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!

I qualified based on the same criteria as you. Maybe a dozen rentals strewn throughout the year, almost none for more than three days. Always had Aeroplan redemption.

Then, when I made First, Avis automatically switched my Aeroplan accumulation to "qualifying rentals" towards free weekend coupons. Watch out for this, they may do the same thing to you (you can either qualify a rental towards free weekends, or take Aeroplan points - not both.)

As for the upgrades, yes, they do happen more frequently than when I was Preferred. On the other hand, the upgrades are not frequent nor consistent enough to really get excited about. I always reserve a full-size, and I'll get anything from an upgraded pickup with 0 miles on it to a beat-up Kia with 50,000+ miles.

The free weekend coupons are "okay". The blackout dates are inconvenient, but the coupons do work. I've racked up three free weekend coupons, but have only used one so far, so I've switched back to earning Aeroplan miles on my rentals.

It looks like you're a member of quite a few other rental reward programs, so I'd be really curious to hear about how Avis stacks up to those.

-RS.

I also received the same offer and registered with Avis. I contacted Avis about the free weekend day that I "earned" by becoming an Avis First member. Avis explained that I had been sponsored by Air Canada Aeroplan and was in a special category of Avis First members and not eligible for the free weekend days. On a recent rental, I received an upgrade only after asking for it. I did have a letter referring to Aeroplan with the membership kit.

I'm not sure if this is the same situation for you.

Mike

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!