How To Get A Rental Car Upgrade: 6 Rental Upgrade Secrets

While it’s never guaranteed, there are several tips that can increase your chances of landing a rental car upgrade. Here are a few ways you can improve your odds.

We’ve all been there – standing at the rental car counter, hoping for a little luck that will upgrade us from the economy car we booked to something a bit more exciting. While it’s never guaranteed, there are several tips that can increase your chances of landing a rental car upgrade. Here are a few ways you can improve your odds:

1. Try asking for an upgrade

Sometimes, the simplest approach is the best. Just asking if there’s any chance of a complimentary upgrade can work wonders. Rental companies want happy customers, and if you catch them at the right time, they might just say yes. When asking, timing and delivery are key. If you strike up a friendly conversation, show appreciation for their service, and then casually ask if they happen to have any complimentary upgrades available, you’ll find that a little charm goes a long way.

2. Be polite and friendly

Manners cost nothing, but they can be worth quite a lot when it comes to securing a car upgrade. A positive attitude and friendly demeanor can make all the difference at the rental desk. Rental staff deal with countless customers daily, and it’s safe to say they likely encounter their fair share of stressed or impatient travellers. Being one of the more pleasant interactions in their day could set you apart from the crowd.

3. Rent during off-peak times

Timing is everything when you’re trying to secure a car rental upgrade. Like most businesses, rental car companies experience fluctuations in demand. During off-peak periods—midweek, outside major holidays, or when business travel is slow—they often have more vehicles available. This presents an opportunity for savvy renters.

When demand is low, companies have a surplus of higher-class cars that need to be rented to keep their fleet active. Rather than letting these vehicles sit idle, staff are often more inclined to offer customers a complimentary upgrade to a more premium model, especially if there's less demand for basic cars. This is particularly true when they need to rotate their stock, as moving vehicles from different tiers helps maintain a balanced fleet.

Opting to rent during these quieter periods significantly boost your chances of receiving a free upgrade. You're more likely to be one of the few customers needing a car, or one of the few with flexibility regarding the model. Additionally, rental companies are keen to impress customers during slower times to encourage repeat business and positive reviews.

4. Be flexible with your pickup time

Arriving later in the day could also improve your chances of getting an upgrade. By that point, the rental company will have already given out most of their economy and lower-tier cars to customers who arrived earlier, leaving them with fewer options to offer late arrivals. In many cases, the only vehicles left are higher-class models that haven’t been rented yet. This situation works to your advantage, as the staff might be more inclined to give you a free upgrade simply because it’s their only available option.

5. Check your credit card benefits

Some credit cards offer car rental benefitsthat include free upgrades or access to special offers. Before you rent, check with your credit card company to see if this is a benefit you can take advantage of. If you have a premium credit card, this perk might already be at your fingertips.

6. What to consider when your upgrade isn’t free

Sometimes, rental companies will offer an upgrade, but with a catch – you’ll need to pay for it. In this case, it’s important to weigh up whether the extra cost is worth it for you. While the idea of driving a more premium car might be tempting, it’s worth considering if you really need the upgrade or if it’s more of a nice-to-have.

Start by asking a few key questions: how much is the upgrade fee? Is it a flat rate or a daily charge? Will the upgraded car offer significant benefits, such as more luggage space, better fuel efficiency, or extra comfort for longer journeys? If the upgrade is a modest fee and provides real value for your trip, it’s worth considering.