Uhm - if I rent a hybrid collection - which group do I pick from at SJC?

Yah that is what I was asking. Not sure why it's so much cheaper for a 'better' car. Assumed it was good to go.

These quirks happen with some frequency. Pre-UC, I can see how they would make sense, in certain cases (i.e. if they're closer to sold out for midsize than fullsize, then fullsize could rationally be cheaper), but in a UC world, really doesn't make sense.

Also, the D category (standard) basically doesn't exist anymore - if you're booking that at a non-UC location, you're almost certainly getting a fullsize. It's really a legacy of there being two-door hardtops in the fleet.

Yah. Works for me though!

Anyone been through RDU recently? Land at 1130am and have the 5-day rental. PC aisle hoping to get something semi nifty.

You'll be assigned a specific car.

If you book anything other than economy thorugh fullsize, you'll be assigned a specific stall.

If you book compact, the board will tell you to go to the compact section. If you book fullsize, the board will tell you to go to the fullsize section. If you book midsize, the board will tell you to go to the [Midsize/]Gold/5*/PC sections, depending on your status level (midsize would be for non-Gold members but of course wouldn't show on the Gold board). If you book anything else, the board will have a specific stall assigned; I believe, though, that as long as whatever you've booked is higher than Group C, you can also choose from the Midsize/Gold/5*/PC sections (depending on your status level) as well.

At least that's my current understanding and assumption.

"Never attribute to malice that which can be attributed to incompetence." -Robert Hanlon on the rental car industry

Most oddities like this are much better explained by rate management departments that have incorrectly programmed their computer systems than by any intentional discrepancies. It's hard-baked into the rental industry's mindset that "bigger is always a more desireable upgrade." After 1.5 decades of experience in and with the industry, I have never once heard anyone in management or rate management or any of the rate management consulting companies or anything ever indicate that pricing a smaller car class higher is ever intentional.

It would take no extra effort on the part of IT to calculate and show all of the prices. It probably has to do with steering you to what they want you to book rather than the least expensive option (as many customers want). It's all about revenue/inventory optimization.

Not sure that is true. As I do 'show me all' and there is ALWAYS A and B. Then it shows different things.

I don't know the intricacies of Hertz's system specifically so can't make a very educated guess on that topic. It's often random and even sometimes includes ICAR/FCAR and other normal, standard classes, not just the specialty stuff, so I don't think it's a "normal query only searches the basic car classes" thing, but there clearly is some reason it happens.

Interesting, because when I do show me all, it definitely does NOT always show me A and B classes.

Maybe people on this thread have some insight to share. I typically rent class G - Premium. My track record has been great with good vehicles, however yesterday I rented at my first Ultimate Choice location and the board directed me to the five star section (as per status). None of the cars there were close to a class G, so I shared my observation of the attendant who said to just take anything I wanted from President's Circle (ended up with a YI Avalon 2k miles). My question is with Ultimate choice would it not just be better for me to rent a intermediate and then pay the $35 for an upgrade? Those upgrade choices always seem to be mid-size luxury sedans or better.

I did the math for my trip next week if Ultimate choice section is lackluster:
Premium G - $78
Intermediate C - $36 + $35 premium upgrade = $71

Any thoughts? Am I missing something or is Hertz encouraging a premium customer to pay less upfront to roll the dice for a decent choice and worst case pay for an upgrade and still spend less?

I'd check the price differential between the ICAR and PCAR at the time of booking. Also keep in mind that it's not just $35. There is all the garbage taxes and fees lopped on top of this, wich at an airport is often around 25%, so it's more like $40-$45 all-in. Also keep in mind that the upgrade is $35 per day and not per rental.

I have 3 UCs in a row coming up. I plan to take 'luxury' something if it exist. I will be photographing where it sits and screen capping the email that says 'take anything from the PC area'.

Not going to deal with some agent that doesn't even know the system they are working in.

Anecdotally, I rented a PCAR at DFW a couple of months ago (after UC was rolled out there) and I was assigned a specific stall (a Q50 3.0). I think they either messed up or ran out of PCARs or something in your case.

Appreciate the anecdote, definitely makes me feel better about my possible experience tomorrow. Will report back if anything "interesting" occurs.

I was discussing this recently with someone, Hertz has a ton of QX80's, Q60's, Q50's, and while not a Infiniti, it is a Nissan, a zillion Rogues.