Hertz - Pickup at EWR, return at JFK?

Hi everyone,

I've got a NY trip coming up in which I'm arriving in Newark and flying back out of JFK (the fare was much cheaper that way). I need a car for three days, as I'll be way up in the Berkshires and won't go into Manhattan at all.

If I put EWR as both the pickup and return destination, I'm able to get a pretty good quote using a CDP and a free day coupon. The problem is that I'd like to return the car to JFK, but when I specify JFK as the return location, the rate goes up and I'm no longer able to use the free coupon.

I know I could return the car to EWR and take the bus to JFK, but that's pretty time-consuming and not much fun. Does anyone have any experience whether I'll be hassled if I return the car to JFK instead? Or any other suggestions?

Thanks so much for any advice!

Regards,
Dave

This isn't specific to your airports, but I asked a similar question recently and got a lot of good replies: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=437106

I assumed that a Seattle HLE and the airport share the same inventory, which is why one person said it wouldn't be a big deal there. I'm not sure if the same applies for EWR and JFK, so Hertz really might consider it a one-way rental.

I did just try a weekend rental in July and got the same price for pick up and return at EWR or for return at JFK (I didn't try using a coupon). Maybe for your dates the price is higher.

But here's another idea: I just checked for a July weekend rental, picking up at Penn Station and returning at JFK; the price was the same as returning at Penn Station. You could take NJ Transit from EWR to Penn Station for about $11 and pick up your car there. Granted, you're now picking up your car in NYC and the daily rate went from $66 to $106. But it's another option to check; the price might be better for your days.

Thanks for the reply, Loran. The other thread had some good information too.

The mid-town pickup and JFK return is an interesting idea, but the much higher daily rate makes it not very feasible for my trip. (I'm going this weekend.)

I'm now thinking about cancelling the Hertz reservation and going with Hotwire for only $24/day. I'd still have to return the car to Newark and take the bus from EWR to JFK (which costs $24 and takes 90 mins).

An update: since the dropoff at JFK wasn't looking likely, I decided to try Priceline. Lo and behold, I got a car for $20/day from Hertz at EWR. Total cost for the 3-day rental was $85.50 (less 2% cashback via FatWallet). That's about $50 less than the best I could do combining a good CDP and a free day coupon, so I'm happy. :)

After I pick up the car, I'll give Hertz a call to see if they mind me bringing it back to JFK, but I'm not counting on it...

Give Hertz a call and see what they say. In Washington, DC, you can usually drop off to any of the three metro airports (BWI, DCA, IAD). However, sometimes certain discount codes/promos require drop off at the pick up location. So best to ask Hertz as you are going to do with the PL reservation. Let us know what they say.

Why don't you enter all your parameters on Hertz's website and see if there is a difference in the rates?

Carry the direct phone number for the JFK office wth you. Sometimes it is easier to return to an alternate NYC destination as they don't mind getting that extra car. On your way back to the city, call and ask if the rate will change. If the answer is no get the name of the person you spoke with for smooth problem-free return.

The bus or trains or whatever from EWR to JFK sound delightful - if you are a masochist.

ps-
the staff at the JFK office are not typically the kindest.

pps-
why not fly inot BDL. Our summertime weekend traffic around the city can be tough. Listen to 1010am or 880am for constant traffic reports.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm back from the road, and with good news.

First, I was able to upgrade from a Kia Rio to a Toyota Solara for $3/day upon arrival at Newark. ^ This made the drive up the Taconic Parkway much more enjoyable.

While driving back towards EWR, I called the Hertz rental extension 800 number and explained the situation. The guy had to do some checking around, but was able to modify my reservation to a JFK return. Neither he nor I mentioned Priceline. ;) I was then able to "easily" drive to JFK (braving Puerto Rican Day parade traffic!), where I returned the car with no hassles. All in all, a great experience with Hertz!