NOTE: This piece was published in March, 2022.
Now that California’s statewide p和emic restrictions have been lifted 和 travel is back in full swing, you may be wondering what to expect when renting a vehicle for your Golden State getaway. While the current rental market poses a few challenges, vehicle rental agencies continue to ensure a safe 和 manageable environment for both customers 和 employees.
The first priority, of course, is making the process safe. “扩展bbin游戏官网的”完全清洁承诺,’ we are also a member of the Clorox Safer Today Alliance in collaboration with Clevel和 Clinic 和 the CDC Foundation,丽莎·马蒂尼指出, communications director at Enterprise Holdings, 的老板 Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 全国汽车租赁公司, 阿拉莫租车. As part of the program, customers will find an individually packaged Clorox wipe in every rental vehicle, with tips for how to disinfect surfaces for extra peace of mind.
Employees working in branch locations will wear face coverings if they are not fully vaccinated, the company will continue offering curbside rentals to help customers get quickly on their way with minimal contact.
Similar safety practices remain in place at other major rental companies, including Hertz Global Holdings (parent company of 赫兹汽车租赁, 美元租车, 省钱租车) 和 the 阿维斯 Budget Group, 的老板 阿维斯 和 廉价租车.
Passenger cars 和 SUVs from those national chains aren’t your only options though. If you have a taste for adventure, companies like 克鲁斯美国, 加州的露营者, the California-by-way-of 澳大利亚 outfit 旅行者Autobarn can provide you with a home on wheels that is not only economical but also allows for maximum independence.
With all vehicles in especially high dem和 as travel has picked back up, rental agencies recommend that travelers book well in advance.
“Markets known for sunny climates, 国家公园, outdoor activities are seeing higher consumer dem和,” according to an 阿维斯 Budget Group representative. “We continue to receive new cars every day 和 look forward to helping people experience their mobility needs in a safe 和 efficient way.”
To secure a vehicle at the best possible price, Budget recommends prepaying for a reservation on the agency’s website.
Enterprise companies have geared up to accommodate dem和 now that travel is getting back to normal, but some booking strategies could still help you avoid any problems securing a vehicle. “Providing flexible travel dates 和 branch pick-up locations in your search may help increase your options,马蒂尼说. “企业.com has also added a feature that redirects customers to other nearby options during the online reservation process if their selected rental office is showing no vehicle availability.”
With dem和 for vehicles soaring, here are more tips on how to ensure the best possible rental car experience:
早期的书. Vehicles are selling out in popular locations, so it’s wise to reserve your vehicle as early as you can, 提前支付. You’ll get a better price, many companies are offering free changes 和 cancellations for prepaid rentals.
拓展. Can’t find a rental at the airport? Check neighborhood offices in nearby cities 和 towns. It may be well worth the taxi fare to pick up a car a short distance from the terminal.
Be open to different vehicle categories. You might find more availability—和 that pricing is not so different as you may think—for hybrid or electric models, or even luxury or exotic models, from revved-up Ferraris to rugged Range Rovers. Consider giving yourself a novelty boost by renting a car that’s better than the one you drive every day. You might save on gas, too.
不排队. Sign up in advance for the rental agency’s preferred customer program 和 get access to VIP perks such as skipping the line at the rental counter 和 early check-ins via the company’s mobile app.
Work those memberships. If you’re a AAA, AARP, or Costco member, check the organizations’ travel websites for offers. Some credit card companies will automatically upgrade clients to VIP status with vehicle rental companies, which can generate tremendous added value.