Platinum for $1,350 worth it? curbside?
Dec 27, 2012, 11:38 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: newport beach, ca, US
Programs: Delta Diamond, United GS, Starwood Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 143
Platinum for $1,350 worth it? curbside?
I did 27 rentals or 2012, Mostly SFO, SJC and occasional OAK.
I love SJC since the lot is across the street and a 3 min walk from the terminal.
SFO, you have to ride AirTran, and that whole process takes 15 min. Oakland, the bus I've had to wait for the 2nd bus since the 1st was full. 20-25 min!
There's not much info on platinum, but if curbside pickup was available I think it'd be worth it. Sounds like at Dropoff you pull up the the rental lot, and they drive you curbside which definitely saves the 15min or so.
Anyone have platinum & know benefits at SFO, SJC, OAK? I usually rent full size and get a decent car,but upgrades would be nice.
I'd be expensing the $1,350, and at 25-30 rentals, figure it's an extra $50 per rental and if letting me not miss a meeting or a flight once or twice it'd be worth it. the extra 4 hr rental window is nice and that'll probably save some money as well.
I love SJC since the lot is across the street and a 3 min walk from the terminal.
SFO, you have to ride AirTran, and that whole process takes 15 min. Oakland, the bus I've had to wait for the 2nd bus since the 1st was full. 20-25 min!
There's not much info on platinum, but if curbside pickup was available I think it'd be worth it. Sounds like at Dropoff you pull up the the rental lot, and they drive you curbside which definitely saves the 15min or so.
Anyone have platinum & know benefits at SFO, SJC, OAK? I usually rent full size and get a decent car,but upgrades would be nice.
I'd be expensing the $1,350, and at 25-30 rentals, figure it's an extra $50 per rental and if letting me not miss a meeting or a flight once or twice it'd be worth it. the extra 4 hr rental window is nice and that'll probably save some money as well.
Dec 28, 2012, 1:07 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: State of Denial
Programs: UA LifetimeGS, DL LifetimePM, HH Dia, Bonvoy Ambassador, IHG Plat, Avis Chairman, Hertz Plat
Posts: 94
YMMV - there is curbside pickup but it is not consistent from airport to airport. SFO does have it but you have to call when you are ready for a pickup. They send a towncar to get you at a mutually agreed upon door number. This is where it is tricky - 50% of the time, it takes longer than the Airtrain. A few times I tried to game the system by calling while I was walking down the jetway and the car showed up early and had to go back due to the fact that there was no stopping allowed curbside. Timing for pickups is hit or miss if you really are trying to "fold time and space" as it is not perfect. There is no curbside pickup for Avis Chairman's Preferred that I have found in the dozen or so airports I frequent domestically so Hertz does get the edge on this. By the way, your first encounter at each new airport will likely not be a curbside pickup as you will have to get a local dispatch number at the Hertz rental office. I have not gotten a straight answer if there is a master database of phone numbers floating around. Given all the stations, I can see the challenge but with technology today...you get the picture.
I do love the drop off service as I am cutting it close every time I get to the airport. A funny thing happened last month at SFO as my driver was pulled over for speeding while getting me back to the terminal. I certainly didn't ask him to do so and the remainder of the ride was a little awkward. Both Avis and Hertz have great service on returns but I give the edge to Hertz as you drive to a different location while Avis pulls you out of the return line after letting them know you are a Chairman.
Cars are usually good but I showed up Christmas Eve and all they had was an Altima (granted it only had 37 miles). I asked the 2 gals (who both couldn't have been much older than 21) in the office about a better car and they looked at me and shrugged. As far as cars go, I have to give the edge to Avis in SFO as all the upgraded cars have Toll Tags and that is really critical if you cross the bridges in the Bay Area.
Apparently there are more Hertz Platinum renters at SFO than any other location.
I do love the drop off service as I am cutting it close every time I get to the airport. A funny thing happened last month at SFO as my driver was pulled over for speeding while getting me back to the terminal. I certainly didn't ask him to do so and the remainder of the ride was a little awkward. Both Avis and Hertz have great service on returns but I give the edge to Hertz as you drive to a different location while Avis pulls you out of the return line after letting them know you are a Chairman.
Cars are usually good but I showed up Christmas Eve and all they had was an Altima (granted it only had 37 miles). I asked the 2 gals (who both couldn't have been much older than 21) in the office about a better car and they looked at me and shrugged. As far as cars go, I have to give the edge to Avis in SFO as all the upgraded cars have Toll Tags and that is really critical if you cross the bridges in the Bay Area.
Apparently there are more Hertz Platinum renters at SFO than any other location.
Dec 28, 2012, 3:16 pm
#4
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: DCA or IAD (originally DUB)
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM, Hertz PC, Marriott Platinum/Lifetime Gold
Posts: 7,657
Well-worn thread started a couple of years ago http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hertz...num-worth.html with the most recent post from earlier this year.
I'm a firm believer that it's very good value for money, particularly if you build a relationship with the manager(s) at the location(s) where you rent most often. I know drzoidberg disagrees
. I've been treated very well at many locations: the worst I've found are RDU and CLT ... I've had locations find vehicles, sometimes multiple vehicles, for me at the very short notice and in 'sold-out' situations.
I'm a firm believer that it's very good value for money, particularly if you build a relationship with the manager(s) at the location(s) where you rent most often. I know drzoidberg disagrees
. I've been treated very well at many locations: the worst I've found are RDU and CLT ... I've had locations find vehicles, sometimes multiple vehicles, for me at the very short notice and in 'sold-out' situations.
Dec 28, 2012, 3:28 pm
#5
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis CC, Continental Onepass
Posts: 451
Well-worn thread started a couple of years ago http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hertz...num-worth.html with the most recent post from earlier this year.
I'm a firm believer that it's very good value for money, particularly if you build a relationship with the manager(s) at the location(s) where you rent most often. I know drzoidberg disagrees. I've been treated very well at many locations: the worst I've found are RDU and CLT ... I've had locations find vehicles, sometimes multiple vehicles, for me at the very short notice and in 'sold-out' situations.
I'm a firm believer that it's very good value for money, particularly if you build a relationship with the manager(s) at the location(s) where you rent most often. I know drzoidberg disagrees
. I've been treated very well at many locations: the worst I've found are RDU and CLT ... I've had locations find vehicles, sometimes multiple vehicles, for me at the very short notice and in 'sold-out' situations.
Dec 28, 2012, 4:23 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: LAX/BOS/HKG/AMS/SFO...hmm, I need a life.
Programs: United1K, AA ExPlAAt, DL MM/Gold, Hilton Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 13,316
Well-worn thread started a couple of years ago http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hertz...num-worth.html with the most recent post from earlier this year.
I'm a firm believer that it's very good value for money, particularly if you build a relationship with the manager(s) at the location(s) where you rent most often. I know drzoidberg disagrees. I've been treated very well at many locations: the worst I've found are RDU and CLT ... I've had locations find vehicles, sometimes multiple vehicles, for me at the very short notice and in 'sold-out' situations.
I'm a firm believer that it's very good value for money, particularly if you build a relationship with the manager(s) at the location(s) where you rent most often. I know drzoidberg disagrees
. I've been treated very well at many locations: the worst I've found are RDU and CLT ... I've had locations find vehicles, sometimes multiple vehicles, for me at the very short notice and in 'sold-out' situations.I actually just posted a question on what the threshold is for Plat because I refuse to pay another $1300 on top of the $8-10k I give them today. That's said I would like to at least try out Plat and see if the ride to the terminal is worth it. I get the upgrades every time and usually much more than 2 levels.
Your advise about getting to know the station managers is gold...I just do not think that and Plat are mutually exclusive.
Dec 28, 2012, 7:23 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: newport beach, ca, US
Programs: Delta Diamond, United GS, Starwood Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 143
Thanks! this is what I was looking for.. tough call for sure if it's inconsistent on pickup. might be worth it for just dropoff to curbside. How much time do you think you save on that?
have you tried OAK?
have you tried OAK?
YMMV - there is curbside pickup but it is not consistent from airport to airport. SFO does have it but you have to call when you are ready for a pickup. They send a towncar to get you at a mutually agreed upon door number. This is where it is tricky - 50% of the time, it takes longer than the Airtrain. A few times I tried to game the system by calling while I was walking down the jetway and the car showed up early and had to go back due to the fact that there was no stopping allowed curbside. Timing for pickups is hit or miss if you really are trying to "fold time and space" as it is not perfect. There is no curbside pickup for Avis Chairman's Preferred that I have found in the dozen or so airports I frequent domestically so Hertz does get the edge on this. By the way, your first encounter at each new airport will likely not be a curbside pickup as you will have to get a local dispatch number at the Hertz rental office. I have not gotten a straight answer if there is a master database of phone numbers floating around. Given all the stations, I can see the challenge but with technology today...you get the picture.
I do love the drop off service as I am cutting it close every time I get to the airport. A funny thing happened last month at SFO as my driver was pulled over for speeding while getting me back to the terminal. I certainly didn't ask him to do so and the remainder of the ride was a little awkward. Both Avis and Hertz have great service on returns but I give the edge to Hertz as you drive to a different location while Avis pulls you out of the return line after letting them know you are a Chairman.
Cars are usually good but I showed up Christmas Eve and all they had was an Altima (granted it only had 37 miles). I asked the 2 gals (who both couldn't have been much older than 21) in the office about a better car and they looked at me and shrugged. As far as cars go, I have to give the edge to Avis in SFO as all the upgraded cars have Toll Tags and that is really critical if you cross the bridges in the Bay Area.
Apparently there are more Hertz Platinum renters at SFO than any other location.
I do love the drop off service as I am cutting it close every time I get to the airport. A funny thing happened last month at SFO as my driver was pulled over for speeding while getting me back to the terminal. I certainly didn't ask him to do so and the remainder of the ride was a little awkward. Both Avis and Hertz have great service on returns but I give the edge to Hertz as you drive to a different location while Avis pulls you out of the return line after letting them know you are a Chairman.
Cars are usually good but I showed up Christmas Eve and all they had was an Altima (granted it only had 37 miles). I asked the 2 gals (who both couldn't have been much older than 21) in the office about a better car and they looked at me and shrugged. As far as cars go, I have to give the edge to Avis in SFO as all the upgraded cars have Toll Tags and that is really critical if you cross the bridges in the Bay Area.
Apparently there are more Hertz Platinum renters at SFO than any other location.
Dec 28, 2012, 8:05 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 4,396
Well-worn thread started a couple of years ago http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hertz...num-worth.html with the most recent post from earlier this year.
I'm a firm believer that it's very good value for money, particularly if you build a relationship with the manager(s) at the location(s) where you rent most often. I know drzoidberg disagrees. I've been treated very well at many locations: the worst I've found are RDU and CLT ... I've had locations find vehicles, sometimes multiple vehicles, for me at the very short notice and in 'sold-out' situations.
I'm a firm believer that it's very good value for money, particularly if you build a relationship with the manager(s) at the location(s) where you rent most often. I know drzoidberg disagrees
. I've been treated very well at many locations: the worst I've found are RDU and CLT ... I've had locations find vehicles, sometimes multiple vehicles, for me at the very short notice and in 'sold-out' situations.
I would agree with avidflyer; get to know the station managers. This should get you vehicle upgrades better than any status ever will.
Dec 30, 2012, 10:09 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Programs: UA Gold, DL Plat, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Marriott Silver, Hertz PC
Posts: 543
Well, until I feel like Hertz can get the benefits (consistently) right at the other Gold levels, I'm certainly not keen on 'taking a chance' and ponying up the extra money for Platinum. I get fine service as a President's Circle--but nothing particularly extraordinary or noteworthy. Hertz has a LONG way to go with making their frequent rental program something special--or worth throwing more money at.
Dec 31, 2012, 2:52 pm
#10
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,156
Even though it'll save you the train time, I doubt it's going to save you 15 mins. According to Google maps, the drive from the rental car center to SFO is 3 miles and takes 8 minutes. Whilst I wouldn't expect it to take 8 minutes most of the time, at busy times it certainly can, especially if the lights aren't in your favor (there's 4 sets of them, and the only right turn one is a no-turn-on-red).
Last edited by docbert; Jan 11, 2013 at 12:29 am
Jan 9, 2013, 10:55 am
#11
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: State of Denial
Programs: UA LifetimeGS, DL LifetimePM, HH Dia, Bonvoy Ambassador, IHG Plat, Avis Chairman, Hertz Plat
Posts: 94
Sorry for the delay as I have been in Bhutan the last 10 days. I have not tried OAK but SFO is very quick and I have to save somewhere between the 8 minutes quoted above up to 20 minutes (of course, this depends on which terminal you need to take the Airtran to). One thing I have started doing is calling the station ahead of time to tell them that I am 10 minutes away and they have a driver waiting for me. This minimizes the wait time to just having to check the car back in.
Is it worth $1300? Again, it is relative as each person's perspective on utility is different. If you are planning on getting this reimbursed as an expense, what have you got to lose? If you were to say you had $1300 to spend and Hertz Platinum was one of X choices, that would be a different discussion...
Is it worth $1300? Again, it is relative as each person's perspective on utility is different. If you are planning on getting this reimbursed as an expense, what have you got to lose? If you were to say you had $1300 to spend and Hertz Platinum was one of X choices, that would be a different discussion...
Jan 12, 2013, 11:29 pm
#13
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Base: EWR/LGA/JFK. 2016: BOM, DEL, HYD, BKK, SIN, HKG, ICN, NRT, LAX, SFO, DEN, ORD, BNA, IAH, MIA, MDE, BOG, CHO, IAD, LHR, LCY, FRA, ZRH, LIN, MXP
Programs: UA 1K, Hertz Presidents Circle, Ritz Lifetime Platinum Premier, SPG Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 146
Don't do it. I had it last year over 40+ rentals, half were airports. It takes longer to get picked up than the shuttle half the time.
Luckily my company paid for it, so I don't feel burned.
Luckily my company paid for it, so I don't feel burned.
Feb 19, 2014, 3:07 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Aside from the rules and regulations, has anyone in practice found Platinum status to be of any use in European rentals?
I know for Avis Presidents Club, there are no stated benefits for Euro rentals, but in practice I'm treated very well at most Euro airport locations.
I know for Avis Presidents Club, there are no stated benefits for Euro rentals, but in practice I'm treated very well at most Euro airport locations.