I would absolutely not give up earning rental car points to earn AAdvantage miles. Hertz is my preferred rental car company. Others on FT say better things about National.
Hertz status doesn't mean too much but Hertz points ARE very useful. Hertz fleet has swung back and forth between having a few decent cars and mostly crappy, high-mileage beaters but I've found that with Hertz status I can reserve Luxury (I) and stand an OK chance of getting something better than a Chrysler 300. I've also received a BMW 5er as an upgrade on a weekly award reservation.
At the end of the day, ALL loyalty programs devalue so it seems silly to put all your eggs in one basket as long as you have a use for different baskets. Even after devaluation, Hertz points offer value. A free weekly rental up to "Premium" (G) is a very useful award indeed.
You need to diversify your loyalty program portfolio.
EVERY PROGRAM DEVALUES ALL THE TIME. Don't hold AA Zimbabwe dollars exclusively when you can diversify and also hold Hertz Venezuelan bolivares.
Originally Posted by
md80only
In your experience is that the best option, getting AA miles for the rental?
Are you in DFW? If so, you might recognize local sports radio host Norm Hitzges. Norm would answer your question as follows: