Hertz??

[boxer]

Rented from Alamo for years now--but their rates are very high for our upcoming trip (end of April into May)........I signed up for Hertz (whatever their frequent customer program is called), and have a couple questions:

1. How is hertz in terms of service? Seems every time I sway from Alamo, it turns out bad (although this is literally $150 difference--so possibly worth it)
2. Can we skip the counter, and even pick our own car--like ALamo? Especially the counter thing-as I haven't stood in line for years, lol

 

[sam_gordon]

Rented from Alamo for years now--but their rates are very high for our upcoming trip (end of April into May)........I signed up for Hertz (whatever their frequent customer program is called), and have a couple questions:

1. How is hertz in terms of service? Seems every time I sway from Alamo, it turns out bad (although this is literally $150 difference--so possibly worth it)
2. Can we skip the counter, and even pick our own car--like ALamo? Especially the counter thing-as I haven't stood in line for years, lol

I rent from Hertz for work (unless they don't have a presence in the airport I'm flying into). I have not had a problem with their service, but also haven't had to use it.

I skip the counter at those locations that allow for it (I believe MCO does). I'm not sure if you need to go to the counter "the first time" for them to confirm whatever information. Looks like if you download their app and check in before you arrive, you get to skip. https://www.hertz.com/us/en/blog/resources/check-in-before-arrival-via-app

 

[jimmymc]

I've used Hertz several times, and it's always been good. You can skip the line if you check in and verify your license ahead of time.

 

[EACarlson]

I used Hertz last month and was out of the garage 10 minutes from the time I grabbed my bag off the carousel. If you are a member of Gold Plus and rent a midsize or larger, you get access to any vehicle on the Gold Aisle. Usually it's filled with mid size sedans and mid size SUVs but there are also some other things. A co worker of mine got a Camaro, I've grabbed large SUVs, Pick up trucks and minivans from the aisle multiple times. Alamo, you are limited to your class, Hertz you grab anything from the aisle.

 

[boxer]

Thank you!!!!

 

[pens4821]

I’ve used hertz twice (neither time in Orlando) with no issues. Last summer I signed up for their membership beforehand. I did still have to go to the desk, I’m assuming since it was my first time renting. My name was on the board, but said see desk or something of that nature.

 

[Amanda999]

Double checked that I didn't write the op (2 years ago, when I saw how much less $ Hertz was v my decade+ history w/Alamo at MCO)! So, no problems with Hertz. BUT: book directly on Hertz's site or app. Maybe rule has changed, but 2 years ago if you book through a 3rd party then you skip the airport counter (if you have Gold xyz) but NOT the in-garage office (right next to the aisles of their cars.) I was Gold (Canopy?) - all the labels you can be without paying.

 

[EACarlson]

Double checked that I didn't write the op (2 years ago, when I saw how much less $ Hertz was v my decade+ history w/Alamo at MCO)! So, no problems with Hertz. BUT: book directly on Hertz's site or app. Maybe rule has changed, but 2 years ago if you book through a 3rd party then you skip the airport counter (if you have Gold xyz) but NOT the in-garage office (right next to the aisles of their cars.) I was Gold (Canopy?) - all the labels you can be without paying.

This depends on whether you use a third party that is making a reservation for you or selling you a reservation they already have. As a general rule if you are going to be paying Hertz, you can usually add your number, if you're paying the third party, you won't. Priceline I know has a space for you to put your Gold Plus number in.

 

[boxer]

I’ve used hertz twice (neither time in Orlando) with no issues. Last summer I signed up for their membership beforehand. I did still have to go to the desk, I’m assuming since it was my first time renting. My name was on the board, but said see desk or something of that nature.

When you say 'desk', do you mean the desk in the Airport--or the check-in booth/desk by the actual cars??? I've used Alamo for years, and I skip the desk at the Airport--but still have to check-in at the desk/booth by the cars.

I see their prices just went down again today, so I'm probably going to take the chance.

 

[EACarlson]

When you say 'desk', do you mean the desk in the Airport--or the check-in booth/desk by the actual cars??? I've used Alamo for years, and I skip the desk at the Airport--but still have to check-in at the desk/booth by the cars.

I see their prices just went down again today, so I'm probably going to take the chance.

You may have to stop at the Gold Booth in the garage for them to verify your CC and DL. There is a big sign at the desk in the terminal that says all Gold Plus members go straight out to the garage. When you come up the escalator there is a big board, it will either have a stall number, aisle to choose from or say See Agent. If it says See Agent you go to the booth.

 

[pens4821]

When you say 'desk', do you mean the desk in the Airport--or the check-in booth/desk by the actual cars??? I've used Alamo for years, and I skip the desk at the Airport--but still have to check-in at the desk/booth by the cars.

I see their prices just went down again today, so I'm probably going to take the chance.

We were at Hobby airport in Houston. The rentals are a shuttle away from the airport and we had to go inside the building (there was no desk outside by the cars). MCO may be different.

 

[MICKIMINI]

We used Hertz in October and were very happy. We got a deal on a high end SUV as did our son (there at the same time). They use it all the time. We are all AAA members and got discounts through them.

 

[Greg36]

Rented from Alamo for years now--but their rates are very high for our upcoming trip (end of April into May)........I signed up for Hertz (whatever their frequent customer program is called), and have a couple questions:

1. How is hertz in terms of service? Seems every time I sway from Alamo, it turns out bad (although this is literally $150 difference--so possibly worth it)
2. Can we skip the counter, and even pick our own car--like ALamo? Especially the counter thing-as I haven't stood in line for years, lol

We are the same, always use Alamo. Never a problem, cars are great, etc. Having said that, we used Hertz in January at MCO. The price was just so much better for whatever reason. It was a great experience. Skipped the counter, picked our own car (which only had about 200 miles on it), and had no issues whatsoever during trip or during return. I would use them again, although Alamo would still be our top pick if prices were similar.

 

[boxer]

We are the same, always use Alamo. Never a problem, cars are great, etc. Having said that, we used Hertz in January at MCO. The price was just so much better for whatever reason. It was a great experience. Skipped the counter, picked our own car (which only had about 200 miles on it), and had no issues whatsoever during trip or during return. I would use them again, although Alamo would still be our top pick if prices were similar.

Agree 100%.....always be loyal to Alamo--but this is now over $200 difference. I booked Hertz, so kind of excited to see someone other than Alamo for once.

 

[BuzzLightyr]

The ideal service is not needing to talk to anyone.

Sign up for the gold membership (free) to skip the lines. Some credit cards give you higher than gold (5 star, president's circle) for upgrade priority.

Your name is on a board with a stall number. Be careful with terminal C as last time I went it wasn't a fully operational gold booth.

If you need a new credit card swiped, there is a agent at the gold counter in the parking lot where you skip the main lines.

Well worth the $150 savings.

 

[EACarlson]

We are the same, always use Alamo. Never a problem, cars are great, etc. Having said that, we used Hertz in January at MCO. The price was just so much better for whatever reason. It was a great experience. Skipped the counter, picked our own car (which only had about 200 miles on it), and had no issues whatsoever during trip or during return. I would use them again, although Alamo would still be our top pick if prices were similar.

Why would you pick Alamo over Hertz if the prices are the same? This I just don't understand. Hertz is the top of their corporate hierarchy and Alamo is the bottom of theirs. While I agree that EHI is a better company than Hertz, I wouldn't pick Alamo over Hertz. I would pick National, but not Alamo. Every vehicle I've gotten from Alamo was at least a couple years old with 50k miles or more. I rented from Hertz MCO last month and got a 2025 Nissan Rogue with 8k miles. With Alamo I get Plymouth Voyagers and with Hertz I get Pacifica Hybrids.

 

[mitsukoshi samurai]

 

[gmi3804]

Major car rental companies are like WDW restaurants: I've had good service and bad service at all of them. Read the terms and take pictures and videos of the car before and after your rental. You never know when you're going to need them. I rent only from major companies with an on-airport presence (a car center shuttle is OK) and by price. Period.

 

[Greg36]

Why would you pick Alamo over Hertz if the prices are the same? This I just don't understand. Hertz is the top of their corporate hierarchy and Alamo is the bottom of theirs. While I agree that EHI is a better company than Hertz, I wouldn't pick Alamo over Hertz. I would pick National, but not Alamo. Every vehicle I've gotten from Alamo was at least a couple years old with 50k miles or more. I rented from Hertz MCO last month and got a 2025 Nissan Rogue with 8k miles. With Alamo I get Plymouth Voyagers and with Hertz I get Pacifica Hybrids.

We have just had so many great experiences with them out of MCO. Never any problems and always very nice cars. The only time we had anything ‘older’ was one time we took a pick up truck. I also think the online reviews put Alamo ahead.

 

[disneygal55]

I have used Dollar for years but I think that they have gotten rid of the straight to the garage desk.
MY question with Hertz is that if you sign up with the Gold membership can you use the direct to garage option if you don't prepay with a credit card? I realize that I'll have to give the garage desk person my license and credit card.