Ascend Summer 2019 | Page 31

PACK SMART If you’re regularly renting cars for your business trips, then it’s a good idea to get an extra car charger and mount for your smartphone and leave them in your suitcase. While the rental car will most likely have a USB port, a dedicated device will do a better job of keeping your phone charged and providing enough power for a GPS app. BUSINESS TRAVEL PROGRAMS Hertz Business Rewards offers small and medium-sized companies discounts of up to 30% off regular rates. Other benefits include: credits toward free rental days for your company, Hertz Gold membership and customized billing options. When you make your reservations using your company’s Business Rewards number, Hertz will automatically track your rentals and mail your earned Free Rental Day certificates on a monthly basis. Your company’s frequent travelers may be enrolled in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and keep the points for personal use. Check out their new Fast Pass lanes for CLEAR members. Contact your travel advisor to enroll your company in Hertz Business Rewards. Likewise, National Car Rental customers can enjoy all the features of Emerald Club. Benefits include counter bypass, selecting their own vehicle, and speeding through the gate – all with enrollment and membership in Emerald Club – no additional program add-ons needed. Membership in Emerald Club is free and rewarding as you accrue credits towards free rental days and receive free upgrades when available. National also focuses on expediting the return experience. As an Emerald Club member, you are eligible to simply drop off your rental and go, and then automatically receive a receipt through the email address included in your Emerald Club profile. Finally, you can use your Emerald Club membership when renting globally and at all Enterprise Rent-A-Car locations as well. It helps to expedite your rental and you will earn additional credits towards free rental days around the world. SAVE MONEY FOR YOUR COMPANY Check your company’s travel policy on refueling your rental. Some companies will not reimburse a refueling charge as it is considered ‘extra fees’. Bypass the fees for GPS devices by using your cell phone apps for directions. In addition to booking with a preferred rental car agency for business travel, you may be able to save your company some money by booking at an off-airport location. Pay close attention to the rate structure. By extending your rental for an extra day, you may be able to take advantage of a lower weekend rate. Unless you are 110% sure that your trip will not be cancelled, do not pre- pay the rental car. Most major rental car companies let you cancel your reservation without any type of penalty or fee. Elevating the Art of Business Travel