Help Quick! Re:Hertz- Is AAA giving me a bum steer?

[froze nose]

We are leaving 1/27 for Orlando, and just reserved a car from Hertz through AAA. I expressed my concern to the AAA agent that Hertz is off site from the airport and requires a shuttle, eating up our valuable vacation time. She told me it she hasn't heard any complaints, and that most people liked getting away from the airport as soon as possible. She said that best rates AAA could get were through Hertz. It came out to about $20 savings over one other rental company she looked up, by using a coupon through AAA. It will cost around $145 for a seven day rental. She talked me into booking Hertz, and is sending my confirmation in the mail. I didn't have to give any credit card # for this reservation, just my name, flight #, and arrival time. I gave this agent my credit card information when I bought my Disney passes last week, however. Does that matter?

How much time is using Hertz going to take versus using an on-site rental company? Am I really saving money by using them? I feel like I am being pushed into using Hertz. She gave me some song and dance about how AAA would give me extra insurance coverage if I used Hertz but not with another company. I already own car insurance. How much do I really need? I know they are the AAA preferred provider, but do other companies offer AAA discounts? If I am a no-show at Hertz, will I get stuck with charges anyway?

My sister just told me that when she was at the Orlando airport renting a car last week, there was a huge line for the rental company that she had a reservation with, with the other lines virtually empty. She approached one of those clerks and asked if they would match the rate of company she had the reservation with, and they did. Should I do this and just forget the shuttle for the Hertz rental? I have never rented a car at an airport before. Help please! Thanks!

 

[minnieears]

The Hertz shuttle service at the Orlando airport is very efficient. We rented a car from them last March and were very pleased with how fast we got from the airport to the car lot to being on our way to the hotel. Also, we've found that Hertz cars (especially in Orlando) are new or at least, very well-maintained.

My brother-in-law got better rates from Payless car rental and ended up "paying" for it in other ways; he had problems with the minivan and wasted time getting a different one. Even then, his minivan was old and dirty.

I think you'll be happy with Hertz.

We're going back to Orlando this March for our annual Spring Break trip but I have reservations with Budget instead of Hertz because I haven't found good rates with them yet...(not a AAA member). Hertz's Freedom Rates are good deals...they just haven't post them for Orando, March timeframe yet.

Good luck.

 

[safetymom]

Hertz is great at MCO. The shuttles are always waiting and the lot is a quick ride away. When you go to return the car do curbside check in at the airport first and then return the car.

We found them quicker than National onsite. We were driving out of the lot in less than 10 mins.

AAA usually has the best deals on rentals also with Hertz.

 

[froze nose]

Thanks for the reassurance. How do you do curbside check in? How early do we need to be at the airport? Any other advice/opinions out there? Thank you!!

 

[safetymom]

When you get to the airport drive the car to the outside counter of your airline. They will take your luggage and issue your boarding passes. If you are traveling with family just show the skycap your ID and then you can return the car while the family waits for the boarding passes.

Then you return the car and meet up with your family in the airport.

 

[CarolA]

I use Hertz all the time at MCO. I have only waited on a shuttle one time and I would estimate that was less then 5 minutes.

Cars are in good shape.

 

[sanibelover]

We used Hertz in Nov. - got a great rate on a Mustang. The shuttle was very efficient and if you join Hertz #1 Gold (Check out www.mousesavers.com for a link to join for free) your car is waiting with the keys in it - no checking in,etc. Drop off was extremely efficient. Just don't use the gas station across for Herts in Orlando - way expensive!!! Believe it or not, the gas was much cheaper at the stations on Disney property.

Another suggestion - check out the Hertz website for special rates, etc. When we went, the AAA discount was the best I could get (from any rental car agency, and I cheked and rechecked!!!) - right now there is also a coupon code for $20 off (like you were told). I booked myself with the AAA code from our regional AAA (ours is 007) along with the coupon code from the Hertz site, and the rate was amazing.

 

[sanibelover]

Don't know what size vehicle you requested, but I just checked Hertz for a full size (Ford Taurus or similar)for 7 days starting 1/27 and the total was $149.15 using CDP# 007 and coupon #958694.

 

[jl3614]

We used Hertz at MCO our last trip. The bus as waiting for us both coming from the airport and returning - so we had zero wait time. It is about a 10 minute drive to Hertz. The checkout line was not bad - maybe 15 minutes. Checking back in is computerized - they take your mileage, check that the car is full of gas and print out a receipt for you with a hand held computer - all of this is done in the parking area - you then go directly to the shuttle. It is very simple. I would recommend Hertz.

That said I'd suggest checking around. For our dates this year - 4/2 - 4/9, Hertz AAA rate was not the lowest. We got a midsize car from Budget for $145 (Budget is at the airport), we could have had a midsize from Thrifty (located right next to Hertz) for $140. Hertz rate was just over $200. Remember to ask for a AAA rate at any agency you are checking. Most agencies will give 5 - 10% discount for AAA, Hertz discount is usually 15 - 20%, but some times there base rate before the discount is considerably higher.

Have a good trip.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

You might try checking through Orbitz just to get a quick comparison check of the big names (Avis, Hertz, Budget, Enterprise, Thrifty). I like using Hertz because for the most part the fees fall in the category of what you see is what you get. Other than Enterprise the others have been the same way for me in the past. Payless will try to nickel and dime you to make up for the low rate.

If you switch to an onsite service just make sure to get in line for your car before you go to pick up your luggage (or split up to do it). Most people will race to wait for the luggage... I've managed to walk right up to the counter using this little trick whereas people who waited for their luggage come down to the rental area en masse.

 

[dvc guy]

Hertz is # 1 for good reason

 

[safetymom]

Shuttle takes about 5 mins to reach the lot.

 

[Ahrizel]

The rate isn't bad, if it includes all the taxes and fees(they add on around 25% to the total) it's a very good rate. As for the insurance part, if your car insurance covers rentals, then they're coverage doesn't matter. Check to see if you regular insurance covers it and bring your car with you many companies want proof of insurance. Shuttles can be a pain, but Hertz does have a good rep. If you just don't show you are going to pay some charges-your contract will tell you what it is. I presonally like to check rates out online myself, very nosy, well the dh usually does the car research. Maybe it's the best, don't know. Shuttles can be pain if you're going with kids. I prefer to rent onsite, it's really easier, but if the price is right I would certainly shuttle. Just check out the car rates yourself to make sure the deal is good.

 

[froze nose]

Thanks for all of your advice and help! ttfn!!