Preferred Select
 

Howdy folks,

I called Avis Customer Service a few minutes ago and inquired about Preferred Select Status. After putting me on hold, the agent says:

Agent, "I can send you a form about it".

Me, "Great, my address is ...".

Me, "By the way, what is the difference between Preferred Select and Preferred?".

Agent, "You get dropped off at your car and can use the special line at the counter".

Me, "That sounds like Preferred?".

Agent, "There's not much difference".

Me, "Can you identify a difference? I feel like I'm missing something here".

Agent, "I can't tell you".

Me, "Thank you very much for your time."

Agent, "Thank you".

....

Hmm... He ?can't? tell me? Sounds like double-secret probation.

Keep the faith,

Pakse

I bet you get a form to apply for Preferred. I would think Preferred Select happens automatically and doesn't require a form.

I just called Avis yesterday to inquire about the Preferred Select, also. They told me you could receive this status by a special invitation.

"So, how do you get this special invitation"?, I asked.

"I really don't know", the Avis Customer Service replied.

So, now I'm asking you. How do you get it?

Because I'm Platium Elite on NWA I was offered a free invitation from Avis to join Preferred Select.
Gosh, I feel so darn special!!

------------------

If I'm not mistaken, I think you can get it for being Starwood Platinum also.

What about for being a Hilton Gold member?

TIA~

Howdy,

So, ah...what is the difference between preferred and preferred select?

Keep the faith,

Pakse

I am one of the 'Select' few. I became one when I called and informed AVIS I rent from them EVERY BUSINESS DAY. They have a record of this based on your Wizard number.

There is a secretive Preferred Select website that is not accessible from avis.com. Here are excerpts:

Preferred Select was created for our frequent Avis traveler -- to make your life on the road a little easier, and give you the premium level of service you deserve.

EXCLUSIVELY FOR MEMBERS LIKE YOU

To make traveling more enjoyable, we reserve these conveniences for you:
Automatic one car-group upgrades, with our compliments (subject to availability at time of rental).
Members-only offers via your online Specials page.
Exclusive access to online Travel Resources, such as flight information.
We're also committed to keeping the Preferred Select Website up to date with new, exciting offers and travel resources, so check back often to see what we've added for you.

PERSONALIZED SERVICE

As a member of Preferred Select, you receive the highly personalized rental experience you've come to expect from Avis.
We keep your personal rental preferences on file. This way, we can prepare your rental agreement before you arrive, and you get the type of car you want without even having to ask.
You can change your rental preferences any time, and you can even change them for a particular rental. Simply call 1-800-331-1200.
ADDED SPEED AND CONVENIENCE

Of course, your Preferred Select membership also comes with the benefits of Preferred® Service:
Your rental document will be prepared in advance, so you can skip the lines and paperwork. Simply go straight to your car.
We reserve the best parking spaces and lowest-mileage cars for you.
Get local weather and travel information for your trip.
Receive a free copy of The Wall Street Journal (at major airport locations).
EARN MILES AND POINTS WITH OVER 50 TRAVEL PARTNERS

You travel frequently, so why not make the most of it? Avis helps you earn free travel rewards with a variety of programs. With every qualifying rental, you can earn miles or points with any of our worldwide travel partners -- there are over 50 and counting. Just be sure to give your membership number at time of reservation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ's


What are the premium benefits of Preferred Select?

Preferred Select membership offers you added recognition and service throughout our reservation and rental systems. As part of this recognition, you receive a free one-car group upgrade, subject to availability, on each rental. In addition, we have created this special website to provide you with exclusive offers, travel information, and other value-added resources that you can use at home or when you are on the road.
These benefits are in addition to the standard speed and service benefits provided through Preferred Service, including:

Fast convenient service, so you can skip the lines and paperwork. We'll have your car and rental document waiting for you.
Our best parking spaces and lowest mileage cars.
A free copy of The Wall Street Journal waiting for you in your car.
How is Preferred Select provided?

Preferred Select is provided in three general ways depending on the type of Avis location:
Busing Locations -
Just let the Avis courtesy bus driver know you are a Preferred Select member and you will be dropped you off near your car. Your rental document and keys will be waiting for you inside.
Non-Busing Locations -
Your car will be right outside the Avis facility. Just stop at the Preferred Counter and show us your driver's license. An Avis Representative will hand you your keys and direct you to your car.
Common Transportation Locations -
Once you reach the Avis terminal, you'll find your name and car space number on a reader board or monitor. An Avis Representative is usually stationed near by if you have any questions. Your rental document and keys will be inside your car.

Where is Preferred Select available?

Preferred Select is a US and Canadian service. Still, many Avis locations worldwide will do their best to provide you with a free car group upgrade, even when you travel abroad. Just be sure to use your Wizard Number when making your reservation.

How do I reserve optional equipment, such as a ski rack or child safety seat?

Optional equipment can be requested by calling the Preferred Select reservation line at 1-800-331-1200.

How do I change my rental preferences?

You can change your rental preferences whenever you choose. Simply call 1-800-331-1200. You can even ask your customer service representative to change them for one particular rental. Last name and Optional Services changes do need to be made in writing. You can fax your request toll free to 1-877-769-5787 or write to: Avis Processing, 300 Centre Pointe Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

What happens if my flight is late and arrives when the Avis facility is closed?

At many of our locations, if we know your flight number we'll monitor your flights arrival time and do our best to stay open until you arrive.

How do I arrange to extend my rental?

Please call the rental location directly to extend your rental. The location's phone number will be on the rental agreement.

What do I do if the car has a flat tire, or if I lock my keys in the vehicle?

Just call our 24-hour Roadside Assistance. The number is located on your rental document jacket.


Cheers!!

Yeah, well, I used to be Preferred, they made me Preferred Select one day for reasons of their own, and aside from occasionally scoring a LeSabre when I booked a Grand Am, there is NO difference. You're not out of the airport any faster, you don't consistently get better cars, you don't save any money. I think the P/PS distinction is in the minds of those who want PS. But it's meaningless. And I think the "secret" PS website is actually worse than the regular one.

"Non-Busing Locations -
Your car will be right outside the Avis facility. Just stop at the Preferred Counter and show us your driver's license. An Avis Representative will hand you your keys and direct you to your car"

I have never had this happen. Basically, I get an upgrade (although I sometimes have to remind them)and that's the only difference with Preferred. The only reason I don't switch to others is the famous "D002..." AWD rate. It generally is so much cheaper than the others,I just stay with Avis.
Overall,Select is "no big deal".

I was offered Select about a year or so ago, felt special till I tried to use it. I usually got my upgrade but many locations either didn't know about it or had an attitude when I inquired if there were upgrades available.

Happy Travels

I treat the "Select" as I do other elite memberships. If I don't receive my benefits, I ask for it. I am currently in SAN driving an upgraded Caddy. The Avis folks didn't want to upgrade me from my premium,but I did two things to convince them that I should get it. When I arrived at my original car I saw that I was not upgraded. I went to the office and asked if they had any Caddy's available. After they confirmed that they were available for rent, I showed my elite card and asked them to upgrade me for no additional cost. When the manager balked ,I brought out a copy of the Select benefits.It took me about 7 minutes,but for the next 7 days I will be in the Caddy. By the way, I needed to go to the office anyways to apply the $25 "My Avis" coupon. In all, using the famous "D00.." discount and the coupon I'm paying about $28 per day for my car.

I've been doing the Avis Preferred Select thing for about a year now. It seems to work pretty well -- better since I changed my preference to Economy Car. The rates are always good, and I avoid those unwanted "upgrades" into SUV's and other land barges.

The only real benefits of PS are:

(1) a good coupon on the Web site every now and then, sometimes applicable to premiums (most other coupons are only good up to full-size)

(2) an upgrade

Unfortunately, 99% of my upgrades are to LeSabres, which I hate. So, 99% of the time I have to ask for something else and I don't end up upgraded after all. I have gotten a few Caddies though, but typically not without somewhat of a fight.

d

I spoke to a manager in the Avis Preferred Select division last evening and was informed that no new Selects are being issued. The program is being phased out and a new elite level program will be rolled out within the next few months.