Preferred - Select
Jan 18, 2000 | 2:15 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: MIA
Posts: 67
Preferred - Select
Just when I though I was going to switch back to Hertz, Avis sent me a "Preferred Select" card. I've been Pref. for years, but never heard of "Select".
I think the lit. said it entitled me to auto upgrades. Anyone else with experience here? What did it take to be "Select"?
I think the lit. said it entitled me to auto upgrades. Anyone else with experience here? What did it take to be "Select"?
Jan 18, 2000 | 2:32 pm
#2
Original Member and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Kansas City, MO, USA
Programs: DL PM/MM, AA ExPlat, Hyatt Glob, HH Dia, National ECE, Hertz PC
Posts: 16,619
I don't know what it takes in general, but I got Preferred Select through the AMEX Platinum Card.
It entitles you to a one-class upgrade when you rent based on availibility, which I almost always get. Usually I rent a full-size four-door and get a premium or an intermediate four-door and get a full-size four-door.
It entitles you to a one-class upgrade when you rent based on availibility, which I almost always get. Usually I rent a full-size four-door and get a premium or an intermediate four-door and get a full-size four-door.
Jan 19, 2000 | 1:17 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 442
One other benefit -- you can frequently get a reservation even when the location is "sold out."
In my experience, the one-class upgrade is frequently not "automatic," although it's supposed to be. If you don't get an upgrade and it's important to you, be sure to ask. Sometimes the agents just forget to do it.
In my experience, the one-class upgrade is frequently not "automatic," although it's supposed to be. If you don't get an upgrade and it's important to you, be sure to ask. Sometimes the agents just forget to do it.
Jan 19, 2000 | 1:49 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: MIA
Posts: 67
My only clues are that I rented at least 70 days from Avis last year, or that I just made Platinum on Delta. If it's because of Platinum, I expect upgrades from the other rental companies. (What's above Hertz #1 Gold?) Yesterday I showed up (stupidly) with no reservations. Several people said "no car no way", but when I showed my new card to the guy behind the desk, he went off to talk to the manager (not at my request), and got me a nice minivan.
Jan 19, 2000 | 1:49 pm
#7
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Canada
Programs: AC SE 2MM, HH Dd, Bonvoy G; IC S; AA; DL
Posts: 14,496
It just happens! I think it may be tied to your Elite status with an airline more than rentals. I seldom rent from AVIS any more (although I used to do with them almost exclusively) but they still made me Preferred Select. I am top tier in Air Canada's Aeroplan.
Jan 19, 2000 | 6:45 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Miami Beach, FL
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, BA Gold
Posts: 878
Preferred Select is generally awarded to customers with Wizard #s who rent 10 or more times in one year (a trick though: they keep track by credit card, not Wizard #, for some odd reason; so you've got to have all your rentals on the same card).
They also grant Select to some airline's elite members in hopes of getting their service.
I do have to say, though, that Avis service generally doesn't compare to Hertz. I almost always have to ask for my Select upgrade and even then am often told it's based on availability. Not for me to say, but when you're looking at the window at 100's of cars it's hard to believe they can't bump you up one class... ;-)
They also grant Select to some airline's elite members in hopes of getting their service.
I do have to say, though, that Avis service generally doesn't compare to Hertz. I almost always have to ask for my Select upgrade and even then am often told it's based on availability. Not for me to say, but when you're looking at the window at 100's of cars it's hard to believe they can't bump you up one class... ;-)
Jan 20, 2000 | 8:26 am
#9
Original Member and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Kansas City, MO, USA
Programs: DL PM/MM, AA ExPlat, Hyatt Glob, HH Dia, National ECE, Hertz PC
Posts: 16,619
My experience is exactly opposite ... I can't remember the last time I wasn't upgraded, and I never bother to ask for it whether or not I get it. Locations I've rented from that I know I've been upgraded at automatically:
ORD
PWM
HSV
LGA
TPA
And I know there have been others I can't recall ...
ORD
PWM
HSV
LGA
TPA
And I know there have been others I can't recall ...
Jan 21, 2000 | 4:35 pm
#12
Join Date: May 1999
Location: JFK, LGA, EWR
Programs: AA Platinum (Lifetime), United GS, HHonors Diamond, Shangri-la Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 549
nice to see some action in the avis forum!
my experience has been that that the preferred select upgrade is not automatic, particularly in new york city, where the dollar values are greater for an upgraded car.
by the way, the preferred select program is also available as a "comp" through certain corporate travel departments at fortune 500 companies. that's how i first got my card.
overall, i'd say that the select concept is a great idea, but avis hasn't really run with it and provided significant and consistent additional benefits to its members.
my experience has been that that the preferred select upgrade is not automatic, particularly in new york city, where the dollar values are greater for an upgraded car.
by the way, the preferred select program is also available as a "comp" through certain corporate travel departments at fortune 500 companies. that's how i first got my card.
overall, i'd say that the select concept is a great idea, but avis hasn't really run with it and provided significant and consistent additional benefits to its members.
Jan 23, 2000 | 8:18 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,337
None of the car rental companies are consistent. They each have their good cities and their not so good cities.
I've been Preferred Select for a few years now. Some Avis locations give me upgrades with a Wall Street Journal in the car, some don't.
I'm now signing up for the Avis President's Club so I'll see what that is like.
I've been Preferred Select for a few years now. Some Avis locations give me upgrades with a Wall Street Journal in the car, some don't.
I'm now signing up for the Avis President's Club so I'll see what that is like.
Jan 25, 2000 | 12:47 pm
#14
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Southern California - UA1K, Delta GM, Starwood Gold, Hilton Gold, AA Platinum
Posts: 1,456
Wow, the President's club I have heard GREAT THINGS about. They meet you and take you to your car.. double upgrades (usually to premium cars..ie CADs, Lincolns,etc)...very good service... I see the nice cars waiting in the President spots in Portland week after week...
Jan 25, 2000 | 9:09 pm
#15
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Miami Beach, FL
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, BA Gold
Posts: 878
Can someone give us the details on President's Club? What is it, how does one join or qualify, and what are the perks? I'm Preferred Select but haven't heard of President's Club. Thanks!