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We’ve all been there, you’ve had a long flight and everyone is tired. Instead of getting the keys and leaving the airport, you hit the dreaded line at the rental counter. It’s moving slower than the DMV, yet the drop in your patience level is accelerating. Then you remember that I taught you how to skip the rental car line with your credit card perks, and the the beginning of your trip becomes a breeze instead of a burden.
With the right perks, many you might already have, you can skip that line completely with rental car elite status and be on your way in minutes. If you’re just starting to explore travel perks, my Beginner’s Guide is a great place to start.
What Is Rental Car Elite Status?
Rental car elite status is a loyalty program perk that lets you bypass the counter, choose better cars, and start your trip faster, often without paying extra. Think of it like “first class” but for cars.
Depending on the company, elite status can give you:
- Counter bypass: Go straight to your car instead of standing in line
- Car upgrades: Access to better models when available
- Priority service: Faster help if you need to stop at the desk
Sometimes you can earn this status by renting often, but many credit cards and airline frequent flyer programs give it to you automatically with no extra rentals required.
The Easiest Way: Credit Cards That Include Rental Car Elite Status
Some travel cards give you automatic elite status with certain rental car companies just for being a card member. But you do need to enroll in the rental company’s loyalty program through your card’s benefit page before your trip.
| Rental Car Company | Elite Tier You Get | Notable Perks | How to Enroll |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | President’s Circle | Guaranteed upgrades, skip-the-line service, widest car selection | Activate through your card’s benefits portal |
| National | Emerald Club Executive | Choose from Executive Area, faster returns | Enroll via card benefits page |
| Avis | Preferred Plus | Faster check-in, better car availability | Sign up with promo link from your card |
You can see my favorite travel cards with rental car perks here:
Best Travel Cards for Rental Car Benefits
Airline Frequent Flyer Programs That Give Rental Car Elite Status
Even without a specific credit card, some airline loyalty programs give you status with rental car companies, often just for being a member.
| Airline Program | Rental Car Partner | Status Level | Perks You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles | Hertz | Five Star or President’s Circle (depending on Delta status) | Faster pick-up, better cars |
| United MileagePlus | Hertz | Five Star or President’s Circle | Priority service, upgrades |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | Avis, Budget | Preferred or higher | Faster lines, better selection |
| Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan | Avis, Budget | Preferred Plus | Speedier service |
Tip: These perks often stack with credit card benefits, meaning you could double your chances for a nicer car and faster pick-up.
Other Ways to Skip the Counter
1. Book Through Turo for Zero Lines
Turo is like Airbnb for cars, you rent directly from the owner. Many will meet you at the airport curb or deliver the car to your hotel.
Why it’s great for families:
- No lines, ever
- Flexible vehicle options (SUVs, minivans, budget cars)
- Clear, upfront pricing
2. Book Ahead and Check In Online
Even without elite status, booking early and checking in online before you arrive can speed things up. Some rental companies even let you choose your car ahead of time.
Bottom Line
You don’t have to waste the first hour of your trip waiting in a rental car line, especially when elite status is free with the right card or airline program.
For our family, skipping the counter means we get to the hotel faster, start our trip sooner, and start relaxing from the very beginning of our vacation.
If you want to start using travel perks like this, check out my list of favorite travel credit cards and my Beginner’s Guide.
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