Hertz offers free car upgrades to new Gold Plus Rewards members

From now until September 2017, travellers can nab a complimentary vehicle upgrade when hiring cars from Hertz within Australia, simply by joining the chain’s free Gold Plus Rewards loyalty program and then making a reservation with their membership number attached.

Upgrades are all one-class, but unlike the usual upgrade rules for top-tier renters, these aren't capped at ‘Full Size’ vehicles – so you can rent a car in one category and be moved up to the next.

The full list of categories is as follows, with the complimentary upgrade being to the next category type on the list from that booked: Economy Auto, Compact Auto, Intermediate Auto, Standard Auto, Full Size, Premium Full Size, Economy Prestige, Full Size Prestige, Compact Prestige SUV, Intermediate Sport SUV.

For example, book a Full Size car and be upgraded to Premium Full Size, or a Premium Full Size and be upgraded to Economy Prestige.

Hertz normally reserves complimentary upgrades for the program’s Five Star and President’s Circle members, the former usually earned after a minimum of seven rentals or US$1,500 spent on car hire each year, or 20 rentals/US$4,000 per year for President’s Circle.

Motorists can earn points in the chain’s Gold Plus Rewards program which can be spent on discounted car hire, or can opt to earn Virgin Australia Velocity frequent flyer points on their rentals instead.

Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.