Mar 29, 2017, 6:02 am
Last edit by: FlyinHawaiian
Questions regarding specific locations (eg, "I am Renting From XXX; What Might I Get?") may be moved to specific/dedicated threads for that location. All major airport codes may be searched using FlyerTalk's search engine; otherwise, words in " " quotation marks will bypass the character limit filter.
Overview of Service and List of Existing and Future Airport Locations: https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/produ...ate_choice.jsp
Am I Eligible? Is My Vehicle Eligible?
Q. Who can use Ultimate Choice?
Any member of the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program is eligible to use Ultimate Choice. The areas you can select from depend on your status in the program (President's Circle, Five Star, or Gold).
Q. What is the minimum booking class to be eligible to freely select cars from Ultimate Choice?
A. You can book anything other than an Economy (A), Compact (B), or Manager's Special (EXAR) vehicle, and be eligible for Ultimate Choice.
Q. What if I book a lower class such as Economy or Compact or Manager's Special?
A. You will be assigned a car from that class (or higher, as a complimentary upgrade) in a marked space.
Q. What happens if I book a Economy or Compact but pick a higher-class car from Ultimate Choice?
A. You will likely be asked to pay the midsize rental rate by the gate agent.
Q. What if I book a Fullsize car but find a lower class car in Ultimate Choice that I like better?
A. You may chose to take it, but you will pay the originally-booked Fullsize rate.
Q. What if I book a Adrenaline/Electric/Hybrid/Luxury/Prestige car or a Minivan/Truck/SUV?
A. You will be assigned a car from that class in a marked space. You can either accept it or chose a car from Ultimate Choice.
Q. Can I use Ultimate Choice for one-way rentals?
A. Yes.
Q. Can I use Ultimate Choice for award rentals?
A. Yes, provided the reservation is for a mid-size car or higher.
Overview of Service and List of Existing and Future Airport Locations: https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/produ...ate_choice.jsp
Am I Eligible? Is My Vehicle Eligible?
Q. Who can use Ultimate Choice?
Any member of the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program is eligible to use Ultimate Choice. The areas you can select from depend on your status in the program (President's Circle, Five Star, or Gold).
Q. What is the minimum booking class to be eligible to freely select cars from Ultimate Choice?
A. You can book anything other than an Economy (A), Compact (B), or Manager's Special (EXAR) vehicle, and be eligible for Ultimate Choice.
Q. What if I book a lower class such as Economy or Compact or Manager's Special?
A. You will be assigned a car from that class (or higher, as a complimentary upgrade) in a marked space.
Q. What happens if I book a Economy or Compact but pick a higher-class car from Ultimate Choice?
A. You will likely be asked to pay the midsize rental rate by the gate agent.
Q. What if I book a Fullsize car but find a lower class car in Ultimate Choice that I like better?
A. You may chose to take it, but you will pay the originally-booked Fullsize rate.
Q. What if I book a Adrenaline/Electric/Hybrid/Luxury/Prestige car or a Minivan/Truck/SUV?
A. You will be assigned a car from that class in a marked space. You can either accept it or chose a car from Ultimate Choice.
Q. Can I use Ultimate Choice for one-way rentals?
A. Yes.
Q. Can I use Ultimate Choice for award rentals?
A. Yes, provided the reservation is for a mid-size car or higher.
Questions/Discussion About Hertz Ultimate Choice Service
May 22, 2024, 6:35 am
#1006
Join Date: May 2024
Posts: 2
Long story short, my name wasn't on the screen. I had to wait half an hour to hear the agent say "it doesn't matter you already have the biggest car we have in the lot". JFK style.
May 31, 2024, 10:53 pm
#1007
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 2
Hello,
My HTZ account is currently Gold status, but I should be PC by the time I pick up the rental. Is the access to the different Ultimate Choice areas based on status at time of booking or when picking up the rental car?
Also where does a "standard car" fit on the economy, mid-sized, full-size spectrum? My understanding is you need to book a mid-sized or higher to qualify to use the UC areas. The place I'm renting from doesn't have mid-size to book. Wasn't sure if standard car would work of if I needed to book a full-size.
My HTZ account is currently Gold status, but I should be PC by the time I pick up the rental. Is the access to the different Ultimate Choice areas based on status at time of booking or when picking up the rental car?
Also where does a "standard car" fit on the economy, mid-sized, full-size spectrum? My understanding is you need to book a mid-sized or higher to qualify to use the UC areas. The place I'm renting from doesn't have mid-size to book. Wasn't sure if standard car would work of if I needed to book a full-size.
Jun 4, 2024, 2:09 pm
#1008
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 128
This will be my first time using Hertz at LAS. I am PC via Venture X. Will I have to verify with the desk this first time? Also, am I understanding this correctly that PC members can choose from the PC, Five Star, or Gold level of cars if there is something there that I like?
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Jun 6, 2024 at 4:55 pm Reason: moved to thread where these questions have been discussed
Jun 5, 2024, 1:38 pm
#1009
Join Date: Feb 2024
Posts: 11
This will be my first time using Hertz. I am PC via Venture X. Will I have to verify with the desk this first time? Also, am I understanding this correctly that PC members can choose from the PC, Five Star, or Gold level of cars if there is something there that I like?
Jun 7, 2024, 9:04 am
#1010
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 81
Is it still the case that booking a Hertz reservation via Chase travel portal (using UR points) will not allow me to use my President's Circle benefits? There was a field to enter a loyalty program number and I entered my Hertz number, but the reservation does not show up in my Hertz account. If this is the case, is it possible to have it added manually at the counter? Thanks!
Jun 7, 2024, 9:53 am
#1011
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 520
Jul 1, 2024, 3:40 am
#1012
Join Date: Jul 2019
Programs: AA, UA
Posts: 125
Compact SUVs in the Presidents Circle area, can I get one for no additional charge?
I am a Hertz Gold Presidents Circle member. I rented a full-sized sedan car with Hertz.
Arriving at the Hertz area, I saw several Compact SUVs parked in the Presidents Circle section. Does that mean I can select a Compact SUV for no additional cost?
Arriving at the Hertz area, I saw several Compact SUVs parked in the Presidents Circle section. Does that mean I can select a Compact SUV for no additional cost?
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Jul 1, 2024 at 4:42 am Reason: moved into dedicated thread for this question
Jul 12, 2024, 11:32 pm
#1014
Join Date: Jul 2024
Posts: 2
I have the President Circle member status and haven't used the Ultmiate Choice before. Does anybody know if I can book a small pickup truck (category O6) at a pre-paid rate and still can pick any car in the President Circle section? Last time I booked an EV SUV and when checking in at the VIP counter, the agent at the counter told me EV SUV is a special vehicle and it's pre-allocated to my reservation and I can't change it.
Jul 12, 2024, 11:38 pm
#1015
Join Date: Jun 2021
Programs: Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold, Wydam Diamond
Posts: 16
I have the President Circle member status and haven't used the Ultmiate Choice before. Does anybody know if I can book a small pickup truck (category O6) at a pre-paid rate and still can pick any car in the President Circle section? Last time I booked an EV SUV and when checking in at the VIP counter, the agent at the counter told me EV SUV is a special vehicle and it's pre-allocated to my reservation and I can't change it.
Jul 13, 2024, 12:37 am
#1016
Join Date: Jul 2024
Posts: 2
Yes you can. Usually if it’s not a special car (I.e EV, luxury car, Shelby etc) or any car group that says “this model is guaranteed” then you can pick whatever you like in PC. But technically nothing can’t be changed, gate agent usually have more ability to change (I.e. if you booked EV and picked a non-EV from PC and drive to the exit, most cases gate agent don’t care)
Jul 13, 2024, 4:33 am
#1017
Join Date: Jun 2021
Programs: Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold, Wydam Diamond
Posts: 16
Jul 13, 2024, 7:16 pm
#1018
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, Delta PM, HH Gold, Hyatt Diamond, Etihad Gold, Amtrak Select
Posts: 133
How does Upgrade Aisle work as PC with Gold Canopy?
President's Circle member here, and familiar with being able to skip the counter and pick from the PC, 5*, or Gold aisles when booking Midsize (C). However, I have not yet tried picking from the Upgrade Aisle yet.
Does anyone have any experience with this? How does the upgrade work -- is it an additional daily rate on top of the existing rate, or is it a new rate all together? Do I need to return to the counter or do I continue as normal as a PC and meet the gate agent for the upgrade?
There was a post from 2014 that says the Upgrade Aisle is simply a surcharge on top of your current rate (varies depending on vehicle), but would like to confirm. I am always tempted by the upgrade aisle, but often don't have time to wait in line at the counter to switch from PC aisle to an upgrade and/or do not want to be surprised by a super high rate at the gate, especially if it overrides the CDP code I am using. Any guidance would be appreciated!!
Does anyone have any experience with this? How does the upgrade work -- is it an additional daily rate on top of the existing rate, or is it a new rate all together? Do I need to return to the counter or do I continue as normal as a PC and meet the gate agent for the upgrade?
There was a post from 2014 that says the Upgrade Aisle is simply a surcharge on top of your current rate (varies depending on vehicle), but would like to confirm. I am always tempted by the upgrade aisle, but often don't have time to wait in line at the counter to switch from PC aisle to an upgrade and/or do not want to be surprised by a super high rate at the gate, especially if it overrides the CDP code I am using. Any guidance would be appreciated!!
Jul 25, 2024, 9:41 pm
#1019
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: PER
Programs: AA LPLT, SQ Gold, QF, BA, UA, AS NB, Bonvoy LPLT, HH Gold
Posts: 388
Just some advice please - I am PC and usually just grab form the PC zone whatever looks good. (I have noticed they seem to be getting more and more basic in the PC zone and a standard SUV is the best I usually see). I'd definitely missed the bit about paying $25 more per day for a "premium upgrade" - what are people's experience with this is there good options here and is this a dedicated zone (I usually rent DFW or IAH)?
Finally - my most important question in March I need to assure myself of a T6 class car (Large SUV) at DFW for a 10 day rental - as I will be traveling with 5 other guys and we need the space. I've got a T6 booked but don't see anywhere that it says this class is guaranteed on the booking and I'm also wondering if better to just book a standard midsize for $900 (at half the cost) and then just hope for a large SUV when there even if I end up paying a bit more (I can't see them charging me the extra $100 a day at the gate that the current booking is costing)
Appreciate thoughts?
Finally - my most important question in March I need to assure myself of a T6 class car (Large SUV) at DFW for a 10 day rental - as I will be traveling with 5 other guys and we need the space. I've got a T6 booked but don't see anywhere that it says this class is guaranteed on the booking and I'm also wondering if better to just book a standard midsize for $900 (at half the cost) and then just hope for a large SUV when there even if I end up paying a bit more (I can't see them charging me the extra $100 a day at the gate that the current booking is costing)
Appreciate thoughts?
Jul 25, 2024, 9:50 pm
#1020
Join Date: Jun 2021
Programs: Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold, Wydam Diamond
Posts: 16
Just some advice please - I am PC and usually just grab form the PC zone whatever looks good. (I have noticed they seem to be getting more and more basic in the PC zone and a standard SUV is the best I usually see). I'd definitely missed the bit about paying $25 more per day for a "premium upgrade" - what are people's experience with this is there good options here and is this a dedicated zone (I usually rent DFW or IAH)?
Finally - my most important question in March I need to assure myself of a T6 class car (Large SUV) at DFW for a 10 day rental - as I will be traveling with 5 other guys and we need the space. I've got a T6 booked but don't see anywhere that it says this class is guaranteed on the booking and I'm also wondering if better to just book a standard midsize for $900 (at half the cost) and then just hope for a large SUV when there even if I end up paying a bit more (I can't see them charging me the extra $100 a day at the gate that the current booking is costing)
Appreciate thoughts?
Finally - my most important question in March I need to assure myself of a T6 class car (Large SUV) at DFW for a 10 day rental - as I will be traveling with 5 other guys and we need the space. I've got a T6 booked but don't see anywhere that it says this class is guaranteed on the booking and I'm also wondering if better to just book a standard midsize for $900 (at half the cost) and then just hope for a large SUV when there even if I end up paying a bit more (I can't see them charging me the extra $100 a day at the gate that the current booking is costing)
Appreciate thoughts?
if you really need a large SUV than a standard SUV, book the large one. Upgrades are always based on availability so there is a chance that large SUVs are all booked when you arrive. Hope this helps
