Skip the Lines 7 Free Loyalty Programs That Let You Bypass Rental Car Counters in 2024

Post Published December 13, 2024

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Skip the Lines 7 Free Loyalty Programs That Let You Bypass Rental Car Counters in 2024 - Avis Preferred Free Express Skip at 1,600 US Airport Locations





Avis Preferred is a program designed to expedite the rental process, granting members the ability to bypass the counter at about 1,600 US airport locations. Utilizing the Avis app or website, you can select your preferred car ahead of time, making the actual pickup far quicker. Features like the Express Exit Pass, employing a temporary QR code, are designed to reduce waiting around even further. Also, free rentals starting at 500 points for weekends, excluding the ever present taxes and fees. This feature allows to see the value of the loyalty program if enough points have been accumulated. While not the sole provider of such streamlined experiences, the Avis program emphasizes efficiency and does remove some of the annoyances of car rentals.

Avis provides its "Preferred" loyalty members with a chance to circumvent the standard rental process at roughly 1,600 US airports, a rather impressive reach. The app or website becomes a control panel, allowing members to select, exchange, or even upgrade their vehicle before even arriving at the location. A curious detail is that once you reach your location, your name shows up on a board listing available cars in specific parking lots. This process allows a quick transition straight to the exit after a verification process. It’s notable that others are also in this space: other programs like Budget’s Fastbreak, Dollar’s Express, Enterprise Plus, and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards also enable bypassing rental lines to varying degrees with their own loyalty programs. These are not just about convenience, but also allow point accumulation for later use, like a free rental. These programs are increasingly popular with the potential to save money with some additional travel planning. It is somewhat like airline alliances in that one gets similar perks and benefits as part of a broader network. The Avis program offers more ways for travellers to simplify their pick up experience, if the traveler knows how. The sheer reach and similar other offerings do leave the critical eye questioning the uniqueness.

What else is in this post?

  1. Skip the Lines 7 Free Loyalty Programs That Let You Bypass Rental Car Counters in 2024 - Avis Preferred Free Express Skip at 1,600 US Airport Locations
  2. Skip the Lines 7 Free Loyalty Programs That Let You Bypass Rental Car Counters in 2024 - Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Instant Access at Major Airports
  3. Skip the Lines 7 Free Loyalty Programs That Let You Bypass Rental Car Counters in 2024 - National Car Rental Emerald Club Skip Counter Program
  4. Skip the Lines 7 Free Loyalty Programs That Let You Bypass Rental Car Counters in 2024 - Enterprise Plus ReadyPass Direct to Car Service
  5. Skip the Lines 7 Free Loyalty Programs That Let You Bypass Rental Car Counters in 2024 - Dollar Express Renter Program Fast Track Access
  6. Skip the Lines 7 Free Loyalty Programs That Let You Bypass Rental Car Counters in 2024 - Budget Fastbreak Counter Free Program at 400 Locations
  7. Skip the Lines 7 Free Loyalty Programs That Let You Bypass Rental Car Counters in 2024 - Alamo Online Check In Skip Counter at 45 Airports

Skip the Lines 7 Free Loyalty Programs That Let You Bypass Rental Car Counters in 2024 - Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Instant Access at Major Airports





Skip the Lines 7 Free Loyalty Programs That Let You Bypass Rental Car Counters in 2024

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards provides an efficient car rental experience for members, allowing them to skip the counter and head straight to their chosen vehicle at over 60 major airports. With the Ultimate Choice feature, members can select from a variety of vehicles upon arrival, adding a personal touch to the rental process. In addition to quick pick-up, the program awards points for each rental dollar spent, setting the stage for free rental days after accumulating a minimum of 550 points. Furthermore, Hertz's eReturn Plus service streamlines the drop-off experience, making it easier for members to conclude their rental seamlessly. As travelers seek quick and efficient solutions for transportation, loyalty programs like Hertz Gold Plus Rewards stand out for enhancing convenience in the rental landscape.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards presents a notable option for those seeking to bypass typical rental counter hassles, particularly at larger airports. The premise is straightforward: go directly to your car, thereby avoiding the sometimes lengthy wait at the rental desk. The "Ultimate Choice" service often allows the user to select their vehicle from a specific, designated area. The obvious upside being a much faster and flexible way to pick up your ride, an especially useful feature at busy airports with potential for significant line backups.

Hertz Gold Plus, as well as the other programs such as Dollar Express, Enterprise Plus and Budget Fastbreak, are not only about convenience but also provide a method to accumulate points. These points can be redeemed later for things like discounts on future rental costs and some extras like an occasional vehicle class upgrade. Points usually accumulate per dollar spent but may vary according to certain promo codes. The minimum number of points needed to redeem for a rental day does not appear consistent and location and time of the year need to be considered. Another feature, available to some, is a quicker drop off experience with eReturn.

While Hertz boasts an extensive operation across over 150 countries, one should be reminded that other companies also offer similar services. They seem to strive to cater to travelers who want less stress while renting, and avoid prolonged lines in busy airport environments. Each of these loyalty programs seeks to solve the same problem with their own unique implementation, it is an interesting exploration into how competing companies tackle a known issue. Each method and the specific reach are things to be aware of when choosing the right car rental program to save you some time when you arrive.



Skip the Lines 7 Free Loyalty Programs That Let You Bypass Rental Car Counters in 2024 - National Car Rental Emerald Club Skip Counter Program





The National Car Rental Emerald Club presents another option for avoiding long rental counter queues, allowing members to proceed directly to the Emerald Aisle. This service is contingent on booking a midsize vehicle at participating locations in the US or Canada. It effectively streamlines the pick up experience, providing direct access to available cars, therefore minimizing wait time.

Emerald Club membership is free and structured into three tiers, namely Emerald Club, Executive, and Executive Elite, granting perks such as rental credits. These credits can be redeemed for free rental days and further enhance the value for frequent travelers. By providing a selection of vehicles in different categories, the program aims to cater to the diverse needs of their customers. The program prioritizes a swift and efficient service, a feature that is important for those who prioritize a smooth travel experience. Although similar programs exist, the Emerald Club adds an additional alternative in the competitive car rental marketplace for points enthusiasts and frequent renters.

National Car Rental's Emerald Club program is designed to offer a streamlined approach by allowing members to choose their car directly from a designated lot. This process is designed to reduce wait times and the general frustration often associated with car rentals. A curious element of the program are the possible upgrades for program members. Subject to availability, it is possible to receive a better car as part of the perk.

The Emerald Club has different tiers, from standard to Executive to Executive Elite, where the benefits increase incrementally. This structure provides more value the more one rents with National. Also of note, the "Go Like a Pro" program which ties into NASCAR which is meant to appeal to fans of motor racing. Such an approach highlights some out-of-the-box thinking.

Free rental days can be earned by members if they fulfill a set number of rentals over a specified time period. Such a construct appears to motivate ongoing engagement from the member base. The National app does not just offer vehicle selection but a means of managing rentals. It allows for real-time tracking of rental progress as well, combining efficiency with technological advances.

It is interesting to see reports showing that Emerald Club members spend significantly less time at the rental counter than non-members, sometimes cutting wait times by half. This reduced interaction could lead to increased efficiency, particularly for travelers with strict schedules. The program operates under the Enterprise Holdings banner, which includes Alamo and Enterprise, expanding the user base. The focus is not just on speed but also access to a broad fleet, that includes fuel-efficient vehicles, appealing to travelers focused on economical choices without making a big point about it.

Furthermore, numerous travel industry awards boost National Car Rental’s appeal, indicating high customer satisfaction ratings. Their strategy to focus on technology and the member experience may just be paying off in the larger, competitive car rental ecosystem.



Skip the Lines 7 Free Loyalty Programs That Let You Bypass Rental Car Counters in 2024 - Enterprise Plus ReadyPass Direct to Car Service





Enterprise Rent-A-Car is now offering its ReadyPass Direct to Car service, designed to speed things up by enabling online check-in and direct vehicle access. This approach allows travelers to avoid the standard counters, aiming for convenience for people who don't like to waste time waiting in line. The process involves mobile notifications providing updates and instructions before your reservation, designed to make the pick-up quicker. Furthermore, their loyalty program, Enterprise Plus, allows point accumulation towards future rentals, alongside the perk of expedited vehicle access. ReadyPass is being rolled out to time-conscious renters in select markets across the US, Canada, and Europe in an effort to make car rental a more efficient process.

Enterprise’s ReadyPass is another method for speeding up car rentals by allowing online check-in and low contact processes. This move is not unique, as competitors like Alamo and National have their own methods. Available in certain US, Canadian, and European locations, users may receive SMS or emails about 48 hours before their scheduled pick-up.

The Enterprise Plus loyalty program gives points for each dollar spent that can be exchanged for free rentals. This membership often allows for line skipping, underscoring that frequent rental program join-ups could minimize wait times. The focus is on providing a faster, more comfortable car rental experience.

ReadyPass has different components that need exploring. First, you would think that having a membership or online pre-check in would result in an easy pick up. Somehow having to use 2 apps on your phone, for example, points at a need for more cohesive digital platform. Also, there is no data yet to indicate whether ReadyPass would also result in a smoother experience for returns.

It also seems that not all locations are equal, for example ReadyPass may have more of an advantage at certain airport locations versus others in less traveled areas. This creates an imbalance in service coverage. The overall premise is sound but its effectiveness still has gaps, as it relies on a myriad of interconnected systems which needs more testing and improvements.



Skip the Lines 7 Free Loyalty Programs That Let You Bypass Rental Car Counters in 2024 - Dollar Express Renter Program Fast Track Access





The Dollar Express Renter Program aims to provide its members with a quicker Fast Track Access, bypassing the usual rental counter queues. This is intended to lessen wait times, granting customers the ability to proceed straight to their car in the parking lot. Joining the program is free and comes with benefits such as accruing points towards free rental days; 500 points are needed for a weekend rental in the US or Canada. The program’s approach focuses on straightforwardness and ease of use, without added extras. However, it’s notable that new member sign ups were stopped as of 2024, indicating that adjustments to the program may be happening. This streamlining concept mirrors many other similar rental programs but the halt in new sign ups prompts uncertainty about the program’s long term.

### Examining the Dollar Express Renter Program's Fast Track Access

The Dollar Express Renter Program presents its version of expedited rental pick up via its "Fast Track Access," allowing enrolled users to ostensibly bypass the traditional queues. By joining, customers can look forward to what is meant to be quicker service and reduced wait times. Membership in this program is free and they propose the user can pick up their vehicle directly from a parking lot after a digital check in.

As of 2024, new sign-ups for the Dollar Express Rewards program are, however, suspended, pending revisions from the car rental provider, it is worth noting this as a caveat to this process. This sudden stop on sign-ups may cause the critical researcher to consider this a cause for pause. This adds some risk to depending on a program that may not be in the same shape later down the road. While similar programs offer perks, the overall value of points accumulated are something to be aware of.

Dollar's loyalty plan is designed around simplicity and ease, a program based on earning points which can later be redeemed for discounted or free rental days after reaching set credit numbers. After accumulating 16 credits, users get access to a Renter Rewards certificate, which allows redemption for a free rental day based on specific car classes.

However, certain program features do need further examination, starting with the point that the reward system starts at 500 points for a free weekend rental, though certain taxes and fees remain, and with rental activity needed every 24 months in order to keep those points alive. Also, there is no additional cost to adding a spouse or partner as an additional driver, which can be helpful to have for peace of mind. This can potentially save money in those situations, but may or may not be needed by all travelers. While some of the major airport locations have express rental service, it is worth doing your own research on a case-by-case basis, depending on which location is being investigated. The claim of simplicity also needs more research, as the process may feel somewhat uninspired, a "no frills" kind of approach as some say. As far as car rental loyalty programs go, it does appear to have some merit if all the boxes are being ticked for the average traveler. It also should be noted that a fast pick up process may not be all that relevant in some of the smaller travel destinations, this leaves the experienced traveller questioning its general applicability and usefulness.



Skip the Lines 7 Free Loyalty Programs That Let You Bypass Rental Car Counters in 2024 - Budget Fastbreak Counter Free Program at 400 Locations





Budget's Fastbreak program offers a direct path for renters to bypass the usual counter lines, heading straight to their cars at more than 400 locations. The appeal is time saving, and membership is free, offering a quick key retrieval with just a driver's license. Returns are made easier with emailed receipts.

While there is customer support and the chance to gain Budget Bucks for future discounts, it doesn't match standard loyalty systems offering points for free rentals or upgrades. All members get the same level of benefits without elite tiers. That does not mean all is perfect, since pre-paid rental reservations still involve counter handling, which can be annoying if a customer is expecting to avoid the counter altogether.

Budget’s Fastbreak program, operating at about 400 locations, allows members to bypass rental counters and proceed directly to their vehicles, effectively speeding up the rental process. This feature, which lets members present their driving license, grab the keys, and skip the line, aims to add convenience, particularly during busy times. The drop-off is also designed to be more efficient, with a designated area for returning vehicles where the user will get their receipt emailed to them instead of having to wait at the counter.

The program offers Budget Bucks, designed to be used for future rentals, but unlike some competitors, there are no status tiers nor are there points for upgrades or free rentals with this loyalty program, instead focusing on direct service and ease of use. It is geared to the average user who may or may not have other loyalty programs, an interesting way to make it open to most travelers. It’s important to understand that prepaid reservations made through third parties may not allow for skipping the counter. While the program has perks like quick drop off, the main focus seems to be a generally streamlined experience, in contrast to some of the other similar offerings.



Skip the Lines 7 Free Loyalty Programs That Let You Bypass Rental Car Counters in 2024 - Alamo Online Check In Skip Counter at 45 Airports





Alamo Rent a Car has rolled out an "Online Check In" option at more than 45 airports, aiming to make the rental process faster. This allows customers to skip the rental counter by completing their check-in online in advance, although it does require providing driver's license data and other personal details before arriving at the location. The goal is to let travelers go straight to their cars once at the rental site. This is not entirely unique as many rental companies offer programs with similar goals of fast and convenient check in processes. However it's good to note that this service is only available at specific Alamo locations, so some travelers may not benefit from it. The move does fall in line with a general trend across the car rental industry to find quicker, more streamlined ways to serve travelers and offer more convenience for those who want to avoid the traditional rental counters.

Alamo's "Skip the Counter" isn't just a local perk; it’s a system implemented across 45 airports globally, catering to both domestic and international renters. This worldwide integration highlights the program’s comprehensive scale and reach to various traveler profiles. Data collected points to time savings of about 30 minutes at airport locations versus traditional methods, a not insignificant amount for individuals working with limited travel time. Alamo is leveraging the data provided by these users, which allows them to fine tune the services offered. This system further allows for pre-selection of specific vehicle preferences, meant to decrease errors and increase customer satisfaction.

Aligned with the larger shift toward mobile first experiences, Alamo allows members to access digital confirmations, manage reservations, and get relevant updates on their personal devices. Members of Alamo's loyalty program also benefit by skipping the counter and earning rewards towards future rentals, thus combining immediate convenience and points accumulation. Alamo seems to have selected key locations in major metropolitan areas for its online check-in service, likely intending to attract loyal renters in competitive areas. This selection also reduces staffing needs at physical counters, leading to cost savings.

A somewhat odd detail is that according to collected metrics more female travelers than male users appear to rely on the skip the counter method. The convenience of having the ability to bypass the standard counter is useful to solo travelers and may be beneficial with personal safety, though this would require further investigations into why this may be the case. Alamo's continued digitalization is not only about quick pick ups but also signals their intent to innovate within the traditional car rental space, using tech to move past previous methods.


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