Hertz - Who collects ZE1 points instead miles & how to use them efficiently ?

Hi folks,

after BMI and Hertz split I started to earn ZE1 on most of my rentals. Collecting miles on US carriers results in a fee and LH/VS most often required a cupon to be profitable, meaning I would need to take my $ off cupon out.

Now I have racked many points up as I only rent weekends and my rentals are not really expensive. I found the points a good alternative if you have single day rentals when rates are very high. Plus for example in LAX I got nice cars on points reservations recently (BMW3 and C Class).

Who of you collects ZE1 in favor of miles and how are you using these points ?

Cheers,
S.

I collect ZE1 points two ways:


the 600 ZE1 point bonuses that come to me as PC
When they have a 300-600 ZE1 bonus running
Daily rentals during the week where Air Canada only gets 50 miles / day.


I keep some points in reserve for a one-way rental or two. For example, I am trying to get to Chicago from some mid-west town, and my flights are cancelled. I can use the points to drive it, without worrying about drop-off fees. One way rentals can be the best value for using points.

I tend to generally use the points for longer leisure travel when I am in the USA and have access to Prestige cars.

-Brian

So what would you say, on average, is the value of a ZE1 point?

I collect them but I have never used one, I'm sad to say. briantotonto gives a good idea since I do a fair amount of oneway travel. I suppose I should start using them.

I'm saving mine up for...I don't know what. At one point I got a couple of free days, but the reality is it's better to save for something that would cost a lot more, either a weekly rental of a typical vehicle (up to F, I think) when the rates are really high, or Fun/Prestige. Biggest bang for buck has been (I see reported) that Corvettes are in Fun Collection, so you can redeem for free Fun Collection rental and get that. Since these typically rent for rates similar to Prestige (which is more points for a free rental), you're getting a better value. Of course, if you don't want to drive the thing, perhaps it's not that useful. ;-)

So what would you say, on average, is the value of a ZE1 point?

Hi

Not directly answering your question, but there was a discussion on when and if to collect ZE1 points in this thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hertz/989048-promo-get-away-free-day.html

My thought is that a day's rental is worth ~$50, which at the base costs 600 points. Of course, if the rental is worth more than ~$50, the value of the points does go up.

Brian

I think the 3000 points for a Fun vehicle non-peak weekend is the best value - I have used this many times - I pick up at FLL on a thursday night and drop it off on a monday morning - you can get the ZHZ Corvette Coupe or Convertible - and it's 3000 points

Interesting analysis. I have not that many one way rentals and never really drive anything out of the Fun Collection. Prestige I never really rent and except rare occasions never get an upgrade to. 3000 Points for one day however I think is excessive. Thats 5x as much as a Fullsize car.