Two months ago I wrote that Avis was revamping its loyalty program.
Avis has been just about to launch a revamped loyalty program for a long time. Years, in fact. Now they’re finally talking about it publicly so it’s probably actually close.
The first sign was short expiration of new free weekend rentals that were being awarded to Avis First members.
Now Heels First Travel tells us that Avis First will be renamed Avis Preferred Plus and restructured to earn points instead of weekend rentals.
The Avis Preferred Points currency will be flexible, and you will have the ability to redeem points the way you want – on rentals, upgrades and optional products.” In the past, Avis First members (those who completed 12 qualifying rentals or 35 qualifying nights) would earn a two day weekend rental for every 4 rentals of 2+ days.
I’m going to bet that this will, net net, be an improvement if only because the current program Avis offers is really week for folks earning free car days and recognition from their rentals.
There are currently 4 levels to the Avis program: Preferred, First, Presidents Club, and Chairmans Club.
The only real benefits (like guaranteed rentals and meaningful upgrades) come with Presidents and Chairmans Club but you cannot earn those based on renting with Avis.
Presidents Club is given to customers with legacy Continental Presidential Plus MasterCards and to American Express Centurion cardholders. A certain number of Presidents Club and Chairmans Club memberships are given to large corporate contracts.
For most, the best you can do presently is Avis First which lets you earn free weekend rentals.
Avis is in my experience the most generous awarding miles. I prefer National for picking your own car — though Avis now has this at some locations. And while you cannot earn miles and free rental days both, Avis can be most rewarding for a non-status member.
It’s time they got around to launching the revamp. And now we have another indication that it’s mere months away.
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typo on weak vs. week.
So I assume chairman members are all corporate or other members that got personal invites.
I like Avis a lot and it’s my preferred vendor but I don’t know why. They seem so inconsistent. Maybe this will improve.