Thrifty - Thrifty Upgrades? blue chip

Hi,

I just reserved a car (economy) cheapest one they had for $120/week which is dirt cheap compaerd to othe agencies right now...I wanted to know the upgrade procedure for cars using bluechip?

I know one time I reserved an economy and was offered an upgrade to a chrystler 300 for $10 more a day?

Just wanted to know if that is standard procedure that they have to give me that upgrade price if the cars are available?

Thanks

Bluechip is an express rental program with an optional rewards program. It is not quite like National's Emerald Elite (or whatever it's called) or Hertz's #1 Club Gold President's Circle (how many more superlatives can you cram into a program name than that?) where you get upgrades and benefits.

Actually, rental agents are not supposed to offer any sort of coverage or upgrades to Blue Chip members. BC members are supposed to be sped out the door and only given what their profile asks for. Some rental agents may offer you an upgrade, but depending on location, training and whatever else, they may just hand you the contract and keys without saying much. I would not count on being offered cheap upgrades.

Upgrades are a touchy subject. If you ask for one, the agent will know you are willing to pay and will probably quote you a higher rate (most agents have a bit of flexibility in the rate they quote you for an upgrade--it is a sales job and is usually commissioned). If you don't ask, then the agent may either offer you a cheap upgrade or pass on offering it altogether.

One great idea: tell the agent you want the LDW when you first walk up (this usually puts them in a good mood). The LDW is a worthwhile product anyway (hassle-free damage coverage with no deductible, etc.). Then ask them if they have anything bigger on special. If the agent quotes a high rate (like $30 a day more or something), tell them that you'd really like to take it, but you don't think you'd be able to afford both the upgrade and the LDW. The agent may knock the upgrade down to much lower just because he wants to keep the sale.

Worth a try...

Bluechip is an express rental program with an optional rewards program. It is not quite like National's Emerald Elite (or whatever it's called) or Hertz's #1 Club Gold President's Circle (how many more superlatives can you cram into a program name than that?) where you get upgrades and benefits.

Actually, rental agents are not supposed to offer any sort of coverage or upgrades to Blue Chip members. BC members are supposed to be sped out the door and only given what their profile asks for. Some rental agents may offer you an upgrade, but depending on location, training and whatever else, they may just hand you the contract and keys without saying much. I would not count on being offered cheap upgrades.

Upgrades are a touchy subject. If you ask for one, the agent will know you are willing to pay and will probably quote you a higher rate (most agents have a bit of flexibility in the rate they quote you for an upgrade--it is a sales job and is usually commissioned). If you don't ask, then the agent may either offer you a cheap upgrade or pass on offering it altogether.

One great idea: tell the agent you want the LDW when you first walk up (this usually puts them in a good mood). The LDW is a worthwhile product anyway (hassle-free damage coverage with no deductible, etc.). Then ask them if they have anything bigger on special. If the agent quotes a high rate (like $30 a day more or something), tell them that you'd really like to take it, but you don't think you'd be able to afford both the upgrade and the LDW. The agent may knock the upgrade down to much lower just because he wants to keep the sale.

Worth a try...

thanks. the first time i was offered one..

the second time when i asked they said they had no cars available to upgrade to.

this time i reserved both a 300 and my normal car hehe:)