Originally Posted by
Tuneman1984
Hello,
So a letter came in the mail earlier this week to Ms. Tuneman1984 (the residence where my DL is still), congratulating me for reaching Avis First. Eh?
I did about 7 rentals with Avis in 2010, mostly one day rentals, except for one 31 day rental in September. So it appears I qualified by rental count. However, I earned Aeroplan miles on each of these rentals so I thought that meant they didn't count?
I wasn't even chasing after it based on the things I'd read on this forum re: not getting upgrades, blackouts on free day certs, being shunned for earning miles, etc. So, what do I do now? I understand I get a free upgrade, is it guaranteed like Hertz PC or just "based on availibility" meaning they can just always say they're not available. And what about these free weekends. Apparently I have one already just for making First, so how I do about making sure I qualify for more. Is it just on rentals towards free weekends that you can't earn airline miles?
I'll have a read through the package when I'm back in YYJ next week but I was hoping for a heads-up from the regulars here as to what I'm getting myself into. Thanks!
Hey Tuneman! I made the switch from National to Avis last year when my downtown location got consolidated with Enterprise (yuck!). As for Avis First, I qualified on the same basis as you (I got my free weekend coupon in the mail a few weeks later), and now collect free weekend rentals by not including a FF # in my reservations. You'll be able to track your qualifying rentals on avisfirst.com to make sure.
I don't know if you're renting regularly in one city, but if so make sure you're registered in the
weekender club as these are counted separately from AF weekends. Getting a free weekend every two paid weekend rentals ain't bad!
BTW, I really enjoyed your "end of a dynasty" post in the National forums. Care to share any more details on the Avis monthly rental deal you found? Is it the $50 off coupon, or something else (feel free to PM if necessary)? I'm curious as I may be looking at a longer term rental this Summer.
Thanks for sharing, and happy holidays!