How to Get a Rental Car Upgrade

At the rental car counter, do you ever wonder how the ill-suited man in scuffed shoes nabbed the convertible when he had a reservation for a mid-size sedan? In many cases, that renter paid heavily for the upgrade or cashed in loads of loyalty points. But others? They worked the system.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Telephone
• Computer
• Internet access
• Credit card

1. Book the car by phone and ask if an upgrade is available. If it's not, ask the rep to make a note in your record, then remind the clerk of that notation when you pick up the car. If one is available, it should be yours at no extra cost.

2. Reserve the rental car location's most popular model (inquire upon booking; most likely it will be an economy Ford or something comparable). If the car is sold out when you arrive, you probably will receive a free upgrade.

3. Go online. Check for upgrade coupons on car rental upgrade websites, online auction sites and the website of the car rental firm.

4. If you rent from one location repeatedly, use the same rental car counter and befriend the manager. Upon arrival, mention to that person that you are a frequent renter and politely ask if an upgrade is available.

5. Stockpile loyalty points. Don't hesitate to cash in points for an upgrade; your points have a greater value for upgrades than for securing free rentals

Tips & Warnings

• If you are planning a meeting or convention that will require participants to rent cars, negotiate upgrades as part of the contract.
• Remember the upgraded car means larger car, which means it will guzzle more gas.

Resources

• Car Rental Upgrade.com
• Ebay