NoSleepTillMnhtn

My suggestion is this: Start with Executive status (through whatever means or just eventually get there over time), and on an evening like Sunday or Friday, head to the airport and scour the Executive aisle for your favorite car (the lot should be chocked full on those days). Rent the car one way to a local branch under an FCAR contract. At the branch the next day, have a long-term FCAR contract waiting, and when you arrive at the branch, just ask them to keep the car you have and swap the contracts. The branch will usually be happy to oblige with processing the upgrade because you are now giving them money instead of the airport while at the same time not removing any of their inventory. It's basically free revenue for the branch.