freecia
May 29, 05, 12:04 am
I booked Hertz for my first ever rental for which I'll be driving. Yes, I just hit 25. Here's my deal and why I chose Hertz.
Booked a compact car at SEA for four days (sat night to wed) as a new Gold #1 member + AAA + 1 day free = 98.21. :)
Advice Needed:
Which compact car would be good to request? I'm looking for some more power and prefer not American in that order.
If an upgrade is available, which cars should I avoid and which cars should I request?
When should I arrive for pickup to increase chances of an upgrade due to no more compacts? Friends are picking me up from my morning flight and we'll be dropping by the airport at night to pick up a car since it was about $30 cheaper that way. (2 weekend days + 2 additional versus a 5 day weekly rate)
How Hertz was cheaper than Hotwire
1. Signed up free for Gold Club thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=385535)
2. AAA member (as well as Costco) so I used the AAA CDP since it
$5,000 Limit on Liability to Vehicle
AAA members are only responsible for $5,000 for loss or damage to the Hertz vehicle even if the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is not purchased. Non-members may be responsible for the full value of the vehicle plus loss-of-use charges. (U.S. Only)
and
Primary Personal Liability Protection
AAA members receive Primary Personal Liability Protection of 25/50/10 ($25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $10,000 property damage) in most states. This is protection for claims filed by a third party, i.e., passenger, passenger in another vehicle, etc (U.S. Only)
for free when renting with AAA CDP. AAA benefits (http://www.ouraaa.com/discounts/hertz.html)
for 15% off
3. Gold Member 1 day free (better than $15 off because this removes the heinous ~30% tax at SEA for 1 day and that > $15) 959884 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=349433&page=16&pp=15) thanks Loran!
total incl. 29.6%!! tax = $98.21 for 4 days (w/ unlimited mi)
Hotwire for these dates and times quoted $25 per day before tax
Sidestep showed Thrifty at $90 incl tax (but I wouldn't have that extra coverage unless it is given by AAA insurance or travel club to all car rentals) and I don't have any Thrifty coupons on hand to bring it down further.
Could go via Priceline but cars need insurance and I hate getting extra fees added when I arrive. "Yes, since you're priceline, the regular policy doesn't apply and we must add these fees".
Also, I hear Hertz has good service, wider variety of cars, newer cars, and good efficiency. Dropoff seems quick, too.
I also get to stop in and initiate my Gold #1 acct.
Very happy with my first rental which I'll actually drive. Yes, I've reserved other cars but somehow did not end up driving them.
Booked a compact car at SEA for four days (sat night to wed) as a new Gold #1 member + AAA + 1 day free = 98.21. :)
Advice Needed:
Which compact car would be good to request? I'm looking for some more power and prefer not American in that order.
If an upgrade is available, which cars should I avoid and which cars should I request?
When should I arrive for pickup to increase chances of an upgrade due to no more compacts? Friends are picking me up from my morning flight and we'll be dropping by the airport at night to pick up a car since it was about $30 cheaper that way. (2 weekend days + 2 additional versus a 5 day weekly rate)
How Hertz was cheaper than Hotwire
1. Signed up free for Gold Club thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=385535)
2. AAA member (as well as Costco) so I used the AAA CDP since it
$5,000 Limit on Liability to Vehicle
AAA members are only responsible for $5,000 for loss or damage to the Hertz vehicle even if the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is not purchased. Non-members may be responsible for the full value of the vehicle plus loss-of-use charges. (U.S. Only)
and
Primary Personal Liability Protection
AAA members receive Primary Personal Liability Protection of 25/50/10 ($25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $10,000 property damage) in most states. This is protection for claims filed by a third party, i.e., passenger, passenger in another vehicle, etc (U.S. Only)
for free when renting with AAA CDP. AAA benefits (http://www.ouraaa.com/discounts/hertz.html)
for 15% off
3. Gold Member 1 day free (better than $15 off because this removes the heinous ~30% tax at SEA for 1 day and that > $15) 959884 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=349433&page=16&pp=15) thanks Loran!
total incl. 29.6%!! tax = $98.21 for 4 days (w/ unlimited mi)
Hotwire for these dates and times quoted $25 per day before tax
Sidestep showed Thrifty at $90 incl tax (but I wouldn't have that extra coverage unless it is given by AAA insurance or travel club to all car rentals) and I don't have any Thrifty coupons on hand to bring it down further.
Could go via Priceline but cars need insurance and I hate getting extra fees added when I arrive. "Yes, since you're priceline, the regular policy doesn't apply and we must add these fees".
Also, I hear Hertz has good service, wider variety of cars, newer cars, and good efficiency. Dropoff seems quick, too.
I also get to stop in and initiate my Gold #1 acct.
Very happy with my first rental which I'll actually drive. Yes, I've reserved other cars but somehow did not end up driving them.