I'm a Hertz PC and back in Jan I booked a Chevy Trailblazer for 9 days this July in Jackson Hole, Wy for around $580. A few days ago when I booked the internal US flights, I realised that I had booked the car a day too early and tried to change the reservation online, i.e. move the pickup date back one day. I kept getting 'no cars available' so I phoned the UK reservation number.

They entered the date change and told me the car would now cost in excess of $800 for a days less rental !! This was justified as "because the rates now were more expensive and July was peak season". When I complained (vehemently), I was told that the maximum discount that could be applied was 15% bringing the new total down to around $700. I asked to speak to a supervsior and got the same story. I explained that they were, in fact, not modifying my original booking but making a brand new one at today's rates !!

I even tried to pay the the original cost but not use the car on day 1. I was told that if I didnt turn up at the original time and date, the reservation would be cancelled.

I was told my PC status made absolutely no difference.

I intend writing an email of complaint. But presumably somewhere in the on-line T&Cs they can renegotiate a rental if you change the dates and maybe even the times ?

In the meantime I have made a reservation with Avis, same car new dates (8 days) for $400 !!