Consolidated "Renting at ATL; What Kind of Cars to Expect?" Thread
#151
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
#152
Join Date: Feb 2021
Posts: 10
Picked up today (2/15) and there wasnt much of a selection in PC, probably about 15 cars total for all three levels. A handful of SUVs (lots of Kia Sorentos, a Chevy Equinox, a GMC Terrain, a Ford Escape), one convertible Mustang, and some other entry level mediocre sedans. Got stuck with the Terrain that has 60k miles and expired Sirius XM and the line took about 30 minutes to get through. They had several higher end cars reserved (Ranger Rovers, Jaguars, etc).
#154
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: JAX/St Augustine, FL
Programs: Delta Plat, Southwest RR, HHonors Diamond, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 522
Managed to talk my way into a Dodge Challenger GT with 6,000 miles on the odometer for a quick one day trip. Fun to drive; not the most comfortable seats. PC, FS and gold were all empty. Plenty of cars in the return aisle on Saturday morning awaiting cleaning.
Tried smooth talking my way into a BMW sedan or SUV. But the keys were missing for one and the other was already on a contract.
Tried smooth talking my way into a BMW sedan or SUV. But the keys were missing for one and the other was already on a contract.
#157
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: KATL
Programs: DL, WN, AA, Marriott, Hertz, National, Chic-fil-A
Posts: 234
Just picked up a midsize SUV for the week today at 12:30p. The lot looked exactly like the photos a few posts earlier- barren and empty. I have Pres Circle status and my name wasnt on the board so I waited at the Gold desk for 10 minutes and got issued a Ford Edge with 33k miles that smelled like an ashtray. There were literally no other midsize SUVs available. Only Rogues and Expeditions. Itll do for a week and then Ill be rid of it. Felt kinda bad since there were some folks waiting on cars they clearly didnt have to give out.
#158
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,664
Just picked up a midsize SUV for the week today at 12:30p. The lot looked exactly like the photos a few posts earlier- barren and empty. I have Pres Circle status and my name wasnt on the board so I waited at the Gold desk for 10 minutes and got issued a Ford Edge with 33k miles that smelled like an ashtray. There were literally no other midsize SUVs available. Only Rogues and Expeditions. Itll do for a week and then Ill be rid of it. Felt kinda bad since there were some folks waiting on cars they clearly didnt have to give out.
#159
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 2
We're flying down to ATL on Friday around noon. Thinking about booking a large premium car (Group G). From what I understand, we could either choose the car they provide or pick from the Gold Status cars. Is that correct?
From the horror stories I've read recently with the wait times and no cars, I'm thinking it may be worth it to at least have a car set aside for us.
From the horror stories I've read recently with the wait times and no cars, I'm thinking it may be worth it to at least have a car set aside for us.
#160
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: AUS
Posts: 281
We're flying down to ATL on Friday around noon. Thinking about booking a large premium car (Group G). From what I understand, we could either choose the car they provide or pick from the Gold Status cars. Is that correct?
From the horror stories I've read recently with the wait times and no cars, I'm thinking it may be worth it to at least have a car set aside for us.
From the horror stories I've read recently with the wait times and no cars, I'm thinking it may be worth it to at least have a car set aside for us.
The car class you book is unlikely to affect your luck in a low inventory situation though - they generally assign you a vehicle an hour or so before your reservation, and when they're low on cars they seem to mostly give up on car classes and just focus on getting each customer something with wheels.
#161
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 2
Just wanted to update this with our experience last week.
Reserved a Premium Large Sedan
Flight got in around 12 on Friday 12/16, reserved the car for 12:30.
Name was on the board, but rather than a spot being reserved it said President's Circle
There were probably 6 cars in President's circle - from what I remember there was an Altima, an Equinox, and a few other mid size SUVs. While we were trying to figure out what to take a guy pulled up in an Infiniti Q50 and that's what we ended up taking.
The lot was pretty bare, but I was excited to get a car without any sort of wait during a prime time at the airport.
Reserved a Premium Large Sedan
Flight got in around 12 on Friday 12/16, reserved the car for 12:30.
Name was on the board, but rather than a spot being reserved it said President's Circle
There were probably 6 cars in President's circle - from what I remember there was an Altima, an Equinox, and a few other mid size SUVs. While we were trying to figure out what to take a guy pulled up in an Infiniti Q50 and that's what we ended up taking.
The lot was pretty bare, but I was excited to get a car without any sort of wait during a prime time at the airport.
#162
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 7
Finally on my way back to Dallas after my horrible American Airlines experience (delayed over a day). Hertz experience is much better than AA. Like I said earlier I booked a P6 (Escalade) and my name is not on the board when I was there. And there is only two P6 left. One QX80 that someone took. And an 18 Escalade thats what I got. Even though it is 18 but it is in really good shape compared to the 19 I had in DEN. everything works and it even has rear monitor. Only 24k miles and seems like a used car just purchased by Hertz. Since it still has dealers sticker. Unfortunately I didnt find any 21 Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade from Hertz. There are some 20 camaro SS, and a bunch of boring car. The lot is a little bit empty, I dont have a chance to look at UC zone. I will take a look if I come here next time
#163
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Milwaukee WI
Programs: MR Gold
Posts: 20
Oct 26 2021 Four Day Rental PC
Arrived around 7 PM on a Monday night and the PC had about 12 cars total.
I got a very nice Chrysler 300 S model in white.
Was next to a very larger Nissan Armada
There were a few Nissan Altimas available too.
I forgot to take a picture.
I got a very nice Chrysler 300 S model in white.
Was next to a very larger Nissan Armada
There were a few Nissan Altimas available too.
I forgot to take a picture.
#164
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
#165
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,664