Originally Posted by
jackal
Most oddities like this are much better explained by rate management departments that have incorrectly programmed their computer systems than by any intentional discrepancies. It's hard-baked into the rental industry's mindset that "bigger is always a more desireable upgrade." After 1.5 decades of experience in and with the industry, I have never once heard anyone in management or rate management or any of the rate management consulting companies or anything ever indicate that pricing a smaller car class higher is ever intentional.
Don't get me wrong, I don't think anybody sat down and said something like, "for a three day rental at LGA starting on January 12th, let's make Premium cheaper than Midsize." It's rather that very complex pricing algorithms can interact in weird, unpredictable ways. In that sort of situation, I can imagine it's some combination of inventory levels, what corporate renters can actually rent (often doesn't include Premium, even if it's cheaper), competitive activity, etc. etc. etc.
As you're in the industry, any idea why the Hertz website, if you select "Show Me All," doesn't actually show all, but rather often lists a number of vehicles as "click here for a quote"? Is it that burdensome to actually calculate the additional prices?