Originally Posted by AutoSlash

Your rental wasn't "gone". They just assumed you were a no-show and re-assigned the car they had initially pre-assigned for you as a Preferred member. You did get a car in the end for the contracted price.

The OP's question was whether Avis would honor a reservation if you show up hours late. While we understand that you were very unhappy about having to wait in line after what clearly was a series of frustrating delays, your post proves our assertion that Avis will in fact hold a reservation at least 6 hours.