Avis discounts SUV rentals for ski promotion

Avis launched a winter ski promotion offering discounted rentals and winterized vehicles with free ski racks in select locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Through April 30, customers will receive $50 off the weekly rental of a sports utility vehicle, $25 off weekly non-SUV rentals or $20 off a weekend rental on any car class.

In addition to the ski rack, the promotion includes unlimited mileage, driving directions and emergency roadside assistance.

The promotion is available in select locations in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming and Canada.

To book, call (888) SKI-1212 and cite code AWD K005008 or visit www.avis.com/ski.

Thrifty extended its "Double Credits" promotion for Blue Chip Rewards members through Jan. 15 for bookings made on www.thrifty.com.

Ordinarily, Blue Chip Rewards members earn one credit for each rental day booked at a participating Thrifty location in the U.S. and Canada.

Members are awarded one free day after earning 16 credits. Single credits will be awarded for rentals made through other booking channels.

To sign up for Blue Chip Rewards, visit the Web site or call (888) 400-8877.

Enterprise Rent-a-Car was rated No. 1 in customer satisfaction at airport car rental locations in a study by J.D. Power and Associates.

It is the fifth time in the past six years that Enterprise has ranked highest in the J.D. Power and Associates Rental Car Satisfaction Study.

The study measures customer satisfaction among business and leisure travelers who rent cars at airports based on six criteria: pick-up process, rates/ value, return process, condition of the rental car, reservations process and shuttle van/bus.

"Enterprise has been particularly successful in expediting the pick-up process at airport locations, which can have a dramatic impact on overall customer satisfaction," said Linda Hir-neise, J.D. Power's executive director of travel industry research.

Hertz was rated No. 2, receiving the highest ratings for its reservations process, rental cars and return process.

For clients trying to escape the cold, Hertz rolled out its "Florida Drive In" promotion, offering one-way renters low rates in an effort to boost its Florida fleet for the peak winter months.

The promotion features low daily or weekly rates from any of 40 North American locations. Drop-off fees are waived, and there are no mileage restrictions. Through Dec. 31, daily rates range from $34.99 for economy cars to $47.99 for SUVs, subject to holiday blackouts and other restrictions.

For information or reservations, call (800) 631-3131 or visit www.hertz.com.