Hi again, this is another post from Dad. Angelina is busy sending us teaser pictures back home as they enjoy themselves over in Hong Kong. As you may remember, Angelina and I did a mileage run to Portland not too long ago.
I’m sure you already know that our home airport is EWR, but this time we flew out of LaGuardia because the price was right. For those who are familiar with the New York metro area, you know that LGA is a pain in the neck to get to using public transportation because there really isn’t a “direct” way there; you have to take the subway and some local buses which can be annoying and frustrating, but worth the $3 if you’re the patient type.
Others may consider taking a cab for $40, but NYC traffic is rarely fun either. I don’t know about you, but I start to sweat as I see the cab meter increase every 2 minutes being stuck in traffic or at a red light.
The 3rd option, which was completely new to us, is Hertz on Demand. I became a member in 2011, and never used it until March 14. The clincher for me was the one-way rental to the airport and free gas and insurance.
I must say our experience was very good, painless, and smooth. I reserved car online with my pick-up location being W 48th St and 7 Ave in Manhattan. We rented a mid-size car for $16.40, and our scheduled usage was 12:30pm to 1:30 pm, GPS is included. We drove via the 59th street bridge to avoid paying any tolls to LaGuardia Airport (however, there is an EZ Pass already installed in the car if you do incur tolls). With traffic and minor confusion finding the rental car terminal at LGA, we arrived at the airport around 1:40pm. Upon arriving at Hertz, we simply parked in the designated parking spot and caught the shuttle to the United terminal. My total cost was $20.20 with the tax, and I also got 18 points in the end.
Below, I outlined the benefits and links from the Hertz on Demand website. Note that this service is not available at all locations.
Benefits of being a Hertz On Demand member include:
- Free Membership, No Enrollment or Annual Fees
- Rent by the Hour or by the Day
- Gas & Insurance Included
- 24/7 In Car Member Care
- 180 Miles per 24 Hour Period
- 24/7 Vehicle Access
- Guaranteed Weekday Availability in New York City (Mon.-Thurs.)
- One Way & Round Trip Service Available (even to the airport!)
- Luxury and Green Vehicle Options
How It Works:
| Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for membership and reserve your vehicle online. | Swipe your keyfob/card over the reader on the windshield to unlock the doors. | Start the car & go! To return, just park the car at your designated drop off location. |
Locations:
http://www.hertzondemand.com/ColoradoCollege/en-US/Location/Index
Promotion:
http://www.hertzondemand.com/ColoradoCollege/en-US/About/Promotion
No compensation of any kind from Hertz. Actual experience.
Hertz on Demand location in Manhattan on W 48th St & 7th Ave.
Included GPS
Shot of the GPS and Tracker on Dashboard
Hertz on Demand Membership Card
Included EZPass for Tolls
What kind of car was it? Chevy Cruze? Did you phone the garage before or just go and pick it up?
Thanks!
Didn’t even know this was an option – this is awesome thanks for sharing!!
@Brian ours was a chevy malibu..you reserve your car online..then 1/2 before you are ready to pick up car, call the garage and they will have car waiting for you.You must always reserve car first on line or by phone..some locations did not have rentals available.
@Albert-glad I could help..
Was there any penalty for returning the car 10 minuts late?
@ Quickroute..I did not pay a penalty…I was quoted $16.40..Taught that would be my total cost..Was surprised to see tax added for a total of $20.20..it was a good value..I plan on using again..
Thaks for the useful information!
I am thinking about doing this for the trip in May.
One thing I am woriied is where I park the car and how long it takes from the parking lot to the terminal.
(You say you had a confusion finding the rental car terminal at LGA.)