How to Save on Rental Cars by Booking Through Your Airline
Enter your frequent-flyer number on your airline's car page to unlock member rates and earn miles on each rental.
You save by starting on your airline's car booking page and adding your frequent-flyer number before checkout. That path can trigger a member rate discount plus miles or points on the same rental. An airline channel means the airline's car portal or partner link that passes your loyalty number to the rental firm.
You still pick up the car from Avis, Budget, Hertz, or a similar company. The savings come from that link, not from the airport counter.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 04, 2026.
How does the airline link lower the price?
The link connects two benefits. First, the rental firm applies a contract or member rate. Second, the airline adds miles or points after the rental posts.
You must enter your loyalty number during booking, not after return. Check that the checkout shows the airline plan and the rental total. If the total is higher than a direct booking, the miles may not offset the difference.
What do American and United travelers get?
According to Avis, American Airlines members booking Avis through the airline channel earn at least 2 AAdvantage base miles per dollar plus 1 Loyalty Point per base mile, with higher rates for cardmembers and elite tiers and an Avis discount included Avis partner terms. Cardmembers earn 3 miles per dollar. Elite tiers earn 4 to 5 miles per dollar.
According to United Airlines, MileagePlus members can save up to 35% off Avis and Budget base rates and earn up to 1,250 base miles per qualifying rental when they add their number plus the partner code United car rental offers. Use AWD A791500 for Avis. Use BCD B204900 for Budget.
What do Delta and Southwest travelers get?
According to Delta Air Lines, SkyMiles members booking through Delta Cars and Stays earn 2 miles per dollar of base rate generally, with general members earning 4 miles per dollar on Hertz reservations under the standard offer Delta partner benefits. The rate applies to the base rental amount. Taxes and fees do not earn extra miles.
According to Southwest Airlines, Rapid Rewards members can earn points on every qualifying rental from eight partners without booking a flight, and points can also be redeemed for rentals Southwest rental car partners. Partners include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, Payless and Thrifty. You choose the partner at booking.
How do you keep the savings at checkout?
Compare the airline-channel total against the rental firm's direct total for the same dates and car class. A small base-rate discount can disappear if fees differ. Keep the cheaper total when miles have low cash value to you.
- Start from the airline car page for your program
- Select dates, location, and car class
- Enter your frequent-flyer number and partner code if shown
- Screenshot the rate details before you prepay