Hertz changes Presidents Circle benefits and lowers requal levels.

[markis10]

Faster Points Earning: Earn an extra 25% bonus points on all your Hertz rentals.
President’s Circle Bonus: Receive 600 bonus points for every 15 rentals that you make as a President’s Circle member.
Free Upgrades: Enjoy one-car-class upgrades guaranteed (to a maximum of a Full-Size car).
Faster Status: Retain your President’s Circle status by renting only 20 times per year.
Quicker Pick-up: You can save time by skipping the counter and picking up your car from Gold Plus Rewards priority bays.
Speedy Returns: Returns are also faster and easier than ever with Hertz Instant Return.
Quicker Rewards: Claim rewards when you book and see your points balance online.
Carfirmations: Mobile alerts sent straight to your phone with information specific to your booking, so you’re always informed.
Extra Driver: Include an additional driver at no extra cost.
More Points: Earn points in more countries.

http://hertzus-emlink.brierleycrm.com/default.aspx?uid=m4H65JD6p&SerialNumber=16792489

 

[boomy]

Very bad news.
The thing I loved the most about this program was the best class upgrade. I guess no more booking Camry and getting prestige car. And now can only dream about getting any cool cars upgrades, like the Toyota 86.

 

[markis10]

Very bad news.
The thing I loved the most about this program was the best class upgrade. I guess no more booking Camry and getting prestige car. And now can only dream about getting any cool cars upgrades, like the Toyota 86.

One class upgrades have been a feature since 2006, so there is no change there, it doesn't stop an outlet giving you a much better car should it suit, just don't expect it.

 

[boomy]

One class upgrades have been a feature since 2006, so there is no change there, it doesn't stop an outlet giving you a much better car should it suit, just don't expect it.

Sorry, my bad. When I became PC (in 2008 I think) I asked the staff at Hertz SYD about the new benefits and was told I will receive "best class" upgrades. Since I've been getting more then one class upgrades almost every time, I never bothered to check if this was an official benefit.
Funny to read about the new benefit of retaining PC "only" after 20 rentals as I heard a few stories from people who barely used hertz in their membership year and still manage to retain PC.

 

[markis10]

Sorry, my bad. When I became PC (in 2008 I think) I asked the staff at Hertz SYD about the new benefits and was told I will receive "best class" upgrades. Since I've been getting more then one class upgrades almost every time, I never bothered to check if this was an official benefit.
Funny to read about the new benefit of retaining PC "only" after 20 rentals as I heard a few stories from people who barely used hertz in their membership year and still manage to retain PC.

A couple of branches do believe in run of house upgrades, I have been the benefit of Sydney's policy more than once.

 

[bass_ke]

It'll be interesting to see what Europcar comes out with in regard to updates, I'm still sitting on the fence but the need to rent a couple of times in the US may switch me to hertz

 

[QF WP]

Wow, I thought that I'd drop from Pres Circle to 5* after last year (given it was the VA Plat offer), but it appears not .

 

[markis10]

In the past they have been like Hilton, dropping in April.

 

[QF WP]

Good, that gives me 12 months of membership then ...

 

[QF WP]

Today I finally got my letter and pack from Pres Circle on the "Gold Plus Rewards". Finally, a Pres Circle card - they do exist!

They use the word "improvements" in the letter, but they lapse into that dreaded word "enhancement" in the pack .

 

[boomy]

Today I finally got my letter and pack from Pres Circle on the "Gold Plus Rewards". Finally, a Pres Circle card - they do exist!

That's cool! I had no idea there is such a card. One more piece of plastic to add to already full wallet
So far my experience as PC in Australia is very underwhelming. It seems like the Hertz staff don't really recognise this status and I'm always addressed as Gold

 

[markis10]

That's cool! I had no idea there is such a card. One more piece of plastic to add to already full wallet
So far my experience as PC in Australia is very underwhelming. It seems like the Hertz staff don't really recognise this status and I'm always addressed as Gold

Its an odd card, doesn't have any dates on it, just name and number.

 

[boomy]

Its an odd card, doesn't have any dates on it, just name and number.

It actually make sense, considering that once you reach PC you will hardly ever loose it

 

[markis10]

It actually make sense, considering that once you reach PC you will hardly ever loose it

It was recently put back to 20 from 30 rentals per year and I can assure you it's easy to lose in the past, which is why I have cards rather than card.

 

[QF WP]

That's cool! I had no idea there is such a card. One more piece of plastic to add to already full wallet
So far my experience as PC in Australia is very underwhelming

Prepare to be further underwhelmed:

Its an odd card, doesn't have any dates on it, just name and number.

Just as he said. Nothing much on the back - signature panel and Hertz contact details. Would have been nice to have 2014 emblazoned on it somewhere.

 

[bass_ke]

It's the most flimsy card I've ever had!

 

[Intra]

It's the most flimsy card I've ever had!

I'm with you on that one - Not to mention one card that has been left behind on most trips, all they need to see is my Drivers Licence when I'm doing the express pick up at the counter of keys. I'm off to ROK tomorrow, can't be bothered packing this "shinny new" card for when I pick up my rental

 

[QF WP]

Definitely a waste when I have been told by Hertz that I don't need to show my PC card, only my licence on the way out...

 

[Sprucegoose]

My expectations are low with this scheme. I am still happy....

 

[boomy]

Got the new card last night. It's not only ugly but also very thin. Looks and feels more like a temporary card to keep until the nice one arrives.
So far I'm not happy with this year's "enhancements". Maybe it's my bad luck but I definitely get less prestige car upgrades this year compared to previous years.