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Forums Other Destination advice Texas in August/September Reply To: Texas in August/September

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Car Hire. I’m not sure what you will get with two rental periods, or why this may work for you? Note with a one-way rental like Houston-Dallas you may get a location more interested in moving on something they don’t want to another location. With car rental there is so much in play it’s impossible to really plan or scheme something for upgrades. The reality is most locations have a load of SUVs, and so upgrades are often from a car to an SUV, which is not an upgrade for some people. Most SUVs will not have the luggage curtain, so not ideal if you want to leave luggage in the vehicle whilst you sightsee on a day you’re moving hotels. Insisting on an upgrade at a busy time when vehicles are scarce can result in a take it or leave it.

In terms of status benefits everyone and their dog has status in the US from credit cards. Avis will know the difference between earned status and a credit card gift, and it may not count for you nearly as much as you’re hoping. If you arrive on a busy weekend, big college football or other event just be glad they have a vehicle for you. If the car matters to you, and it seems to, my advice would be rent the level you want and treat anything else offered as win. Don’t assume a big car is comfortable, the US produces some horrible vehicles, and large SUVs are often quite poor to drive, and have surprisingly little leg/knee room in them for the external size, try luxury over size. In my experience getting a BMW, Audi or Mercedes is always a nicer drive than a Chevvy, Ford or Jeep. Likewise a Mazda, Infinity or Genesis will trump a mainstream US brand.

I agree with Dave in regard Hertz, they’d be my company of last resort.

My preferred company of late in the US has been National, but they don’t always have reasonable prices for one-way rentals, but since Houston and Dallas are both in Texas and close, relative to US, I’d guess that won’t be a problem. National have a scheme whereby you select the vehicle from an aisle, Emerald or Executive (World Elite card will get you Executive Elite for a year I believe) depending on your status level. You rent an Intermediate or Full size, and get access to the aisle. This is a row of cars you can browse and check mileage, condition, etc. before choosing. It can be a lottery, but I’ve mostly had good results where this operates at larger airports. First time you would have to visit the desk, but once they’ve seen your license and credit card it’s a very nice way of having some choice in what you get.

Insurance. You obviously do your own research. But I believe the Amex Plat car insurance is limited to vehicles up to £50K, many large and luxury SUVs will exceed that price point. Others will disagree, but I’d be cautious of relying on Amex car cover, Insurance bought as a package with the car is excellent for peace of mind.

Maybe worth a read https://www.headforpoints.com/forums/topic/car-hire-tips/ FlyerTalk also has excellent forums on various companies, listing vehicle types in class, and recent experience for various locations.

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