a car-rental agency or an airline you're dealing with, you will probably have to prove the equivalent of spousal status. This might entail you and your partner both showing ID with the same address, or providing a certificate or notarized letter documenting your domestic partnership status. Every company has its own rules, so be sure to call ahead of time so you know exactly what you will have to do to ensure you are not overcharged.

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