Originally Posted by
UAPremExecflyer
1. Take a deep breath
2. Reset your expectations
3. Preferred Plus is not an open invitation to an upgrade
4. The Preferred programme basically allows you to bypass the counter (after your first rental) and earn more points
5. It's similar to Hertz Five Star ... "upgrades where available" ... far from a guarantee and not all (particularly franchise) locations participate or willingly give you a better car for nothing ... and the US>EU and EU>US doesn't always translate ...
6. Upgrades are invariably limited unto a certain level (i.e. full-size in the US) ... doesn't mean you won't let lucky and receive an SUV or a luxury
7. If you want a particular vehicle, rent it ... don't expect to upgrade into it ...
You seem to like to mix n' match stories from different companies
AVIS Preferred Plus tier status is clearly documented on the web site does claim to be providing a complimentary upgrade but (whenever available - is not defined).
AVIS Barcelona reservation agents claim complimentary upgrade is applicable on availability but when I wrote to three AVIS European locations the feedback was not applicable here.
So until AVIS knows their own program specifics on upgrades the general 'whenever applicable' comment will be promoting a false perk.
Since AVIS has no documentation to support 'whenever available' it may only be available in US. Since AVIS did not competently document the Avis agents cannot confirm the rules.