The AAA Member’s Road Trip Cheat Sheet: 5 Hacks for a Better Rental Experience
Game-changing rental car hacks that save AAA members time and money
Why overpay, wait in line, or schlep extra gear through the airport when there’s no need to when you rent with Hertz? If you’re a AAA member, you already have access to a host of money-saving, stress-reducing benefits; you just need to use them. This cheat sheet reveals five powerful ways to turn your AAA membership into the ultimate vehicle rental upgrade.
Hack 1: The family packing win
If you’ve ever tried flying with a car seat, you know it’s a cumbersome endeavor. But renting one at your destination can easily cost more than $100 per week. Here’s where your AAA membership makes the difference. When you book with Hertz using your member discount code, you receive the use of a free child safety seat. Whether you need a rear-facing infant seat, a forward-facing toddler seat, or a booster, this benefit makes family travel both hassle-free and cheaper. Instead of dragging bulky equipment through the airport, just hop off the plane and into your Hertz car, fully equipped and road-ready for the whole family at no extra charge.
Hack 2: The under-25 budget saver
Renting a car before your 25th birthday can feel like a financial punishment. Most rental agencies tack on a steep daily surcharge (sometimes $30 or more per day) for the added risk of less experienced drivers under age 25. For a week-long spring break trip or cross-country move, that fee alone—easily amounting to hundreds of dollars—can rival the cost of the rental itself. AAA members ages 20 to 24 get this entire young renter fee waived at Hertz, instantly making you a more budget-savvy traveler, thanks to your AAA membership. If you’re planning a spring break trip, heading home from college, or just need wheels for a few days, be sure to book through the AAA–Hertz partnership to unlock this major cost savings.
Hack 3: The long-haul lifesaver
On any standard vehicle rental, only one driver is typically included in the advertised rate. That means no swapping drivers during long hauls, which translates into increased driver fatigue—and increased risk on the roadways. Want to add a copilot? Most rental companies charge an additional daily fee for that. When you book with Hertz as a AAA member, however, you can add one additional driver for free, as long as they are also a AAA member or the driver is enrolled in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. That means your spouse, friend, or travel buddy can help share driving duties without incurring extra costs. It’s a simple perk that pays off in reduced fatigue, improved safety, and a much more enjoyable journey for everyone.
Hack 4: The airport time machine
After a long flight, the last thing you want to do is wait in a line at the rental counter. With Hertz, you don’t have to. AAA members can enroll in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards for free and immediately access faster service. Once enrolled, you’ll receive expedited pick-up at participating locations, including many major airports. After your flight, skip the line entirely, and head straight to your car by finding your name and space number displayed on the Hertz Gold board. Once you land with bags in hand, you’ll be on your way within minutes.
Hack 5: The found money
Most travelers appreciate a discount, but a great discount is more than just pocket change—and at Hertz, it is much more. AAA members can save up to 20 percent off the base rate at Hertz, often amounting to hundreds of dollars over the course of a week-long rental. That savings can easily become a bonus vacation perk: an extra night at your hotel, a celebratory dinner out, or tickets to a local attraction or event you otherwise may have skipped. Think of it as "found money,” giving you a budget for a travel upgrade you essentially don’t have to pay extra for simply because you used your AAA membership.
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With these five hacks in your back pocket, Hertz helps make the rental car journey smoother, faster, and much more enjoyable. By unlocking the power of your AAA benefits, you’ll elevate your entire travel experience while saving both precious time and money.