Do You Belong to a Car Rental Loyalty Program?

[SarahS]

Many travelers are members of frequent flier programs -- but are you also a member of any car rental loyalty programs, such as Enterprise Plus or Hertz #1 Club? If you are a member, do you find that it's saved you time or money when renting a car? Tell us which programs you belong to and share your experiences here!

Related Story:
Car Rental Loyalty Programs: The Whys and Wherefores

[travelmel]

I voted "No, but I'd consider it" -- though I very well might have signed up for one and simply can't remember There's no reason NOT to sign up, really. But I don't stress about it because I rent cars less than I fly so the benefits aren't as great for me as those of the airlines.

[soliteyah]

I rent cars so rarely that I've never bothered to sign up for any either. Wonder if it would have saved us any money on the trip I just took to Santa Fe?

Next time I guess I'll sign up. Sounds like it at least makes the process a little faster, which can't hurt!

[Metravellongtime]

I don't think I'd join a car loyalty program. I prefer to travel by public transportation when I travel, so I don't think it would be worth the trouble to sign up for a car loyalty program.

[dhammer53]

When I first started flying for business, the worst part of the trip was on arrival. I had to wait on a car rental line. As some of you know, those lines can be long to very long. After a 3 or 5 hour trip, all I want to do is head to my hotel. WHo needs the aggrevation of a line.

In the early 1990's, Avis and Hertz were comping (most do this for free today) frequent flyers into their program. Yes, I said it was free.

All I had to do was fill in a club application. My next trip to the airport, I bypassed the lines and headed to the shuttle bus. At Avis, they drop you off at your car. Hertz drops you off at the club aisle, where you look for your name and car location. National lets you pick any car in the Emerald Car row.

Hop in the car and go. What a breeze. At the time, it was one of the best inventions around for a frequent flyer. At the time, I rented cars 5x's a year.

Over time, I realized that you could Priceline a rental car for much less $$$. I started Pricelining about 18 months ago. If I can save $100 on a 5 day rental, I'm willing to waiting on a line.

[ChrystinP]

Yes, Avis, Hertz, and Thrifty. I use Thrifty and Avis the most because almost all the time Hertz is way too expensive. My favorite program is Avis for ease of picking up and dropping off cars and because of the way their website works. I use Thrifty if there is a significant difference from the Avis rates. I like Thrifty, but you still have to wait in a line, albeit a shorter line, normally. And their free days are valid at any Thrifty, whereas Avis has lots of locations that don't accept the free weekends, days, etc., that you may have been awarded.