How do Hertz treat you as an Elite?

[boomy]

Last two years were mostly miserable and I'm sure they lost some of their loyal customers to Avis and Europcar but looks like hertz changed their strategy this year going back to the days of luxury car upgrades and status recognition, which is why I chose them over the competition in the first place.

Recent example: Last week I've booked intermediate (Hyundai Elantra) in MEL with the thought that I'll get to select better one later. My flight was delayed (bloody JQ) and I missed Hertz Choice cutoff (12pm). Went to pick up the car expecting Toyota Corolla or Camry at best and got Audi Q5.
On the way out I said thanks for the generous upgrade and the reply was: "No worries, we take good care of our PC members".

 

[QF WP]

Now I'm wishing I had retained PC, in order to access Hertz Choice

 

[boomy]

Now I'm wishing I had retained PC, in order to access Hertz Choice

No need to be PC, it's offered to 5* as well



Currently live in MEL with BNE and SYD to come next.

 

[QF WP]

Okay, so only likely to use when next in MEL then - May/June for me. I didn't know about it before reading this thread. Will do a little more research

 

[boomy]

Since it's currently live only in MEL I assume Hertz prefer to keep it low profile ATM to not confuse customers.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

As a Europcar VIP, I'm exceptionally underwhelmed ... actually I'd like to say more, but I don't want to be sued.

Uber is nicely filling the gap, but I'll keep an eye on this thread to see how the rollout goes. I still have a PC comp up my sleeve!

 

[QF WP]

I am a lowly 5* and rented from Perth Downtown on Wednesday needing a car to take me to an appt in Bicton then out to the airport. I wasn't sure about using Uber for the Bicton pickup (time to get one out there) so thought a $75 Hire (plus $7.50 petro and using my iPhones GPS to navigate) was worth it.

Upgraded to an Elantra which had a tow bar dent on the top of the boot (no mean feat to achieve). Ran like a dream and delivered to Hertz Airport (QF side). After showing petrol receipt from BP Ascot (~6kms from airport and I had filled to overflowing) the guy walked the car and tapped away on his IPad and had emailed me the receipt by the time I hit the terminal). He was surprised I had only done 65kms in it (in 4 hours), so Uber X cost would have been similar.

 

[madmouse58]

Status: PC
Location: MEL airport
Booked: Suzuki Swift
Received: Audi A4

 

[AdMEL]

Status: PC
Location: MEL airport
Booked: Suzuki Swift
Received: Audi A4

Nice! Was that upgrade using the new swap and go?

 

[madmouse58]

Nice! Was that upgrade using the new swap and go?

yep, that's right. was given the option to "pick any car i want". I pointed towards the R8, and was told "except that".

 

[QF WP]

Status: 5*
Location: NTL airport
Booked: Nissan Qashqai or similar
Received: Mitsuibishi ASX

4 days @ $44.47 on Amex CPD. Cost $201 all up + petrol of $17.50 IIRC (only did 165 kms). I'd forgotten my wallet (first time I've ever done that on a holiday), so had my Office Manager email me my DL (she has copy at work). Worked a treat when I showed the email colour copy.

 

[AdMEL]

Status: 5*
Location: NTL airport
Booked: Nissan Qashqai or similar
Received: Mitsuibishi ASX

4 days @ $44.47 on Amex CPD. Cost $201 all up + petrol of $17.50 IIRC (only did 165 kms). I'd forgotten my wallet (first time I've ever done that on a holiday), so had my Office Manager email me my DL (she has copy at work). Worked a treat when I showed the email colour copy.

Wow, that was lucky! My understanding based on what I've read is that they would not accept a copy of a licence.

 

[Dannyism]

Status: none
Location: PER (VA dom)
Booked: Compact
Received: Audi A4

Status: none
Location: Devonport
Booked: Compact
Received: SUV


I am continually upgraded with Hertz, I should make 5* easily this year with work travel.

 

[QF WP]

Wow, that was lucky! My understanding based on what I've read is that they would not accept a copy of a licence.

They are merely confirming the details in their system (my licence number, expiry date and address) with the details on the real licence (or in my case the copy). In addition, they are looking to see the class and type of licence (so in my case, Open Automatic); against the type of car supplied (so they couldn't try and give me a manual car for example). The final check is that the photo on the licence matched my ugly mug (well it did, apart from the additional grey hairs).

 

[QF WP]

I am continually upgraded with Hertz, I should make 5* easily this year with work travel.

Why haven't you opted to trigger the automatic Presidents Circle membership through your VA Platinum status?

https://www.velocityfrequentflyer.com/content/ProgramBenefits/TermsConditions/#comppartnermembership

 

[Dannyism]

Why haven't you opted to trigger the automatic Presidents Circle membership through your VA Platinum status?

https://www.velocityfrequentflyer.com/content/ProgramBenefits/TermsConditions/#comppartnermembership

When I got gold VA in 2014 or 2015 I used the automatic 5* and only used it a once or twice and wasn't impressed at all.

I've recently started working in a role that has a lot more travel (5 months ago) so I'm still figuring out the best way of doing things. I was thinking about earning 5* Hertz and activating complimentary Europecar status. I don't know.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I was thinking about earning 5* Hertz and activating complimentary Europecar status. I don't know.

I'm a Europcar VIP elite and I can tell you I just don't bother with them anymore. Of late it's cough upgrades, expensive rates (even with 15% discount code) and often fighting with them to refund stolen money (bullcrap fuel and additional day scams are common, not to mention their forte ... charging for non existent damage or existing damage). I just booked another two day hire with Hertz, even though I'm Hertz base (gold plus or whatever it's called) and I also have a Hertz PC comp up my sleeve, but with Uber rates, I'm finding I just don't need it at the moment. Park your VA comp status 'till it's needed is my advice. Unless you are a very understanding and patient person who doesn't mind being ripped off, I'd advise letting Europcar slide from your decision making nodes!

 

[Dannyism]

I'm a Europcar VIP elite and I can tell you I just don't bother with them anymore. Of late it's cough upgrades, expensive rates (even with 15% discount code) and often fighting with them to refund stolen money (bullcrap fuel and additional day scams are common, not to mention their forte ... charging for non existent damage or existing damage). I just booked another two day hire with Hertz, even though I'm Hertz base (gold plus or whatever it's called) and I also have a Hertz PC comp up my sleeve, but with Uber rates, I'm finding I just don't need it at the moment. Park your VA comp status 'till it's needed is my advice. Unless you are a very understanding and patient person who doesn't mind being ripped off, I'd advise letting Europcar slide from your decision making nodes!

Thanks for your advice. I'll hang onto my PC comp 'til I need it.

 

[madmouse58]

Status: PC
Location: CNS
Booked: Premium (SV6)
Received: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Status: PC
Location: CNS
Booked: Mid-Sized SUV (Rav-4)
Received: Holden Colorado 7

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Status: PC
Location: CNS
Booked: Premium (SV6)
Received: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

What did you think of this one? If I booked an SV6, I would be disappointed with a Pajero.