Hertz rental from LAX

Hi guys, I’m travelling in June this year and have booked a rental vehicle for pick up from Hertz LAX. I’ve read numerous extremely bad reviews about this location / company after making the booking and was hoping for some advice.

Should I consider a different rental company from LAX and if so, which one?

I’m a solo traveller from Australia.. thanks in advance. X

Picking up a rental car at LAX can be stressful, especially if you’ve read negative reviews about a particular location like Hertz. While many travelers do have smooth experiences, LAX rental car facilities are busy, and delays at shuttle pickup or the rental counter are common. If you are a solo traveler from Australia, minimizing stress is important.

Here are some considerations:

  • Alternative Rental Companies: Other major rental companies at LAX include Enterprise, Alamo, National, Budget, and Avis. These often have similar pricing but may provide better service or shorter wait times depending on the day and hour of your arrival.
  • Off-Airport Locations: Renting from a nearby off-airport location in Westchester, El Segundo, or Inglewood may save you from the busiest LAX queues. Some of these locations provide shuttle service from the airport, but it may be quicker than the main LAX rental center during peak hours.
  • Booking in Advance: Confirm your reservation and pick-up time in advance. Some travelers find it helpful to book a specific car model or prepaid reservation to speed up the process.
  • Check Reviews by Date: Sometimes negative reviews reflect a specific period of high traffic or staffing issues. Recent reviews can give a better idea of current service levels.

Practical advice:

  • If you want the least stressful experience, consider Alamo or National for smooth counter service and frequent shuttle pickups.
  • Enterprise is also highly rated for customer service, though the wait may be slightly longer at peak times.
  • Be ready for some waiting at LAX regardless of the company, and allow 30–60 minutes for shuttle and check-in procedures.
  • If your flight arrives late in the evening, service tends to be faster as traffic and volume decrease.

Ultimately, any of the major rental companies can work, but if you are concerned about Hertz specifically, booking with Alamo, National, or Enterprise can give a higher likelihood of a smooth pick-up for a solo traveler.


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