Balance the Delta rental car perks against an affinity credit card - see what's best for you !
Have a Delta American Express Card - rack up the Sky Miles !

Add note when at the rental car counter don't be coerced into buying unnecessary insurance and travel protection.
Know what protections are offered by your credit card.
Also check out the car thoroughly with photos for damage and dings.

Not saying that bad things happen with every rental but rarely a Sunday goes by that Chris Elliott (chriselliot.org)
and his ombudsman's travel column people who have been taken advantaged of with car rental schemes.

Happens mostly in foreign countries but here in the good ole USA you are not immune from this.

A gamesmanship issue is you rent the least expensive car on the lot and they don't have it available when you want
to rent it. HOLD YOUR GROUND - wait a short period and if they don't have by then demand a complimentary upgrade.

Another issue is the gas in the car - know what the price of gas is in the car rental area. Know that you must return
the car with a full tank of gas. When you return the car will a cheap local gas station be open to do this ?
If not it might be more convenient to buy the gas upfront from the rental company and not deal with the hassle !

If you have rented cars before you no doubt have experienced the drill - for others beware the pitfalls !

Oh it is not all that bad - just be aware of what is going on !