Hertz - New to Hertz Gold - Question

Hi,

got my Hertz Gold Service card and have a question. I have a rental car beginning at September at JFK. I understand, that I dont have to do any paperwork and follow a sign which shows the location of the car - right?

But thats not the problem. I have a PC code for an double class upgrade (from Mid-Size) if available. So what do you think, is it better to go to the counter to get the upgrade or do you think I can expect a fair play from that guys and get the upgrade without asking?

Thanks,
Tazmania

...I dont have to do any paperwork and follow a sign which shows the location of the car - right?
...is it better to go to the counter to get the upgrade or do you think I can expect a fair play...and get the upgrade without asking?


First, on picking up your car, if you are taking a shuttle bus (I don't remember what happens at JFK) the driver should ask for the names of "golds" and drop you off at the electronic board that will list your last name and stall number. At some smaller locations you still need to see a person, but there is usually a "gold" line.

Second, on PCs. I usually pull up the reservation online (if I didn't make it myself online) and verify that the PC is there. Then I just go to the car as usual. The few times that I have not been happy I went to the gold booth and had it resolved. Note: There should be a seperate customer service line or area, "the gold booth".

Gold Service (and HLE) is why I use Hertz. After years of long lines, upsell pressure and just plain rudeness (from every car rental company I tried), I think that this is as good as airport car service is going to get.

I believe ejmelton is correct on this.
I had the same situation (double upgrade coupon) at SFO. The car was already upgraded. If you don't like the car, you can still go to the Gold counter/booth.
Have fun!

Feel free to ask for a different car if you don't like what you were given. They are usually as accomodating as possible.

QL

got my Hertz Gold Service card and have a question. I have a rental car beginning at September at JFK. I understand, that I dont have to do any paperwork and follow a sign which shows the location of the car - right?

If this is your very first gold rental, it is likely that your name will not be on the board and you will have to go to the gold counter. This is so they can verify all you data. After the first rental, you can generally bypass the counter.

BillJ

If this is your very first gold rental, it is likely that your name will not be on the board and you will have to go to the gold counter. This is so they can verify all you data. After the first rental, you can generally bypass the counter.

Yes... For the first rental you are supposed to go to the counter (at least according to the Gold welcome letter that came with my card).

- RightD

Thanks, good to know :)

Is there somewhere in my profile an option to put in my wife as additional driver or is it not necessary as spouse is free at Hertz?

It's not necessary, at least in the US.

QL

Feel free to ask for a different car if you don't like what you were given. They are usually as accomodating as possible.

QL

That is one good thing I've heard about Hertz.

FYI - here is some info on the JFK location from the July Gold e-newsletter:

"New Building and Improved Service at JFK Airport

Renters will be pleased with the new Hertz location now open for business at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. This impressive 9,000-square-foot facility offers enhanced customer service, and is ideally situated near AirTrain, the airport’s new light rail system.

AirTrain service provides easy access between the airline terminals and Hertz, and we’re conveniently located at the first station after the terminals. In the past, it could take over ½ an hour to reach the previous Hertz facility by airport bus. Now with AirTrain, the trip is approximately 5-10 minutes. That’s great news for both business travelers and vacationers keen on getting to their destinations on time!

Our new Hertz building features glass walls on two sides that create a bright and open ambience. Every transaction - including vehicle pickups and returns - can be performed under the roof, ensuring weather-protection for our renters. Additional improvements include a spacious customer lounge and business center with computer access."

Hello All

Here in the UK we have this facility at LHR:


GOING FOR GOLD
Hertz #1 Club Gold Lounge opened by Sir Steve Redgrave

Hertz, the worlds largest general use car rental company, welcomed Olympic Gold Medallist Sir Steve Redgrave to its flagship London Heathrow Airport location on Wednesday 10 March, where he performed the official opening of the first European, dedicated, Hertz #1 Club Gold VIP lounge.

The lounge has been introduced for Hertz' #1 Club Gold members visiting the location to collect or return rental cars. It's main purpose is to serve as a rest-point collecting or returning vehicles prior to an onward journey, particularly for those having just arrived or about to depart Heathrow via air travel.

The lounge is manned by two Hertz #1 Club Gold representatives, who are able to answer enquiries on existing Gold reservations and make new reservations where required. The lounge also features a BT Open Zone, which provides a wireless connection to the Internet (for compatible laptops) where Gold members can check their emails before their onward journey.

Launched in Europe in 1992 and now available at over 1,000 locations world-wide, Hertz #1 Club Gold is a premium, time-saving rental service which is aimed at speeding up the entire car rental process for frequent travellers by removing the need to complete and sign a new rental agreement every time they rent a vehicle.

To enrol, customers simply complete a master enrolment agreement, providing all the information needed for future rentals. Once enrolled, members receive a unique #1 Club membership number. When a booking is made, the only information required is the #1 Club membership number along with when and where a car is desired. At Hertz' European flagship London Heathrow location, and at 44 major airports in the USA, customers can avoid the rental counter altogether and go by Hertz shuttle bus from the airport terminal straight to a #1 Club Gold weather-protected canopy. There they will find their name in lights on an electronic nameboard directing them to their pre-assigned car.

The vehicles are backed into spaces underneath the canopy, with the boot open for luggage, the pre-printed rental agreement hanging from the rear-view mirror and keys in the ignition. As they leave the car park, customers simply show their driver's licence and the rental agreement and they are quickly on their way.

On arrival at the other European Hertz locations, the customer simply goes direct to the dedicated Gold counter, presents their drivers licence, picks up the keys together with their pre-completed rental agreement and goes direct to their pre-assigned rental car parked in the special #1 Club Gold parking bays.