Hertz - President's Circle: Highest Status Of Hertz?

Newbie here.

Thanks!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by redback:
Newbie here.

Thanks!</font>

It's the highest status available to the public. These boards have in the past contained rumors about a "secret" level at various car companies for CEO's, celebrities, etc. Usually that level of service is described as they-bring-it-to-you. i.e., The general manager of the Hertz location drives your Navigator to the airport curbside and then he rides the bus back to Hertz. Not sure if it's urban legend: I've seen the same concept discussed for Avis and Budget. You can probably search on "CEO" or "celebrity" and find something.

For me, PC is as high as it gets...

Actually at Avis there is such a thing as Chairmans Club, but they no longer bring the car to you, its bassicly triple upgrade, and awesome prices, im not sure what the Hertz equivelent if any is

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by pinniped:
It's the highest status available to the public. These boards have in the past contained rumors about a "secret" level at various car companies for CEO's, celebrities, etc. Usually that level of service is described as they-bring-it-to-you. i.e., The general manager of the Hertz location drives your Navigator to the airport curbside and then he rides the bus back to Hertz. Not sure if it's urban legend: I've seen the same concept discussed for Avis and Budget. You can probably search on "CEO" or "celebrity" and find something.

For me, PC is as high as it gets...</font>

It's no urban legend; it's called Hertz Platinum Club, and yes, it's by invitation only.

Before 9/11 the Hertz Rep would meet you at either the gate or baggage claim (or FBO for BizJets) with your car and contract and then hand you the keys.

Upgrade policy is less restrictive, like a Towncar for the fullsize rate. Last month, I saw an S-Type Jag upgrade from full-size. Often, NeverLost or Sat. Radio is for free. Expect the best car in the class they can find.

Hertz will let you open a personal charge account with them for your rentals.

The best part is when you return the car to Hertz, they drive you back to the terminal in the car, not the bus.

If you do a search on "platinum" in this topic, you will find quite a few posts on it...

2005 Update -

Over at SFO, they have a nice Platinum service. You call them from the terminal and they will send a Town Car to pick you up (it has a Hertz sign on the roof, like a taxi). You are driven over to the Gold Kiosk, where your car will be waiting for you. The manager on duty will meet you at the car and hand you your contract and keys. On return, you drop the car at the Gold Kiosk and a driver will take you to the terminal in the Hertz Town Car.

I'm a President's Circle. I got on a bus a few weeks ago, and another pax said he was Platinum. The bus driver radioed ahead about the Plat pax. When the bus arrived at the Gold area, the Hertz manager on duty greeted the Plat pax...

I am also a "Platinum", and let me tell you, the service is far ABOVE First Class.

It is by invitation only, and I was one of the first to receive it...I believe in about 1988, as President and CEO of a public company on the American Stock Exchange......life is good http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

------------------

Was on the shuttle bus at STL when John Goodman (the actor) got on. All he did was give the driver his name. He didn't have a reservation but the manager met him at the Gold drop-off point.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Billiken:
Was on the shuttle bus at STL when John Goodman (the actor) got on. All he did was give the driver his name. He didn't have a reservation but the manager met him at the Gold drop-off point.</font>


I like John Goodman. Most actors and celebs would have a limo waiting for them... the Goodman, he rents a car and drives like the rest of us. John, you da' MAN.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tvdt:
I am also a "Platinum", and let me tell you, the service is far ABOVE First Class.

It is by invitation only, and I was one of the first to receive it...I believe in about 1988, as President and CEO of a public company on the American Stock Exchange......life is good http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

</font>
In one of the other threads, a person said it also costs $300 per year after being invited. Is this true? Does one have to exceed the highest levels of PC before gettting invited?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MrPaul0722:
Originally posted by tvdt:
I am also a "Platinum", and let me tell you, the service is far ABOVE First Class.

It is by invitation only, and I was one of the first to receive it...I believe in about 1988, as President and CEO of a public company on the American Stock Exchange......life is good http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

</font>
In one of the other threads, a person said it also costs $300 per year after being invited. Is this true? Does one have to exceed the highest levels of PC before gettting invited?


oops wrong board

[This message has been edited by UpgradesMan (edited 05-14-2003).]

No. One has to be someone who is a position to influence or offer significant rental business to Hertz, or a celebrity...

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MrPaul0722:
Originally posted by tvdt:
I am also a "Platinum", and let me tell you, the service is far ABOVE First Class.

It is by invitation only, and I was one of the first to receive it...I believe in about 1988, as President and CEO of a public company on the American Stock Exchange......life is good http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

</font>
In one of the other threads, a person said it also costs $300 per year after being invited. Is this true? Does one have to exceed the highest levels of PC before gettting invited?

Hertz Plat is one of the best run programs in the industry - by way of example, I always book a mid size and have never gotten anything less than a Lincoln and usually a Volvo or Jag in the cities where they are available.

I have not been on a rental bus in 5 years!!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by B Watson:
I have not been on a rental bus in 5 years!!</font>

Glad to hear that. We really are just a bunch of dirty peasants anyway http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Seriously, that sounds great.

Last year I was President's Circle and it expired 4/03. Due to insufficient rentals I got a letter saying I was back to just normal #1Gold and got my upgrade cert. But it also said that I needed 10 rentals to get to 5 Star Status. What is this? What benefits does it carry?

Check out Hertz.com, it should state it. 5 Star means you get an upgrade sometimes...

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by alect:
Last year I was President's Circle and it expired 4/03. Due to insufficient rentals I got a letter saying I was back to just normal #1Gold and got my upgrade cert. But it also said that I needed 10 rentals to get to 5 Star Status. What is this? What benefits does it carry?</font>

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by B Watson:
Hertz Plat is one of the best run programs in the industry - by way of example, I always book a mid size and have never gotten anything less than a Lincoln and usually a Volvo or Jag in the cities where they are available.

I have not been on a rental bus in 5 years!!</font>

Curious as to how one gets to these elevated levels w/Hertz - I have given them almost 100% of my car rental biz for the past 10 years, #1 Gold since '89. Often get great upgrades (usually book through Amex PTS) but have never heard a thing about PC, Plat, etc. being within my reach. I'd estimate my annual spend with Hertz during this time frame at US $1k - 4k.

I almost always ask for the UAL FF credits on my rentals - should I be opting for the Hertz frequent renter credits instead of the paltry FF mileage? Or is my spend not enough to warrant their loftier recognition levels?

TIA for your always spot-on advice.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by UAL_Rulez:
Curious as to how one gets to these elevated levels w/Hertz - I have given them almost 100% of my car rental biz for the past 10 years, #1 Gold since '89. Often get great upgrades (usually book through Amex PTS) but have never heard a thing about PC, Plat, etc. being within my reach. I'd estimate my annual spend with Hertz during this time frame at US $1k - 4k.

I almost always ask for the UAL FF credits on my rentals - should I be opting for the Hertz frequent renter credits instead of the paltry FF mileage? Or is my spend not enough to warrant their loftier recognition levels?

TIA for your always spot-on advice.</font>

Pres club is earned and I do not know the thresholds - Plat is invitation only and not dependant on spend - my Hertz spend is no more than $1,500 per year.

[This message has been edited by B Watson (edited 05-16-2003).]

UAL_Rulez try doing a search for Presidents Circle with the search feature in the top right hand corner.

I think that 5* is given after 10 rentals and Presidents Circle is after 40 rentals for US customers.

FUnny story on Pres Club - one of my staff was upset that he was not given Pres club last year - he was on assignment and had one rental for the entire year. When he spoke to the agent they said that you needed 40, etc. etc. and he points out that he only had one, but it was for 365 days. In the end he got comped to Pres Club.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by B Watson:
FUnny story on Pres Club - one of my staff was upset that he was not given Pres club last year - he was on assignment and had one rental for the entire year. When he spoke to the agent they said that you needed 40, etc. etc. and he points out that he only had one, but it was for 365 days. In the end he got comped to Pres Club.</font>

Rent a car for a year????? I would think it would have been better to purchase the car instead of renting it for the WHOLE YEAR????

Renting at a cost of $40 per day costs around $14,500 for just the car. This doesn't even account for the taxes and all that. I don't understand this at all.

Monthly rental prices are FAR lower than daily prices, and much closer to leasing prices from the dealer. But if you lease a car, you often cannot be reimbursed by your client because it is considered your personal car.

I am Plat and I love it The staff at Hertz does everything they can to help me out Thanks to all of you Cheers Jane

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by B Watson:
Hertz Plat is one of the best run programs in the industry - by way of example, I always book a mid size and have never gotten anything less than a Lincoln and usually a Volvo or Jag in the cities where they are available.

I have not been on a rental bus in 5 years!!</font>

You must not fly to OAK. You will BUS it no matter what your status is.

It's been a while, but the last time I was at OAK, I took the bus only to be told that my car was back at the terminal, despite all the construction/mess. And I'm only PC.

I'm a plain presidents circle http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif ... My annual spend is likely $10,000+

I remember reading that if your spend is greater than 7K$/year, you can be comped to President's Club, as well as the traditional way of doing 40 rentals. My understanding is that Plat is in recognition of influencing 100K+$ of rentals. Therefore, unless you are a celeb, you can never make plat on your own rentals.

I've been a 5* for about 3 years and have had wonderful luck with upgrades.

I rent from SLC BOI LAS mostly...always book a compact and usually get a fullsize of a 4x4.

Annerj

That is part true one of the first things they look at besides being a CEO of a major company is you must be able to generate at least $250k of revenue a year. They are also able to drop a person from there Platinum status as well if they are not renting like they should be. They keep on record every rental they actually pay for and how much for the year they have spent with the company.
Also they have been known to drop Gold members and even Platinum members for being rude to the counter or reservation reps. So just make sure even if you have had a bad day try not to be to upset with the person that is helping you or its possable the next time you go to rent they may have put you on the Do Not Rent list.



[This message has been edited by pokes (edited Dec 25, 2003).]

Also they have been known to drop Gold members and even Platinum members for being rude to the counter or reservation reps.

Really ?

With president's circle it's strictly invite only no matter what your spend is with hertz. At all airports car is brought to the terminal and you are met by the station/duty manager in the arrivals hall.

With president's circle it's strictly invite only no matter what your spend is with hertz. At all airports car is brought to the terminal and you are met by the station/duty manager in the arrivals hall.

That would be Hertz Platinum.

President's Circle requires 40 rentals in a calendar year and, depending on the station, they either treat you well or as just another renter.

Best way to get priority with Hertz is to get Hertz points by selecting ZE1 instead of FF or hotel #.

WIth that, I can't find any good PC codes for CMH. Guess this location bars coupons. I've tried 15 numbers and they ALL say "not good at this location." :td:

That would be Hertz Platinum.

President's Circle requires 40 rentals in a calendar year and, depending on the station, they either treat you well or as just another renter.


Oops sorry my mistake I got it the wrong way round!

In review of your records, you have received upgrades 2 out of 3 of the
lastest rentals. Upgrades are based on availability at the location at
time of the pick-up. Sometimes an upgrade will be a specialty vehicle
of the same size category that is more expensive, but given at the same
price as a regular car of same size. You qualify for an upgrade in status
and hopefully this will assist you in more upgrades.

The current criterion to become a Five Star member is to have 10 to 39
Gold rentals during the previous calendar year. Normally the system upgrades
everybody at the first of the year based upon the number of qualifying
Gold rentals completed the previous calendar year. Since you already have
enough rentals we have upgraded you early.

A Five Star Gold card will be sent to you soon. It is not necessary
to have the card to begin enjoying the benefits.

As a Five Star member, you'll appreciate benefits like one-car-class
upgrades * (when available) at no additional charge and a free rental
day certificate every 15th rental, beginning on the day of status upgrade.
Plus, you'll continue to enjoy the speed and convenience of #1 Club
Gold.

We are sure you'll enjoy the privileges that accompany your exclusive
membership. Please feel free to contact us at 405-775-3180,
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:45 PM Central Time.

With regard to the free days, as a PC in Canada I currently earn one free day every 7 rentals (rather than one day every 15 rentals, as the previous poster experienced). Not sure whether this is a PC vs. 5* difference, or a Canada vs. USA difference.

Getting upgrades is a hit and miss at a lot of locations. The biggest upgrade I normally get is from full size to the dreaded Crown Vic or Grand Marc. I've had good upgrades when renting the Premium but who always wants to drive a Town Car?

I do like renting Premium and getting the G35 but those days have come and gone. Don't expect a lot out of the upgrades and you will not be disappointed.

Is 5* also provided to european residents?

Is there any way to get free days (as european resident) after a number of rentals?

Don't expect a lot out of the upgrades and you will not be disappointed.

These are words that I should learn to live by. :)

It's the highest status available to the public. These boards have in the past contained rumors about a "secret" level at various car companies for CEO's, celebrities, etc. Usually that level of service is described as they-bring-it-to-you. i.e., The general manager of the Hertz location drives your Navigator to the airport curbside and then he rides the bus back to Hertz. Not sure if it's urban legend: I've seen the same concept
Saw this at OAK today..a hertz lady welcome a gentleman at the gate and led him to a Volvo S80.. ^


discussed for Avis and Budget. You can probably search on "CEO" or "celebrity" and find something.

For me, PC is as high as it gets...

UAL_Rulez try doing a search for Presidents Circle with the search feature in the top right hand corner.

I think that 5* is given after 10 rentals and Presidents Circle is after 40 rentals for US customers.

You can also get PC with $7K spending in a single year. I always hit it that way since I did weekly rentals -- rather than waiting 40 weeks, I'd call in after the 20-25 weeks or so it took to hit $7K and they'd review the account history and award it in a couple of days...

Like many here, I received 5* status without realizing what the requirements were. I do rent from Hertz almost everywhere I go. 20 or so rentals a year.

As far as upgrades, 9 times out of 10, I get them. As far as where, YVR has been good to me (upgrade to explorers from mid-size) but SLC by far takes the cake. I continually hit the jackpot there. The last 5 times I've rented from them, I've rented an intermediate wtih neverlost, and wound up with 3 Land Rovers and 2 Jaguars.

Someone must love me, and I love them! :D

After 2 years of coming up short by a couple of rentals, I finally made the required number of rentals this year to obtain President's Circle. I made it about a month ago and the upgrades have been good but spotty. No biggie. I got my President's welcome package today though and the card says "Expires 04/06". How can that be right? The T & Cs clearly state that the qualifying period is Jan 1 - Dec 31 every year. If I qualified in July 05 shouldn't I be a PC through 12/06? :confused:
Or is it simply, you qualify on a calendar year and then we'll give you PC status for the next 12 months following your qualification. Call me crazy but what after giving Hertz my business exclusively this year, I am not happy with what's coming the other way. If this is the case, I'm heading back to whoever is cheaper and trust me on this, it ain't Hertz.

After 2 years of coming up short by a couple of rentals, I finally made the required number of rentals this year to obtain President's Circle. I made it about a month ago and the upgrades have been good but spotty. No biggie. I got my President's welcome package today though and the card says "Expires 04/06". How can that be right? The T & Cs clearly state that the qualifying period is Jan 1 - Dec 31 every year. If I qualified in July 05 shouldn't I be a PC through 12/06? :confused:
Or is it simply, you qualify on a calendar year and then we'll give you PC status for the next 12 months following your qualification. Call me crazy but what after giving Hertz my business exclusively this year, I am not happy with what's coming the other way. If this is the case, I'm heading back to whoever is cheaper and trust me on this, it ain't Hertz.

They upgraded you (early) to PC for 2005, and your card reflects that. You'll get another card early 2006 reflecting your PC status for 2006.

They upgraded you (early) to PC for 2005, and your card reflects that. You'll get another card early 2006 reflecting your PC status for 2006.

Thanks for the info SealBeach, my experience with status on airlines has usually been that the expiration date was for the actual expiration. Good to know that I'm ok for the 2006 travel season. :)