Not surprisingly, the premium brands such as Avis and Hertz offer a greater breadth and depth of services. But you may be surprised about what some companies do -- and do not -- offer. For example, Enterprise has no loyalty program. If the idea of standing in line at a rental car counter -- even the expedited express service line -- causes your eyes to cross, express pick up is a must have. You'll want to avoid Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Payless, and Thrifty.
| Rental Car Company | Express Service and Loyalty Programs |
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The Advantage Easy ID card registers you for the FREE-quent Rental and the Easy Rental and Return programs. You receive 125 points per paid rental; when you've earned 500 points, you're eligible for a free rental day. Advantage also offers express pick up with an Easy ID card. If you reserve your rental with the Easy ID, you can pick up your contract from the self-serve Easy Rental Contract Holder -- and go. |
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Alamo's express service program is called Quicksilver. To become a Quicksilver member, you must have a corporate or business benefits account with Alamo or have rented five times within the last 12-month period. Renters must have a master rental agreement on file, and the Quicksilver ID number must be given when the reservation is booked. The membership enables renters to rent at an expedited counter. |
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Avis' Wizard program is free and allows you to keep your profile and preferences on file. It also offers automatic enrollment in the My Avis! online service. Avis' express pick up is available when you enroll in Avis Preferred Service, a free program. Once enrolled, Avis maintains your profile and preferences and provides express pick up service, allowing you to skip counter check in and go directly to your car. This service is available at most locations. Frequent renters are eligible for free rental days and other promotional benefits. Avis also participates in most major airline and hotel frequent flier and loyalty programs. |
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Budget's express pick up service, Fastbreak, is available at 135 U.S. airport locations. Just go to the Fastbreak counter location and present your driver's license, and you will receive the keys to your car. Fastbreak Choice, Budget's express pick up service, is also available at about 30 airport locations. (A list of locations is available.) Perfect Drive, Budget's customer awards program, enables you to earn points for dollars spent with Budget and its partner companies -- most major airlines and a spattering of hotel and other companies. |
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Fastlane, Dollar's express service program, offers free expedited counter check in and return service. Dollar is a frequent flier partner with most major airlines. |
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Most airport locations have handheld express return service; local locations have after-hours drop boxes. Enterprise does not offer any loyalty programs at this time. |
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Fox offers no express service programs. Frequent renters can participate in Fox's rewards program and redeem points for car rentals, frequent flier miles, and gift certificates for a number of popular retail stores and restaurants. |
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June 2004
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