Car rental upgrades?

[maninthebox]

I am trying to reserve a car for our trip in August, and I have the Entertainment book which has several coupons for the different rental car companies. There are several coupons that offer free upgrades, but it would appear that most of them are not guaranteed. My concern is that I will reserve a smaller car expecting the upgrade and will be denied at the counter - then end up with a car that is too small for my family.

What is everyone's experience with these coupons, and has anyone ever been denied their upgrade?

 

[safetymom]

If you really need the larger car then rent that size. Usually the difference in price between two classes is not that much. It isn't worth being squished trying to save $10-20.

It also depends on what time of the day you are flying your success in getting the upgrade.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Like safetymom, I reserve the car size I want, not what I want to upgrade to. Having said that, I have used coupons before successfully. It is often easier to upgrade to a premium or luxury car -- those seem the hardest to rent (obviously, since they are the most expensive), so the company usually has them hanging around more often.

A lot depends on the time of day you arrive, day of the week, etc.

Best bet: call ahead and ask about availability, restrictions, etc.

 

[mcnuss]

It is often easier to upgrade to a premium or luxury car -- those seem the hardest to rent

I agree wholeheartedly, this is the strategy we use too.

Last year, I needed a car somewhere (can't remember where!) and reserved a full size or whatever was just below premium. I had my coupon and lo-and-behold, I was upgraded to a Volvo wagon. Very nice indeed!

Our last 2 trips to WDW, did the same thing, and was offered pretty much my choice of car. Both times we took a Ford Explorer which was nice for the luggage, but with gas prices what they are now, would not be my choice today!

 

[safetymom]

I reserve full size with Hertz and have been upgraded many times to a Grand Marquis or better. One time I got the Lincoln LS. I hated to give that car back.

 

[Lewisc]

Some travel books tell you to reserve an economy car, chances are it won't be available and you'll get a free upgrade to a larger car. NOT IN ORLANDO. There are plenty of compact and economy cars available. I agree if you book a full size car you have a decent chance of an upgrade but don't count on going to a full size car from a compact. The rental car agencies are doing a better job matching their inventory to rental reservations.

Some of the coupons offer a guarantee upgrade. Frequently you can EITHER use a coupon for an extra $15-$20 discount OR a free 1 or 2 class guaranteed upgrade.
They are "creative" with car classifications. Even a full size car might not be as big as you expect.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by Lewisc
They are "creative" with car classifications. Even a full size car might not be as big as you expect.

That is a very good point! Some rental car web sites offer "suggestions" on how many people & how much luggage you can reasonably expect to fit into various sizes of cars. I highly recommend checking these out before reserving a car. Nothing can spoil a vacation faster than being cramped in a car that is too small.

 

[maninthebox]

Thanks for all the info. After reading all the advice we are going to reserve a full-size and hopefully upgrade to a premium.