Owais Crawford
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a popular choice for travellers due to its extensive network of over 9,500 locations worldwide, including more than 250 airport sites across the US. However, the question of whether Enterprise is cheaper at the airport or off-site is a complex one. While airport locations offer convenience, they may not always be the most affordable option. For example, in a comparison between Enterprise and Alamo, it was found that renting from Enterprise off-airport was cheaper than Alamo's on-airport location. Additionally, pricing can vary based on location and dates, and it is worth noting that aggressive sales tactics and add-ons can significantly increase the final cost. Nevertheless, Enterprise has consistently ranked high in customer satisfaction, and its large fleet caters to a range of preferences, from basic compacts to exotic vehicles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of locations | 9,500 worldwide |
| Number of countries | 100 |
| Number of US locations | 250+ |
| Number of airport locations | 250 in the US |
| Types of vehicles | Basic compact styles, minivans, hybrids, electric cars, pickup trucks, luxury cars, sports cars, SUVs, exotic vehicles, 12- and 15-passenger vans |
| Customer satisfaction | Ranked highest in the J.D. Power 2023 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study |
| Price comparison with Hertz | Consistently more affordable than Hertz |
| Price comparison with Alamo | Alamo is often cheaper than Enterprise by a few dollars a day |
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What You'll Learn
Enterprise vs. Hertz: Hertz has more airport locations
When it comes to choosing a car rental company, one of the first things to consider is fleet size. Hertz has one of the largest fleets in the world, with more than 1,600 locations at airports in the US and over 1,300 at airports internationally. In total, Hertz has around 8,500 locations in nearly 150 countries worldwide. On the other hand, Enterprise has over 9,500 locations globally, but these are spread across approximately 100 countries. Enterprise lags behind Hertz in terms of airport operations, offering rentals at 250 airports in the US.
Hertz's extensive presence at major airports ensures that travellers can conveniently pick up their rental car. The company's streamlined reservation system and self-service kiosks reduce waiting times, making it a favourite among business travellers. Hertz also offers elite status benefits, which can result in cheaper upgrades or faster service. If you frequently rent cars at major airports, Hertz may be the more cost-effective option due to its extensive perks. Additionally, Hertz provides a delivery service called Hertz Neighbourhood Delivery, although it comes at a cost. To utilise this service, you need to be a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards member and pay $30 each way.
Enterprise, on the other hand, stands out for its focus on local markets and neighbourhood locations. With thousands of branches across the country, Enterprise is often the preferred choice for those seeking a rental car near their home or outside of the airport. Enterprise provides a unique benefit with its one-point pickup/drop-off services, allowing customers to return their rental at a different location. This flexibility is advantageous for long-distance trips. The company also offers a free pick-up service for non-airport locations during regular business hours, ensuring that a representative will come to collect the renter.
While both Hertz and Enterprise offer competitive prices, the better deal may depend on the specifics of your trip. Enterprise is known for its transparency in pricing, with no hidden fees, and often provides good discounts, especially for local rentals. Pricing comparisons between the two companies have shown that Enterprise is generally more affordable, with substantial differences in total costs for certain rentals. However, Hertz's rewards program is considered more rewarding for those aiming to earn free rentals quickly.
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Alamo is often cheaper than Enterprise
Alamo and Enterprise are two car rental companies that offer a range of vehicles, from basic compact styles to minivans, hybrids, electric cars, pickup trucks, luxury cars, sports cars, and more. While both companies offer similar services and vehicles, there are some key differences in terms of pricing, availability, and customer satisfaction.
Enterprise, on the other hand, boasts more than 9,500 locations in nearly 100 countries and territories, while Alamo has just 1,100 locations across 84 countries. This gives Enterprise a significant advantage in terms of availability and convenience for customers. However, it's important to note that pricing can vary by location, and in some cases, Alamo may be more expensive, especially for on-airport rentals.
When it comes to customer satisfaction, Enterprise has consistently ranked highly. According to the J.D. Power 2023 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study, Enterprise ranked first, while Alamo came in third. Enterprise's pick-up service and dedicated customer service lines have contributed to its positive reputation.
In summary, while Enterprise may offer more locations and higher customer satisfaction ratings, Alamo often provides more competitive pricing and the opportunity to earn airline miles. Therefore, when deciding between the two, it's important to consider your specific needs and budget. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that pricing and availability can vary based on location and rental dates, so it's always a good idea to compare rates and options before making a decision.
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Hertz is better for Tesla rentals
While Enterprise ranks higher in customer satisfaction and affordability, Hertz is better for Tesla rentals. Hertz offers a wide range of vehicles, including the Tesla Model 3, a full-torque, future-focused sedan with zero emissions. The Model 3 is a unique offering that sets Hertz apart, providing an exhilarating ride with a 15-inch touchscreen that allows you to control climate, music, and navigation, elevating your driving experience beyond the ordinary.
Hertz provides detailed step-by-step instructions for charging the Tesla, making the process convenient and straightforward, even for those new to electric vehicles. They have a large global presence, with over 1,600 locations at US airports and more than 1,300 at international airports, ensuring easy access to their services. Additionally, Hertz has thousands of non-airport sites, known as "neighborhood locations," bringing the total number of locations to around 8,500 in nearly 150 countries.
Although pricing can vary by location and date, Enterprise is generally more affordable for small SUV and minivan rentals, as well as one-day medium sedan rentals. However, Hertz provides the unique opportunity to experience the Tesla Model 3, which justifies its competitive pricing.
Hertz's extensive airport presence, combined with its ability to offer a cutting-edge, environmentally friendly vehicle like the Tesla Model 3, makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of convenience and sustainability in their rental car experience.
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Enterprise has more locations worldwide
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a family-owned business and the world's largest car rental provider, which owns and operates more than 1.7 million vehicles. It has expanded its award-winning customer service across the globe and now operates more than 9,500 branch offices in nearly 100 countries and territories, with 4,194 of these in the United States alone. This means that Enterprise has more locations worldwide than its competitors, including Hertz, which has around 8,500 locations in nearly 150 countries.
While Enterprise has more locations worldwide, it lags in terms of airport operations, offering rentals at only 250 rental airports in the US. However, it consistently offers more affordable rental prices than Hertz. For example, a one-day rental from Tampa International Airport for a medium sedan with recommended protections included costs $237.38 with Hertz and $119.17 with Enterprise, a difference of $118.21.
In addition to its competitive pricing, Enterprise offers a pick-up service for non-airport locations during normal business hours. This means that a company representative will pick up the renter, not deliver a car. Once the renter arrives at a local office, they can complete the paperwork and drive away in a car. In contrast, Hertz offers a similar service called Hertz Neighborhood Delivery, but it comes at a cost of $30 each way, and the customer needs to be a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards member.
An ex-employee of Enterprise has also revealed that airport staff are not incentivized to upsell, so if a customer declines the extras, the staff will likely just give the customer a car. This can be a useful tip to keep in mind when renting a car from Enterprise at the airport.
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Enterprise has better customer satisfaction
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a popular car rental company with over 9,500 locations worldwide. While the company offers rentals at 250 airports in the US, it lags behind competitors like Hertz, which operates at over 1,600 US airport locations. Despite this, Enterprise has consistently been ranked highly for customer satisfaction.
In the J.D. Power 2023 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study, Enterprise was ranked highest for customer satisfaction for the third year in a row. The study was based on responses from over 8,000 travellers who rented cars at airport locations. Enterprise's strong performance in this study can be attributed to its commitment to customer satisfaction, which is reflected in its former slogan, "We'll pick you up". The company offers a unique pick-up service for non-airport locations during normal business hours, ensuring that a company representative picks up the renter and brings them to a local office to complete the paperwork and drive away in a car.
Enterprise's focus on customer satisfaction is also evident in its pricing structure. Enterprise is known for being consistently more affordable than its competitors, with lower base rental rates and optional damage protection upgrades. For example, a small SUV rental from Tampa International Airport for a week was $362 with Enterprise and $364.24 with Hertz. Additionally, Enterprise's optional damage protection upgrade is $29.99 per day, compared to $34.99 per day with Hertz.
Furthermore, Enterprise's customer service representatives are trained to provide excellent service. While there may be instances of aggressive sales tactics, as reported by a former employee, the company prioritises positive customer experiences. Enterprise Sales Customer Associate Retail (ESCAR) employees at airports are often willing to provide free upgrades to ensure customer satisfaction.
Overall, Enterprise's high ranking in customer satisfaction studies and positive customer experiences reflect its commitment to meeting customer needs and providing excellent service. The company's affordable pricing, convenient pick-up services, and dedication to positive customer interactions contribute to its strong performance in customer satisfaction metrics.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a few sources, Enterprise is said to be cheaper at the airport. However, it is always best to compare prices with other companies, as prices may vary depending on location and the dates you are looking for.
Enterprise is said to be more affordable than Hertz. For example, a one-day rental from Tampa International Airport for a medium sedan costs $159 per day with Hertz, while Enterprise offers the same type of car for $64.95 per day.
Yes, according to the J.D. Power 2023 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study, Enterprise ranked highest overall in customer satisfaction for the third year in a row.
Some sources suggest that talking to an ESCAR (Enterprise Sales Customer Associate Retail) employee at the airport can help you get a good deal. These employees are less concerned with their sales numbers and may be more willing to give you a good deal just to make you happy. Additionally, signing up for loyalty programs or using travel points and miles can also help you get a better deal.
Enterprise offers a wide range of vehicles, including basic compact styles, minivans, hybrids, electric cars, pickup trucks, luxury cars, sports cars, and exotic vehicles. They also offer 12- and 15-passenger vans, which can be useful for larger groups.
