I'm a Hertz Five Star Gold member. Today I went to pick up a compact car that I reserved. The rental location did not have any compact cars, but did have a cross-over SUV. I've had this happen often and get the large vehicle for the same rate. Today I was told my rate would double since it was a larger vehicle. I requested the price I reserved, but the manager said I would have pay an upcharge. I called customer service and did an on-line chat with an agent. I was told
"I understand your concern. Please note that, as per our policy, any changes made to your reservation may affect the rental rate. Since the originally reserved vehicle is not available at the location, we will provide you with an alternative vehicle based on current availability. As a result, the rental rate will be adjusted to reflect the pricing associated with the new vehicle."
I have never had this happen, so it's either a new policy or they're just starting to apply it.
"I understand your concern. Please note that, as per our policy, any changes made to your reservation may affect the rental rate. Since the originally reserved vehicle is not available at the location, we will provide you with an alternative vehicle based on current availability. As a result, the rental rate will be adjusted to reflect the pricing associated with the new vehicle."
I have never had this happen, so it's either a new policy or they're just starting to apply it.