I don't rent cars more than a couple times a year. Mostly through Costco since I find it easier and more cost effective than using my business account with Avis or Hertz. I may have really goofed on a recent rental and if so I'll consider it a lesson and let go.

We needed a car 34 days in UK. Pick-up at LHR and drop off in Holyhead, Wales. It wasn't easy to find but I got one with Hertz through booking.com. $1944. There was some verbiage of charges not included like tax and road usage. As far as difficulty finding the rental, I've been trying to look at a similar rental through Hertz and Autoeurope, even booking.com and can't find that route offered.

At the counter they immediately tried to up sale. I had reserved a KIA ceed or similar. Guy asked where all we were going and what about GPS and we said we'd use phone. In the end we upgraded to hybrid Toyota (I like those) with large GPS screen. A couple people at the counter said the hybrid alone would save us on fuel. We drove 1892 miles. It seemed great on gas. Upgrade was 500£, total from counter with VAT, Intercity, license fee was 902£. He removed the 150£ fee for extra driver. Good, I never did any driving.

During the trip I got an email from Hertz about updates on Gold Plus rewards. It was confusing as I forgot I had gotten Gold Plus several years ago. Not sure how I got it as I said, I don't rent cars very often. I have 0 points.

Could I have gotten the upgrade for free with my Gold status?

P.S. We saw the KIA ceed in parking lots and were glad we weren't driving that.