I was very surprised to get this e-mail. I thought earlier in the year, there was an e-mail about upcoming ehnancements

Even though this does not affect me much (our corporate rate does not earn miles, therefore qualifying for the free weekend - and I have more than I can use), I am still surprised at how they did this - all negative without giving the customer anything in exchange.

The strange thing is didn't they get this backwards? We are required to rent from Avis and we don't get miles on our corporate rate. So, we are locked to them but still get the free weekends under the new rule. Why would Avis give us the free weekends and screw those who are NOT locked into Avis (i.e. no corporate contract and/or still can get miles)?

What I conclude is:

1 - the company is in big trouble and looking for big cuts - doing this so late in the year during the holidays...strange
2 - the management does not care about its loyal customers

What I think they need to do in exhcnage would be:

1 - coupons should be good in conjunction with rentals that do not start/end during the weekend - combinable with a work trip, for example
2 - no need to pickup/return at the same location if it is the same city (i.e. pickup downtown, return at airport allowed)
3 - longer expiration
4 - no 8 per year maximum

If they care, that is

I personally don't use the coupons that much - travel enough to want to just stay home on weekends. Judging from the uproar here (and the fact they are doing it), I guess the coupons are used enough?

Also, I guess you still qualify for Avis First, you just don't get the free weekends under the new rules?