More Consolidation as Hertz To Buy Dollar Thrifty

The consolidation of the car rental industry continues as Hertz is reportedly planning to buy Dollar Thrifty for nearly $1.2 Billion. The combined company (count'em, 3 rental car agencies) offers a more global presence, with Dollar and Thrifty focusing on U.S. markets, while Hertz operates rental offices throughout the world. What's left among the big agencies? Avis, who just happens to own Budget. With less competition, this may mean car rental fees will start hiking up.

United Elite Flyers: Earn 2000 Miles for Each Hertz Rental

Here's an offer that's been around for a while, but worth a repost. United Mileage Plus Elite members who rent from Hertz through February 28, 2010 will earn 2,000 bonus miles for full size or larger vehicles rented 1-4 days in length, and 4,000 miles for each rental 5 days or longer. The bonus is in addition to the 50 or so miles Hertz awards for a standard rental. Click here for full details.

HOT! $10/Day Car Rentals From Alamo

Last week we brought you the Hertz free rental car offer where you receive a free one day car rental - few strings attached. Allegedly you had to pay a few bucks for taxes and fees, but my experience over the weekend resulted in a completely free rental.

Now Alamo has upped the ante by offering $10/day car rentals - up to four days in length, through May 31, 2009. Pickup as early as Thursday, return as late as Monday. For example, I just booked a four day rental for Honolulu, Hawaii, with a total cost of $52, compared to the previous $147 I had reserved. Best of all, like the Hertz offer, pre-payment is not required. This offer is valid in most U.S markets and it's good for both airport and in-city rentals.

Hertz Free Car Rental Offer (Yes, Free)

HOT!  Receive a free weekend day car rental from Hertz. No minimum rental period requirement. You just pay any applicable taxes and fees. Very little fine print on this one! Offer is valid once per month through March 31, 2009 in most U.S markets (excludes Hawai'i, Florida and New York Metro Areas). Some blackout dates may apply. 

Sound too good to be true? That's what I thought too until I priced some cities out:

Orange County: $2.36

San Diego: $2.13

San Francisco: $22.74 ($4.89 downtown!)

Las Vegas: $6.07 

Austin: $11.23

Seattle: $12.24 

Price above is the total cost for a 24-hour rental contract at airport locations, except where noted above. Many car types are eligible for this offer. 

Click here for the offer. 

Advantage Rent A Car Files For Bankruptcy

On Monday, San Antonio-based Advantage Rent A Car announced it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Citing the sluggish economy and a drop in leisure travel, among other reasons, the company says it will explore strategic alternatives, including a reorganization, sale, or merger to maintain operations.

The company said it will layoff 440 employees and close 21 rental locations nationwide, including a few in Southern California, keeping only its most profitable stores.

In most cases, customers with upcoming Advantage reservations at affected locations will have their reservation transferred to Hertz Car Rental. If you have questions relating to the closed locations call: 1-888-846-0808.