6 expert tips to get a car rental upgrade without paying a penny more
Who doesn't love an upgrade? Whether it's on a train, plane or a car hire, getting bumped up without having to pay for it is the perfect start to a holiday.
And with thousands of people having already booked their holidays, car hire could well also be on the list of things to do before jetting off. An expert has detailed six ways to get yourself an upgrade on the motor you choose without paying extra for it.
Harry Anapliotis, CEO of Rental Center Crete, said there are a few ways you can up your chance of driving off with a better car than the one you booked.
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He said: “We all love a little luxury, and when it comes without a giant price tag, we feel like kids in a candy store. If you daydream about upgrading your rental from a humdrum runaround to something sleek and sporty with gadgets galore and a posh badge on the front, here are some of my top tips for living that dream.
Tips to bag a car rental upgrade
1. Size matters
Pre-book the smallest and cheapest car class late in the day. Harry said: “If you do this at the last minute, you're more likely to get an upgrade if the rental company doesn't have that vehicle available - which may happen because many people will have already booked the cheapest car available.”
2. Timing matters
Pick up your rental vehicle late in the day. This makes it more likely to find a car that has been returned earlier that day that can be used as an upgrade.
3. Be loyal
Regular clients who join the car rental company loyalty program are often given preferential treatment, and are more likely to be offered upgrades.
Harry said: “Loyalty programs are a great way to get a better ride for less. The longer you use the same car rental company the more likely they will be to offer you membership of their loyalty program if they have one. But join one asap to get the best deals going.”
4. Be friendly
Good manners can get you a lot in life. Harry explained: “Arrogant, pushy people may get some things in life, but frequent rental car upgrades may not be one of them. Be courteous and you may enjoy the benefits.”
5. Rent off-peak
When demand is low during off peak times, car rental companies are more likely to offer upgrades to utilise and advertise available vehicles. Harry said: “Out of season vacations are cheaper in most ways than prime time holidays. That goes for car rentals too.
"Out of season, you are more likely to get a car upgrade for less because the rental company wants to keep all their vehicles in good running order – and when you drive a leased vehicle, you are a mobile advert for the company you leased it from. If the car is awesome, the ad will be more effective.”
6. Promotions
Some car rental companies offer limited-time upgrade deals or special discounts from time to time. “Keep your eye on these deals and make the most of them to grab that upgrade," said Harry.
He added: "My top tip out of all of them is to join the vehicle leasing company’s loyalty program asap. Premium car rental companies offer loyalty programs that are free to join, and loyalty program members are usually first in line for rental car upgrades ahead of customers who aren’t part of the loyalty program.”
“Bear in mind that by upgrading you, car leasing companies are also promoting themselves if their vehicles are branded. They prefer people driving around in their best vehicles – it’s essentially free advertising. That may work in your favour when you angle for a car upgrade for less bucks."
