National - Increase in Frequent Flyer Miles Cost @ National

at 1.5 CPM they may not be worth it
==============

We would like to inform you of a change regarding the issuance of frequent flyer miles on qualifying National® rentals. Effective December 21, 2009, there will be an increase in the Frequent Traveler Service Charge for qualifying rentals in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico for select airlines. For more information about these changes or to determine the new service charge for a particular participating airline, please visit nationalcar.com/offer/FTSC.

If you choose to NO LONGER receive frequent flyer miles, please update your profile before December 21, 2009, by going to emeraldclub.com or by contacting Member Services (1-800-962-7070 Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–6p.m. EST).

No action is required if you choose to continue receiving frequent flyer miles for your qualifying rentals.

and this from the national website....

National charges a Frequent Traveler Service Charge of up to $.50 per day for qualifying rentals in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. This charge will increase to $.75 per day for rentals picked up after December 21, 2009. This service charge is collected by National in order to offset a portion of the administrative and program costs arising from our participation in these frequent traveler partner programs.

When a renter chooses to receive miles in the American Airlines AAdvantage program, the Frequent Traveler Service Charge will be calculated based on the Federal Excise Tax (7.5%) expense incurred by National when it purchases miles from American Airlines.

Does anyone understand why American remains a special case?

Does anyone understand why American remains a special case?

I'd like to understand a GOOD explaination why car rental companies charge these fee's and get away with it?


What happended? Years ago did no one complain or revolt and they were allowed to keep charging these fees?

I'd like to understand a GOOD explaination why car rental companies charge these fee's and get away with it?

Because they don't care if they 'get away with it'. If you don't like the fees, you choose not to earn the miles. And if you're OK with the fees, then you can earn the miles.

I'd like to understand a GOOD explaination why car rental companies charge these fee's and get away with it?

I think a "GOOD" explanation is that the rental company is providing a service that is in demand with a significant portion of their clientele. The service is not without cost to the company so like any other service they provide they pass through part (or all) of the cost to the customer receiving the service. Like raehl311 said, it's an optional service, if you don't want to pay the fee, you don't have to put a non-National FT program on your profile/rental. The rental company provides you something of tangible value (FT credits) and you provide them something of tangible value ($$$) in return. I, for one, am glad this fee is a transparent pass through rather than a built-in rate increase with no choice of opting out.

I'd like to understand a GOOD explaination why car rental companies charge these fee's and get away with it?


What happended? Years ago did no one complain or revolt and they were allowed to keep charging these fees?

Hum... 'allowed to keep charging these fees.' Allowed, meaning that customers continued to patronize these firms and select frequent flyer miles?

It started when a Federal budget bill (more than 10 years ago?) applied a tax to certain FF mile purchases. Rental agencies, of course, passed through the tax - or an approximation. Now they pass through licensing taxes, battery & tire disposal fees, a fee to report your name & address for missed e-toll payments...

The rental credit option for free days as the alternative to FF miles is looking better every day.

Does anyone know if this frequent traveler fee increase will also affect hotel points?

OK, will one of you kind folks explain the actual AA charge on a typical 30 day rental?? (I wasn't the best in Math, lol)

Thanks much :)