List your upgrades!
Nov 25, 2015, 2:45 pm
#2806
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Irvine, CA
Programs: National EE, Avis CC
Posts: 50
Location: SNA
Status: Preferred Plus
Booked: Intermediate
Assigned: Toyota Camry
Received: Ford Mustang
Status: Preferred Plus
Booked: Intermediate
Assigned: Toyota Camry
Received: Ford Mustang
Nov 26, 2015, 1:57 am
#2807
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: QLA
Programs: SBUX Gold
Posts: 14,507
Got into the biggest fight yesterday at BOS. Booked Intermediate (as Presidents Club) and got assigned an Impala. Asked for an SUV (was picking up 2 guys and driving out to Dedham), and was told they were sold out. Pulled out AVIS App and told them I could book an SUV just fine, so how are they sold out. Was offered Fusion, and a bunch of Compact options. I refused. Agent called a manager.
Manager came, cited the same exact lines. Sold out. I showed them the app, and he said, "oh well we're fixing that as we speak; in 20 minutes it'll show sold-out". I asked him if in 30 minutes if I checked the app again would it show sold-out? He said yes. I said, what are you willing to bet on this? If I check back in 30 mins, 1 hr, 2 hr, etc. and it doesnt say sold out, will you give me a free rental day? He said no.
This was for a 7-hour rental (10am-5pm). He offered me a transit van, which I refused (how do you even navigate one of those in downtown boston). I asked for a minivan, or any SUV. He finally relented, and gave me a Santa Fe.
I know I'm not entitled to it, but I swear BOS is the stingiest with upgrades for me @ Presidents Club. I'm always fighting them for something.
Manager came, cited the same exact lines. Sold out. I showed them the app, and he said, "oh well we're fixing that as we speak; in 20 minutes it'll show sold-out". I asked him if in 30 minutes if I checked the app again would it show sold-out? He said yes. I said, what are you willing to bet on this? If I check back in 30 mins, 1 hr, 2 hr, etc. and it doesnt say sold out, will you give me a free rental day? He said no.
This was for a 7-hour rental (10am-5pm). He offered me a transit van, which I refused (how do you even navigate one of those in downtown boston). I asked for a minivan, or any SUV. He finally relented, and gave me a Santa Fe.
I know I'm not entitled to it, but I swear BOS is the stingiest with upgrades for me @ Presidents Club. I'm always fighting them for something.
As to your point about SUVs not being sold out... Maybe an employee or someone who knows for sure will correct me, but I believe Avis overbooks their vehicles since they're counting on a certain percentage of people to not show up (like airlines and their seats), with the added loss due to pre-payment not being required for a reservation.
So I can imagine a scenario where they are in fact sold out of SUVs, yet one can still reserve one on the website (again, like how a particular flight can be booked full, yet you can still buy a seat on that flight).
Given all those presumptions (and again, I could be mistaken), I would say that they may have been correct that all the SUVs were assigned to renters, and just to remind you, upgrades are on a "as available" basis, even for CHM.
I'd hope you call up the BOS station and issue an apology for your behavior. I have serious doubts that will happen, though. I challenge you to prove me wrong.
Nov 27, 2015, 7:02 pm
#2808
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Port CMH
Programs: UA Gold, Avis PPlus, Hertz PC, Hilton & BW Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Marriott & IHG Gold
Posts: 54
In my mind, that would make me want to buy a Honda. I did the same logic with my Subaru purchase, though I think they have made a corporate decision to change process. I've seen a large influx over the last year of CrossoverEX thing and some Legacy wagons, Foresters and Impreza cars.
As for Honda, I was only once assigned a Honda in all my (albeit short) years of renting. It was a Civic at the Hertz Fort Myers airport station. Rarely seen since and haven't been assigned one at Avis or anywhere else.
Nov 27, 2015, 7:12 pm
#2809
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Port CMH
Programs: UA Gold, Avis PPlus, Hertz PC, Hilton & BW Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Marriott & IHG Gold
Posts: 54
Location: IAH
Status: Preferred Plus
Booked: Standard
Assigned: Buick Verano
Received: Ford Fusion
I don't understand two things here:
One - How is a Chevy Cruze considered an Intermediate, yet the same platformed Buick Verano a standard??? I don't care if it has "more features and 'better' sound-proofing." It's an intermediate sized car.
Two - I'm continuing the streak of never getting upgraded, despite being Preferred Plus, which seems to not get one-car class upgrades, even when there is higher class availability. If I wasn't required to rent with Avis by work, I would highly consider switching over and testing Hertz (where I have PC status).
After bringing the upgrade status to the station employee's notice, I was given the option of a Fusion or small SUV. Because I was driving late, needed food, and didn't want to leave luggage visible, I took the Fusion. Loved the car! Had under 2000 miles. Well over that after going to and from College Station.
Funny, the manager arrived early into my discussion and was just as puzzled, as he mentioned that due to the slow week, they had plenty of full-sizes. Is this a reservation system issue? Should I be calling Avis corporate and complain?
Status: Preferred Plus
Booked: Standard
Assigned: Buick Verano
Received: Ford Fusion
I don't understand two things here:
One - How is a Chevy Cruze considered an Intermediate, yet the same platformed Buick Verano a standard??? I don't care if it has "more features and 'better' sound-proofing." It's an intermediate sized car.
Two - I'm continuing the streak of never getting upgraded, despite being Preferred Plus, which seems to not get one-car class upgrades, even when there is higher class availability. If I wasn't required to rent with Avis by work, I would highly consider switching over and testing Hertz (where I have PC status).
After bringing the upgrade status to the station employee's notice, I was given the option of a Fusion or small SUV. Because I was driving late, needed food, and didn't want to leave luggage visible, I took the Fusion. Loved the car! Had under 2000 miles. Well over that after going to and from College Station.
Funny, the manager arrived early into my discussion and was just as puzzled, as he mentioned that due to the slow week, they had plenty of full-sizes. Is this a reservation system issue? Should I be calling Avis corporate and complain?
Nov 28, 2015, 2:56 pm
#2810
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Menlo Park, CA, USA
Programs: UA 1MM 0P, AA, DL, *wood, Lifetime FPC Plat., IHG, HHD
Posts: 6,912
Location: SFO
Status: Preferred Plus
Booked: PREMIUM (was same price as full size)
Assigned: Ford Taurus
Received: BMW 528i,
this was thanksgiving week and weekend, couldn't' believe the upgrade.. 150$ all in with taxes for six days.
Status: Preferred Plus
Booked: PREMIUM (was same price as full size)
Assigned: Ford Taurus
Received: BMW 528i,
this was thanksgiving week and weekend, couldn't' believe the upgrade.. 150$ all in with taxes for six days.
Nov 28, 2015, 5:38 pm
#2811
Used to be 'g_leyser'
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Brandon Johnson International Airport (expect delays)
Programs: AA PlatPro, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold, IHG Plat, Reno Air MEGA Platinum
Posts: 10,036
Location: DTW
Status: Preferred Plus
Booked: Compact
Received: Hyundai Elantra
Status: Preferred Plus
Booked: Compact
Received: Hyundai Elantra
Nov 30, 2015, 3:40 am
#2812
Join Date: May 2013
Location: New York
Programs: United Plat, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt GP Plat, Hertz PC, National Executive, Avis PC
Posts: 15
Location: EWR
Car Reserved: Standard
Assigned: Dodge Journey
Requested: BMW X5
Offered: Volvo X60
Status: PC
Location: JFK
Car Reserved: Full Size
Assigned: Buick Enclave
Requested: BMW X5
Offered: Buick Enclave
Status: PC
Seems upto six months ago I could haggle up to a luxury now it seems impossible. Also they really keep trying to throw me in a Dodge Journey lately on every rental.
Car Reserved: Standard
Assigned: Dodge Journey
Requested: BMW X5
Offered: Volvo X60
Status: PC
Location: JFK
Car Reserved: Full Size
Assigned: Buick Enclave
Requested: BMW X5
Offered: Buick Enclave
Status: PC
Seems upto six months ago I could haggle up to a luxury now it seems impossible. Also they really keep trying to throw me in a Dodge Journey lately on every rental.
Last edited by pj23yanks; Nov 30, 2015 at 3:42 am Reason: Add more info
Dec 1, 2015, 3:55 pm
#2813
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Gold, Avis President's Club, IHG Platinum
Posts: 286
For example, today: I was pre-assigned a Volvo XC60 that was parked right outside the Preferred booth. Sounded great, until I found that it had a funky smell and the driver's seat wouldn't move forward (up/down and seat back worked fine). This on a car with about 7k miles on it.
At the Preferred booth, they checked/confirmed the power seat and then assigned me an Impala with about 10k on it.
So, I paid for a C, was assigned & rejected an H, and got an E...or is the new Impala considered a G?
Last edited by QSilver; Dec 1, 2015 at 3:56 pm Reason: typo
Dec 3, 2015, 12:25 am
#2814
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: LHR
Programs: HH D,CC,SPG,AZ: Gold;BA Silver, TK Elite
Posts: 809
Location :ZAG
Status : Preferred plus
Reserved : VW Polo (B)
Assigned : Skoda Fabia (C) with 143k miles, 43k shown on the contract
Took the Fabia, to be honest it was in a good condition despite the huge number of kms on it.
Status : Preferred plus
Reserved : VW Polo (B)
Assigned : Skoda Fabia (C) with 143k miles, 43k shown on the contract
Took the Fabia, to be honest it was in a good condition despite the huge number of kms on it.
Dec 6, 2015, 2:25 am
#2815
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: QLA
Programs: SBUX Gold
Posts: 14,507
Location: SNA
Status: CHM
Reserved: Intermediate
Assigned: BMW 528i (turned down - back seat too narrow)
Offered: MB 350 (same issue); Lexus GX (no cargo cover, needed to hide luggage).
Requested/Accepted: Cadillac XTS
I must have been an old fart in a previous life, but the XTS is my preferred rental whip. Time it was due to the width of the back seat... couldn't believe how tight it was for 2 average sized adults + 1 child to sit in the back of the BMW or the MB.
Plus, I quite enjoy my cooling seats and large cup holders... both road trip necessities.
Status: CHM
Reserved: Intermediate
Assigned: BMW 528i (turned down - back seat too narrow)
Offered: MB 350 (same issue); Lexus GX (no cargo cover, needed to hide luggage).
Requested/Accepted: Cadillac XTS
I must have been an old fart in a previous life, but the XTS is my preferred rental whip. Time it was due to the width of the back seat... couldn't believe how tight it was for 2 average sized adults + 1 child to sit in the back of the BMW or the MB.
Plus, I quite enjoy my cooling seats and large cup holders... both road trip necessities.
Dec 7, 2015, 9:44 am
#2816
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,193
Location: SNA
Status: CHM
Reserved: Intermediate
Assigned: BMW 528i (turned down - back seat too narrow)
Offered: MB 350 (same issue); Lexus GX (no cargo cover, needed to hide luggage).
Requested/Accepted: Cadillac XTS
I must have been an old fart in a previous life, but the XTS is my preferred rental whip. Time it was due to the width of the back seat... couldn't believe how tight it was for 2 average sized adults + 1 child to sit in the back of the BMW or the MB.
Plus, I quite enjoy my cooling seats and large cup holders... both road trip necessities.
Status: CHM
Reserved: Intermediate
Assigned: BMW 528i (turned down - back seat too narrow)
Offered: MB 350 (same issue); Lexus GX (no cargo cover, needed to hide luggage).
Requested/Accepted: Cadillac XTS
I must have been an old fart in a previous life, but the XTS is my preferred rental whip. Time it was due to the width of the back seat... couldn't believe how tight it was for 2 average sized adults + 1 child to sit in the back of the BMW or the MB.
Plus, I quite enjoy my cooling seats and large cup holders... both road trip necessities.
Dec 7, 2015, 3:16 pm
#2817
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Irvine, CA
Programs: National EE, Avis CC
Posts: 50
Location: SNA
Status: Preferred Plus
Booked: Intermediate
Assigned: Volkswagen Jetta
Received: Volkswagen Jetta
Status: Preferred Plus
Booked: Intermediate
Assigned: Volkswagen Jetta
Received: Volkswagen Jetta
Dec 8, 2015, 2:32 am
#2818
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: LHR
Programs: HH D,CC,SPG,AZ: Gold;BA Silver, TK Elite
Posts: 809
Location: ZAG
Status: Preferred Plus
Booked: VW Polo or similar (economy, group B)
Assigned: Skoda Fabia Group C
Received: Suzuki SX4 (group D)
Double-car class upgrade, and 120000km less than the previous one
Status: Preferred Plus
Booked: VW Polo or similar (economy, group B)
Assigned: Skoda Fabia Group C
Received: Suzuki SX4 (group D)
Double-car class upgrade, and 120000km less than the previous one
Dec 9, 2015, 7:11 pm
#2819
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYR
Programs: US/AA-Platinum, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-Gold, AVIS-Presidents Club, National-Executive Elite
Posts: 2,755
You missed the point. Everyone said they were sold out of SUVs but they clearly were available for booking. Hence, they are not sold out. That was my gripe. Had they said, "no, you're not eligible for an SUV" that is a different story. I just dont like being lied to.
Last edited by IAHtraveler; Dec 11, 2015 at 6:24 am Reason: keeping thread on-topic
Dec 9, 2015, 7:13 pm
#2820
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYR
Programs: US/AA-Platinum, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-Gold, AVIS-Presidents Club, National-Executive Elite
Posts: 2,755
The reservation system doesnt process your upgrades, an employee manually does that when they assign your car. Lazy employee? Maybe. Not paying attention? Maybe. I'm not sure there's someone to complain to except the folks at the desk. I gentle reminder or request for an upgrade typically works.