+2

Hertz #1 Club Gold Membership Benefits

If I was having the problems OP has been having, I'd print out the page above and have it with me at the counter. Under President's circle it says "Guaranteed one-car-class upgrade." And then I'd ask to speak to the location manager.

That said, I've never had a problem with Pres Circle upgrades. I am earned PC for going on 4 years now and have always been either automatically upgraded, offered an upgrade at the counter, or easily granted an upgrade upon request (with low key mention of my PC status).

LAS has been superior for me when it comes to upgrades. "Mr. Rut Dog, I've reviewed your profile and noticed your President's Circle status. You can have your choice of any car on the lot." This on a B or C reservation! (I don't remember which, but I usually reserve B, or A, never higher than C.)

In LAS I've been upgraded to a BMW 300 series, a Volvo, a Mustang convertible and a Prius (I know, but this was in the summer of 2008 when Priuses were cool and in ultra high demand at $100/day because of $4/gallon gas.... déjà vu all over again).

BTW, in all situations when I have to complain and/or demand certain treatment I try to be as sympathetic as possible, especially with frontline workers. The turnover in these positions is high, and the training is frequently lacking. From my perspective they are placed in a difficult position through no fault of their own; many of them would gladly follow the guidelines if they were properly trained.

And even if you don't buy that logic, consider this: the next time they see you, do you want to be remembered as the nice person who helped them learn how to do a better job, or the jerk who got them in trouble?