I'm eligible for various car hire status tiers through various airline statuses and other memberships (e.g. with Velocity status you can get complimentary Hertz or Europcar elite status). But until now, I haven't really seen the benefit for somebody like me that only hires cars a few times per year.
Are there any real, tangible benefits to car hire status? Is this something you value and would go out of your way to get?
With Avis Preferred Renter, I can walk straight to the car and take off, as long as I accept all their condition photos and paperwork, so this can save some time if there’s a queue at the rental desk. At least half the time I have to go to the counter (for instance, to ask how tolls work), so it’s a marginal benefit at best.
almost every rental station has a Preferred renter carpet and queue in the office, but that’s rarely able to make a difference to any wait time.
I was originally a loyal Hertz member -number one and president's something until they scammed me in the USA.
Was then a loyal Avis preferred member and did like just walking to the car. but then they absolutely scammed me in Tasmania.n tried to charge for damage when I left the car at LST but because I was rushed didn't take pictures. The photos of the damage where 4 days later. So I got a real spray from the manager in Tasmania saying how he was going to put me on a banned renters list. I said go ahead as I am not going to use you again and if you do take legal action I am going to the authotities with the evidence the photos were 4 days after I returned the car. They didn't take action and I will never use Avis again.
So on our recent trip to europe i used consolidators and in both Spain And England it turned out to be an Alamo car. forget this walking to your car they bought the car to me and I was fixed up quicker than with Avis and Preferred. both times bringing it back the agent walked around the car with me and agreed no damage.
So a complete newbie but now Alamo is my preferred rental.
I am an AVIS preferred member from hiring cars all the time in my previous job.
However, when using my own money, I book through a third party and usually pay way less than as a Preferred customer. (and I still get my QFF points for every $ spent)
Hey there Mattg, when I am doing overseas return things, the status is great as you can simply stumble off an aircraft and grab your vehicle - Avis Preferred or what ever it is called is great for this. It removes the irritation when you are third cab in the rank at the desk. Hence I can arrive at an aussie airport, walk to the carpark of the rental company, and see my name on a board and thus know which car to grab. Just have to produce driving licence on exit. It beats standing there, with your bags and fatigue, watching as the person before you debates all manner of insurance extras, etc. Trivial thing, really, but great. But I value this only within Australia. Overseas car rentals are to me the ultimate in scams - they seem to ride on this, where as aussie rentals are just competitive on a decent basis. As per p--and--t, check when you book you are not robbed by using status.
I have Hertz President Circle something-or-other. I’m not even sure how I came to have it. Could be via a credit card. Not sure.
Main benefits are consistently good upgrades, even from the cheapest two door class of car.
And waking out at airport locations to see your name on the board along with the bay number where your car is parked which allows you to drive off without the paperwork and fuss.
Having said that, neither are benefits I’d chase, nor pay for.
It also stacks with the 60% discount that is often available.
I'm eligible for various car hire status tiers through various airline statuses and other memberships (e.g. with Velocity status you can get complimentary Hertz or Europcar elite status). But until now, I haven't really seen the benefit for somebody like me that only hires cars a few times per year.
Are there any real, tangible benefits to car hire status? Is this something you value and would go out of your way to get?
I don't bother, overall I haven't found being a 'status' customer gets me a better price or service and cancelled the two I had especially as they want to keep you personal details and card details I and I just don't think car rental systems are that mature to keep them safe. (Avis can't get their electronic/ipad system to work 50% of the time when I collect a car)
I have Hertz Presidents Circle, through a card I think.
But rates (when I rent in the US, anyway) always seem much cheaper when I rent not logged into my account vs when I am logged in….so end up booking without the “status”.
The Frequent Flyer Concierge team takes the hard work out of finding reward seat availability. Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, they'll help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.
I have Hertz Presidents Circle, through a card I think.
But rates (when I rent in the US, anyway) always seem much cheaper when I rent not logged into my account vs when I am logged in….so end up booking without the “status”.
Before I need a long rental for a vacation, I simply sign up to a couple of companies about a month out and sooner or later an email turns up with discount code to get me hooked. After my trip I unsubscribe and all good.
I have Hertz Pres Circle, and love it in the states. Book the smaller cheapest vehicle, then walk out to the section for that status and choose any of the cars parked there.
Last few times, Tahoe, then when there 5 of us, the Chrysler Caravan was really useful.
I have Hertz Pres Circle, and love it in the states. Book the smaller cheapest vehicle, then walk out to the section for that status and choose any of the cars parked there.
Last few times, Tahoe, then when there 5 of us, the Chrysler Caravan was really useful.
In the UK I decline any attempt to upgrade me - a bigger car means higher fuel costs and difficulty in parking. But in the US, I'd happily go with it .
I have Avis Preferred with a good employer discount (for personal bookings so not as good as the company gets). I always find Avis is the cheapest as a result in Australia.
However for my last rental they called as I boarded the plane to say there was a windscreen chip. Maybe there was but I never saw it (nor did the guy I returned the car to)and there was no way it happened when driving and I said as much. I do wonder if they were trying it on given the corporate discount. The rental indicates windscreen damage still, but they never charged for it.
I mainly use Avis Preferred. But used to have Hertz equivalent (currently Golden Circle or whatever it is with them). I’ve been unable to use several comp offers to get back to Hertz 5*….
Anyway, as others said easy access to your car (especially at USA airports and ADL works most of the time) is handy.
Upgrades aren’t necessarily bigger cars. I just received a hybrid in NZ that did 1000 km per tank. So that saved a lot on fuel!
There‘s been a few threads recently on peeps seeing more expensive rates when logged in. That can be a combo of things - usually default insurances and add ins but also discount codes (AWDs, CDPs etc) not applicable to a region and/or expired.
For those of us lucky to be able to access large corp discount (both Biz and leisure codes), it saves an awful lot on car hire!
I’ve got Hertz President’s Circle and am pretty happy with them. Nearly always get an upgrade in Australia and often a double upgrade and like others have said I love just bypassing the counters and walking out to the car park and going. I have found that since Covid they often have no cars at some destinations so I do sometimes use Avis but Europcar are on my banned list. I recently just joined Sixt and got an instant SM to their highest tier but haven’t yet had the chance to book anything with them to see what they are like. Hertz has looked after us in NZ a few times so I’ve booked again with them in a few weeks
Good question and the short answer depends on how important car rental is. If you are renting every week, then you don't want to be mucked about; the rental companies know you, and as PF said, availability was there when it wasn't. You want keys and to get going.
What is as just (or more) important is the CDP code you are using. For example, on some projects, I work through an Infrasturtuctre business that would be in the top five renters in Australia with Hertz. Another CDP code I use is for a global tech company that has negotiated great deals, and these change depending on where you are renting from.
I believe a Rental Coy will always look after big corporate first, then the elites, but essentially they are (or should) be the same.
I needed a car after three flight cancellations the other day in YVR; AVIS came up with a good deal and mentioned both my PC and CDP works in my favour; I got their best car/winter tyres and had full insurance thrown in (not a gimmick when driving in snow/ice) for a midrange price. A good CDP code will limit and carve out other liabilities (for the renter) in any case. So I think the best combination is status and corporate buying power. OT, I normally decline the offered insurance as it is expensive, and I carry another business policy. However, when things go wrong, especially in America, it's always better to have their coverage - within reason.
Yes, there are general tangible benefits for obtaining status (if only to stay pace with everyone, given they seem to award status like confetti), but more importantly, review the CDP codes you may have available. In the end, car rental will depend on the deal.
So on our recent trip to europe i used consolidators and in both Spain And England it turned out to be an Alamo car. forget this walking to your car they bought the car to me and I was fixed up quicker than with Avis and Preferred. both times bringing it back the agent walked around the car with me and agreed no damage.
So a complete newbie but now Alamo is my preferred rental.
Sympathies Drron, I think we have all threatened legal action against a rental company - it's only a matter of time before it all goes to hell in a handbasket. I always video the car, but some places have comprehensive condition recording cameras (probably not in use if the evidence works against the rental company)
I have also used Argus (which includes everything). They are consolidators and generally come fully insured, which maybe important to some.
I have Avis Preferred with a good employer discount (for personal bookings so not as good as the company gets). I always find Avis is the cheapest as a result in Australia.
However for my last rental they called as I boarded the plane to say there was a windscreen chip. Maybe there was but I never saw it (nor did the guy I returned the car to)and there was no way it happened when driving and I said as much. I do wonder if they were trying it on given the corporate discount. The rental indicates windscreen damage still, but they never charged for it.
Tasmania? Like drron? Tasmania seems to get more than it's fair share of questionable damage, claimed well after return. Maybe they're just agencies there.
I'm Avis preferred and always get an upgrade (best from a Getz type to a new Pajero Exceed in Cairns, so drove up to cape tribulation for fun)
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