National - Avis copying National?

National's Aisles are perhaps so popular that first Hertz, and now Avis are copying the implementation. (Although Hertz's Gold Choice isn't so much a choice, as it is an opportunity for them to upsell vehicles to unsuspecting customers).

Just received an email from Avis today that they're introducing a new service called "Preferred Select & Go". Can retain your pre-assigned vehicle or choose from 3 options when you reserve intermediate or larger. Can of course upgrade to Cool Cars.

Rental Agreements no longer provided in the vehicles, much like at National.

IMO, National still provides the best selection of vehicles from which a customer may choose a rental. Neither Avis or Hertz allow the possibility of driving off in a luxury/premium vehicle for an intermediate price, unless you're super-elite status.

That was my first thought when I read the email today too.

National's process is still the best though, at least if you have Exec Select access. It's a rare exception that I don't have at least the option of a Premium car or better on an ES rental - no upcharge.

Were you able to figure out how the upcharge for a Cool Car is determined? I couldn't figure it out in the fine print. I mean, I know it'll vary...but if I'm standing there looking over some Cool Cars, how will I know the upcharge amount before I get into one? Will there be a menu board next to the aisle? Amounts written on hangtags in the cars? (There is probably a thread on the Avis board by now with some answers...)

Budget's FastBreak program does the same thing by allowing you to choose from within your class, but so far as I have experienced there are almost never upgrades from the reserved class available as choice options. On the other hand, the Budget one-class upgrade coupons are useful in that you can usually get a Premium class for the (usually very cheap) Full price anyways.

Avis is more likely to copy Hertz's model not National's. Hertz's Gold Choice area is for all Gold members that book a minimum of mid-size, so no matter you are regular Gold member or or higher tier like President's Circle, you all choose from the Gold Choice area, luxury cars will come with an upgrade fee. National has separate sections for Executive and VIP members with better cars than regular Emerald Club members which I like. I doubt Avis is making their Select & Go like National from the description.

I doubt Avis is making their Select & Go like National from the description.

What about the description makes you think it isn't like an Emerald Club copy?

What about the description makes you think it isn't like an Emerald Club copy?

Well, it's limited to just 3-other options, whereas Emerald Club gives you as many options as there are vehicles on the Aisle.

Budget's FastBreak program does the same thing by allowing you to choose from within your class, but so far as I have experienced there are almost never upgrades from the reserved class available as choice options. On the other hand, the Budget one-class upgrade coupons are useful in that you can usually get a Premium class for the (usually very cheap) Full price anyways.

Lately Budget has been also sending out some very good direct emails for specialty/premium cars. Lux $179/wk, Prem $139/wk, valid pretty much nationwide U.S. with the obvious exceptions like NYC...

But yes, I agree with what you say: I've never had a Fastbreak kiosk say "You've reserved Premium, but go ahead and pick from the Luxury aisle this time..."

My recent Budget rentals have been small locations with no kiosk. Roll up with that $179/wk. luxury reservation and it pretty much turns into "Here are all the cars we have ready...what would you like?"

Well, it's limited to just 3-other options, whereas Emerald Club gives you as many options as there are vehicles on the Aisle.

LOL, too true. I actually meant more conceptually than the obvious. ;):)

LOL, too true. I actually meant more conceptually than the obvious. ;):)

Conceptually yes, with some variations.