Hertz and AAA

[connorlevismom]

We are thinking of getting a AAA membership because of all the travel deals they seem to have. I have a couple of questions though. We own DVC and will be in MCO every year. Is the Hertz discount any better than you can get anywhere else? We will need a mini-van this next trip...is there a way to use the upgrade to get a mini-van? Also, has anyone used the free car seat deal? Are they decent seats or should I just lug my own? Sorry for so many questions!

Kristine

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Kristine: There was time when I felt that I got very good car rental deals uisng the AAA discount at Hertz, but it doesn't seem to be true any more. Now, I only use Hertz/AAA when I need to add additional drivers who are also AAA members since this is often cheaper then paying for extra drivers.

Also, Hertz is not my favorite at MCO becuase it is off-site, so you have to take a bus to get to your car. I have used Avis and National instead because they are in the airport, even though I am Hertz Gold and usually love the conveneince of having a car parked under my name.

So, while I love my AAA membership, I wouldn't join just to get discounts at Hertz at MCO.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[imallset]

I have the AAA membership and have researched the rates for rentals. I found that I could find much cheaper rates online, either thru multiple travel sites, or on the actual car sites using their online specials. I did find however, that I had to actually put in each code to see what the best rate was, as the "weekly florida rate special" sometimes was more expensive than other discount codes offered. I finally went with Alamo for a 9 day rental using the prepay code where you do not have to stand in line to check in, you check in online, get your documents and when at MCO you go to your car and check in at the booth when you drive out, as this was very convenient for my family who doesnt want to stand around the airport waiting for what can sometimes take forever!
Best of luck to you!

 

[safetymom]

I belong to AAA and use Hertz all the time. At MCO the shuttle bus is always waiting outside and the lot is about 5 mins away. I also use coupon codes to be able to upgrade the car. Be sure to sign up for the #1 Club because then you can bypass the desk. They are open 24 hours a day.

When you go to return the car do curbside check in with your luggage and then return the car. Then you don't have to worry about lugging it on the bus.

I highly recommend Hertz. We found it faster and easier to use them than National at the airport. We were driving away in less than 10 mins.

Cars are kept in great shape also.