How to avoid long rental car pick-up lines for free

The last thing you want after a long flight is to face a lengthy car rental pick-up line—or even worse, to find out there are no cars available for you at all.

Not long ago, I reserved a car with Hertz at Orlando International Airport (MCO) for a weekend trip to Disney World. Upon arriving at the airport's rental car pick-up area, I was incredibly thankful not to be stuck in an unbelievably long line, thanks to our complimentary membership in Hertz's Gold Plus Rewards program. I chatted with people near the front of other lines who mentioned they had spent almost two hours waiting to (hopefully) retrieve their vehicle.

Challenges of renting a car

The longest wait times, ranging from one to two hours, were seen at budget car rental agencies like Dollar Rent A Car and Sixt. Nevertheless, most car rental companies at the airport had substantial lines, including my preferred choice, Hertz.

We frequently choose Hertz due to the four-hour grace period provided by The Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment required). However, bypassing the car rental pick-up line is another significant advantage that doesn't require a specific credit card to take advantage of.

How to avoid the line

To bypass the counter, enroll in Hertz's complimentary Gold Plus Rewards program and collect your car from one of the numerous locations featuring a Gold Choice aisle. At major pick-up spots, a board will guide you to a designated parking stall or aisle (Gold, President's Circle, or Five Star). You can also utilize the Hertz app to check in and skip the queue.

I’ve sometimes encountered the frustrating "see desk" message when a credit card associated with my account has expired or something similar. Fortunately, the desk in the garage usually has a much shorter wait compared to the main line inside.

The keys should be waiting for you inside the vehicle, so all you need to do is present your ID to the gate attendant when you leave the garage. They will usually print your rental car agreement there, and then you’ll be ready to go.

You might have the option to select your own vehicle

One advantage of choosing a car from an aisle is that you get to see and pick one of the nicer, newer models lined up in that row.

During our earlier trip to Orlando, the first vehicle we looked at had a terrible odor and over 30,000 miles on the clock. Fortunately, just two cars down, we found a newer model with only a couple thousand miles on it.

Even if the Hertz location you're at doesn't feature a dedicated aisle, you can still enjoy a quicker check-in line by being a member of their Gold Plus Rewards program. This is how I managed to save an hour when picking up a rental car in Honolulu a few years back, despite the absence of dedicated aisles at that location.

Enrolling in a rental car rewards program

Most car rental companies, such as Enterprise and Avis, offer comparable programs. To boost your chances of bypassing the line, make sure to enroll in the membership programs of the car companies you use and fill out all necessary details in advance.

TPG provides a comprehensive guide to rental car rewards programs, detailing how to sign up and the benefits you'll receive as a member.

Credit cards that grant elite status for car rentals

Several credit cards can help you avoid the lengthy queue at the car rental counter by providing automatic elite status. You'll need to register for this benefit, so if you possess one of these cards, make sure to complete the enrollment before your next rental.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Free, optional enrollment with Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, and/or National Car Rental Emerald Club
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Exclusive car rental benefits with National Car Rental, Avis, and Silvercar
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Free Hertz President's Circle* or Five Star status
• United Club℠ Infinite Card: Enrollment in Avis President's Club

*After enrollment, which can be done through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will maintain their upgraded status until December 31, 2024. Please be aware that enrolling through the standard Hertz Gold Plus Rewards process (e.g., at Hertz.com) will not automatically identify a cardholder as eligible for the program, and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the corresponding status tier. Additional terms apply.

Tips for skipping the car rental line

Be cautious when renting through a third-party website. You might not always be able to input your car rental membership number, leading to longer wait times for pick-up. While you may save some money, consider whether those savings are worth the time spent in line waiting for your vehicle.

For these reasons, it often makes more sense to rent directly, even if it costs a bit more. Make sure to enroll in the appropriate car rental program, complete your profile thoroughly, and confirm that your car rental member number is linked to your reservation.

If you require specific items, such as child safety seats, you might still find yourself waiting in line at a rental car company, no matter your status. For this reason and others, it could be wise to bring your child's car seat along on your travels.

Key Takeaways

Enrolling in a rental car rewards program can save you time, help you accumulate points toward a free rental, and enhance the likelihood that a vehicle will be available when you're ready to embark on your journey.

• The Essential Points: Five Steps to an Ideal Car Rental
  
• Cut costs on your next adventure: Use these tips to never pay full price for a rental vehicle
  
• Credit cards that provide elite status for car rentals