We booked our 7 day car rental with Hotwire and once confirmed had the reservation with Hertz. Normally, we have Budget/Avis or National & Thrifty. We picked up the car last night and they didn't have the size we reserved so they were "letting" us use a smaller class of vehicle for the same charge. However, we were traveling 2000 miles and delivering large items to family, so we needed at least the size we reserved. After 25 minutes, we finally had to upgrade to a large SUV at a premium price so that we could leave with a vehicle. We barely had 4 miles on the vehicle when the tire maintenance light came on and we had to return to the airport again. This time they had the size vehicle in that we originally reserved and after searching for the keys and information, we were able to check out again. I had reserved the hotwire car so we added my husband as the additional driver which is standard procedure for us whenever we rent a car. We found out after the fact that since we used a "tour" package, we had to pay an additional $110 for the seven days that we would have the car and he could drive. If we were Gold customers but booked through Hotwire, Orbitz, etc, then the "surcharge" would be waived. But conveniently, they couldn't find the record where we were gold members from last year, how convenient for them. All of the other times we have booked cars with Hotwire, etc, and had any other car agency, the spouse was always a "free" addon. When I called to question it, they told me that I added a bunch of additional drivers and that was why I had a surcharge. I explained it was my husband and they could see that on the license/info that was presented at the time of pickup. Then I was told that is just Hertz policy if you don't book directly with them. So, in other words, the "great" deal that Hotwire, etc. Are offering doesn't apply if you land with Hertz, because they won't let you have a great deal with a price affordable rental.
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