Mar 29, 2017, 6:02 am
Last edit by: FlyinHawaiian
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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
Dec 31, 2018, 12:25 pm
#571
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 157
How does 5* upgrading work at LAS?
Am new to Hertz 5* via a status match. Had a lot of problems with their website (eg didnt work at all or charged a lot more when logged in as opposed to a guest booking etc) but finally got it to work and reserved a fullsize FCAR at LAS. lnstruction say to look for my name on the board, go to the designated space and pick up the car.
Does anyone know whether the designated car is upgraded automatically or whether you have to ask for an upgrade? Also, what if you dont like the designated car, can you choose another one from the FCAR aisle?
Thanks for the help and Happy New Year.
Does anyone know whether the designated car is upgraded automatically or whether you have to ask for an upgrade? Also, what if you dont like the designated car, can you choose another one from the FCAR aisle?
Thanks for the help and Happy New Year.
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Dec 31, 2018 at 8:00 pm Reason: Moved into existing thread
Dec 31, 2018, 2:53 pm
#572
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 347
Las Vegas is an "Ultimate Choice" location, so you choose your own car.
As long as you have an intermediate or higher reservation (which you now do), when you arrive, your name will be on the board, and will say "Gold" "5 star" or "PC". You head to that section, and pick out a car yourself. You can also choose from any "lower" section; for instance, if you're a 5-star, you could also choose a car out of Gold without any extra steps.
On the very off chance you don't see a full size availabe, you can ask at the desk and they'll direct you to a specific space for one.
They'll also have a row of paid upgrades (very often Infinitis) available for $25 or $35 a day, depending on your status. If you take one of those, the rate will automatically be changed at the exit gate.
Two more thoughts: if this is your very first rental as a Hertz Gold, you'll have to go to the desk so they can check your drivers license, credit card, etc. When you arrive, your name either wont be on the board, or it'll direct you to the desk.
If you're expecting a complimentary upgrade on the basis of status, you probably shouldn't hold your breath for anything great. While it's theoretically possible you'll find something nice on the aisle, it's more likely you'll just have the chance to pick an "F6" (fullsize + leather), or some kind of crossover/SUV, and that will count as your "upgrade".
As long as you have an intermediate or higher reservation (which you now do), when you arrive, your name will be on the board, and will say "Gold" "5 star" or "PC". You head to that section, and pick out a car yourself. You can also choose from any "lower" section; for instance, if you're a 5-star, you could also choose a car out of Gold without any extra steps.
On the very off chance you don't see a full size availabe, you can ask at the desk and they'll direct you to a specific space for one.
They'll also have a row of paid upgrades (very often Infinitis) available for $25 or $35 a day, depending on your status. If you take one of those, the rate will automatically be changed at the exit gate.
Two more thoughts: if this is your very first rental as a Hertz Gold, you'll have to go to the desk so they can check your drivers license, credit card, etc. When you arrive, your name either wont be on the board, or it'll direct you to the desk.
If you're expecting a complimentary upgrade on the basis of status, you probably shouldn't hold your breath for anything great. While it's theoretically possible you'll find something nice on the aisle, it's more likely you'll just have the chance to pick an "F6" (fullsize + leather), or some kind of crossover/SUV, and that will count as your "upgrade".
Dec 31, 2018, 8:34 pm
#573
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 157
Las Vegas is an "Ultimate Choice" location, so you choose your own car.
As long as you have an intermediate or higher reservation (which you now do), when you arrive, your name will be on the board, and will say "Gold" "5 star" or "PC". You head to that section, and pick out a car yourself. You can also choose from any "lower" section; for instance, if you're a 5-star, you could also choose a car out of Gold without any extra steps.
On the very off chance you don't see a full size availabe, you can ask at the desk and they'll direct you to a specific space for one.
They'll also have a row of paid upgrades (very often Infinitis) available for $25 or $35 a day, depending on your status. If you take one of those, the rate will automatically be changed at the exit gate.
Two more thoughts: if this is your very first rental as a Hertz Gold, you'll have to go to the desk so they can check your drivers license, credit card, etc. When you arrive, your name either wont be on the board, or it'll direct you to the desk.
If you're expecting a complimentary upgrade on the basis of status, you probably shouldn't hold your breath for anything great. While it's theoretically possible you'll find something nice on the aisle, it's more likely you'll just have the chance to pick an "F6" (fullsize + leather), or some kind of crossover/SUV, and that will count as your "upgrade".
As long as you have an intermediate or higher reservation (which you now do), when you arrive, your name will be on the board, and will say "Gold" "5 star" or "PC". You head to that section, and pick out a car yourself. You can also choose from any "lower" section; for instance, if you're a 5-star, you could also choose a car out of Gold without any extra steps.
On the very off chance you don't see a full size availabe, you can ask at the desk and they'll direct you to a specific space for one.
They'll also have a row of paid upgrades (very often Infinitis) available for $25 or $35 a day, depending on your status. If you take one of those, the rate will automatically be changed at the exit gate.
Two more thoughts: if this is your very first rental as a Hertz Gold, you'll have to go to the desk so they can check your drivers license, credit card, etc. When you arrive, your name either wont be on the board, or it'll direct you to the desk.
If you're expecting a complimentary upgrade on the basis of status, you probably shouldn't hold your breath for anything great. While it's theoretically possible you'll find something nice on the aisle, it's more likely you'll just have the chance to pick an "F6" (fullsize + leather), or some kind of crossover/SUV, and that will count as your "upgrade".
Jan 1, 2019, 7:02 am
#574
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,696
Yes, Ultimate Choice is supposed to give you upgrades in your designated section that you can choose from. Look at the dedicated thread for LAS to see what cars are typically available.
Jan 10, 2019, 3:25 am
#575
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 2
Hi, I'm a President's Circle Hertz member but I've never used UC before. I'm going to book a car in SFO for few days, and I would like a SUV. It can be a Mid-size or Standard, I don't care since I will be drivig with a just one passenger.
I would love to try UC. I read a lot of posts but I'm still not sure if I will get access to UC, I can book:
Standard SUV (Group L) SFAR
Intermediate SUV (Group Q4) IFAR
Standard SUV is slightly cheaper - but will I still get UC access?
I would love to try UC. I read a lot of posts but I'm still not sure if I will get access to UC, I can book:
Standard SUV (Group L) SFAR
Intermediate SUV (Group Q4) IFAR
Standard SUV is slightly cheaper - but will I still get UC access?
Jan 10, 2019, 11:50 am
#576
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Skymiles GM, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, National EE, Hertz 5*
Posts: 383
Hi, I'm a President's Circle Hertz member but I've never used UC before. I'm going to book a car in SFO for few days, and I would like a SUV. It can be a Mid-size or Standard, I don't care since I will be drivig with a just one passenger.
I would love to try UC. I read a lot of posts but I'm still not sure if I will get access to UC, I can book:
Standard SUV (Group L) SFAR
Intermediate SUV (Group Q4) IFAR
Standard SUV is slightly cheaper - but will I still get UC access?
I would love to try UC. I read a lot of posts but I'm still not sure if I will get access to UC, I can book:
Standard SUV (Group L) SFAR
Intermediate SUV (Group Q4) IFAR
Standard SUV is slightly cheaper - but will I still get UC access?
If you absolutely need to guarantee getting an SUV, pay for the SUV rate. But generally, in PC I think the chances are very high you'll get an SUV.
Jan 14, 2019, 9:32 am
#577
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 2
Book at least an ICAR and you can access all of the aisles labeled President's Circle, 5 Star and Gold areas. If you see your desired SUV in any of those zones, you can drive off in that SUV at the ICAR price (you can also ask if they'd get you one for a PC member).
If you absolutely need to guarantee getting an SUV, pay for the SUV rate. But generally, in PC I think the chances are very high you'll get an SUV.
If you absolutely need to guarantee getting an SUV, pay for the SUV rate. But generally, in PC I think the chances are very high you'll get an SUV.
I'll do that.
Jan 14, 2019, 6:50 pm
#578
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Programs: Qantas FF Bronze
Posts: 206
I'm a Hertz PC member. Made two reservations for later this week, and for some reason, both are showing as "Standard Service", meaning I'd have to go to the counter.
I recently switched my credit card in my profile - is that the likely reason?
And in any case: If I have to visit the counter, will I still be able to use the Ultimate Choice lots, or does counter always mean I get a specific car assigned?
I recently switched my credit card in my profile - is that the likely reason?
And in any case: If I have to visit the counter, will I still be able to use the Ultimate Choice lots, or does counter always mean I get a specific car assigned?
For my next rental, I have just signed up to become a Hertz Gold Member.
As this will be my first rental as a Hertz Member, I assume I will need to visit the counter at collection (San Diego Airport location).
Does pre-payment at the time of booking (compared to paying at the counter), have any affect on Ultimate Choice selection?
Thank you.
Jan 15, 2019, 6:58 am
#579
Company Representative - AutoSlash and HotelSlash
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: autoslash.com | hotelslash.com
Posts: 5,658
If I can ask a similar question with additional ignorance;
For my next rental, I have just signed up to become a Hertz Gold Member.
As this will be my first rental as a Hertz Member, I assume I will need to visit the counter at collection (San Diego Airport location).
Does pre-payment at the time of booking (compared to paying at the counter), have any affect on Ultimate Choice selection?
Thank you.
For my next rental, I have just signed up to become a Hertz Gold Member.
As this will be my first rental as a Hertz Member, I assume I will need to visit the counter at collection (San Diego Airport location).
Does pre-payment at the time of booking (compared to paying at the counter), have any affect on Ultimate Choice selection?
Thank you.
Pre-payment does not preclude you from being able to use Ultimate Choice, assuming you prepaid when logged into your Gold Plus Rewards account at Hertz.com.
Jan 15, 2019, 8:12 pm
#580
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Programs: Qantas FF Bronze
Posts: 206
They can scan your credit card at the exit booth instead of the counter. You should be able to grab a vehicle from Ultimate Choice and proceed to the exit gate.
Pre-payment does not preclude you from being able to use Ultimate Choice, assuming you prepaid when logged into your Gold Plus Rewards account at Hertz.com.
Pre-payment does not preclude you from being able to use Ultimate Choice, assuming you prepaid when logged into your Gold Plus Rewards account at Hertz.com.
Jan 19, 2019, 11:04 pm
#582
Company Representative - AutoSlash and HotelSlash
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: autoslash.com | hotelslash.com
Posts: 5,658
The way UC works is that you can book at least a midsize (intermediate) car (meaning anything except an economy or compact car) and then pick anything from the UC section. Note though that if you are just a regular Gold member, then you cannot pick from the PC or Five Star sections. Those are reserved for members who have achieved those status levels. Not sure what would happen if you tried. You'd likely either be sent back to the section you were supposed to choose from or charged an upgrade fee.
Jan 20, 2019, 12:12 am
#583
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,147
I did a full loop of the SFO lot a few days ago. PC has one or two SUV which is what it normally has, but nothing special. But the Gold area was wall-to-wall SUVs and pickup trucks of many sizes. If you don't find something you like in PC, definitely take the walk over to the other areas - just be aware that they are several rows away from the PC area (with "reserved" areas in the between)
Jan 21, 2019, 9:04 pm
#584
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 53
Hi, I’ve booked a one-way rental from Orlando to Washington DC for 11 days in April.
I need a car that can fit 3 suitcases, so have booked a standard SUV. The rates have changed on the mid/full size to be around the same price so not going to risk changing to something smaller hoping for an upgrade.
I’m a PC member courtesy of status match but this is my first Hertz rental using it. A couple of questions –
Thanks !
I need a car that can fit 3 suitcases, so have booked a standard SUV. The rates have changed on the mid/full size to be around the same price so not going to risk changing to something smaller hoping for an upgrade.
I’m a PC member courtesy of status match but this is my first Hertz rental using it. A couple of questions –
- My reservation says “Customer not registered for gold service at this location” and “Service Type: Counter”. I’m assuming that is because they need to do an ID check etc for the first time ?
- MCO is an Ultimate Choice location, I assume that given I have booked an SUV one of these will be “reserved” or I can pick anything I like from the PC area?
- Do I pick the car first then go to the counter (or other way round?)
- Any tips for getting a ‘nice’ ride? I have some time so can wait around for something good given I’m going to be doing a lot of miles. Had a great Audi Q5 for my last rental from Hertz in Aus was a perfect size/drive
Thanks !
Jan 22, 2019, 11:00 pm
#585
Company Representative - AutoSlash and HotelSlash
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: autoslash.com | hotelslash.com
Posts: 5,658
Yes, you can certainly stalk the aisle for as long as you like. At a high volume location like MCO there is a fair amount of turnover. We've had some success asking the lot attendants to pull a vehicle from elsewhere and assign it to the PC section. Keep in mind though that while you can ask for anything, your request should be reasonable. Asking to have a nice Infiniti Q60 moved to PC is reasonable. Asking to have the Maserati Quattroporte assigned is likely not. Sometimes a bit of "appreciation" can also work, but again, be reasonable.