I just got one of these cards in the mail --- I did not know that they had a program beyond the pref.

They have a few levels above regular Preferred, they are very low key about them though. Based on anecdotal evidence from the board, you must throw Avis a lot of business to get the card without having to ask (although they supposedly give it after 10 rentals in a year, it seems like they never send it to anyone without having to ask).

The only real difference you'll probably notice is more upgrades ... they've been pretty good to me with upgrades, even upgrading me from a Premium to Luxury (Cadillac) when I've reserved Premiums.

I believe I got mine because I have an AMEX Plat card. I don't think I had rented enough from Avis prior to that.

So what is the difference between Avis Preferred Service and Avis Preferred Select?

I ask because I just received via fax an Avis Preferred Service Agreement master rental agreement. Is it worth my while to fill this out and fax it back? What do you all see as the benefits?

Analise - Preferred Service isn't really a "premium" level of service - By being a Preferred customer (which anyone can be by filling out the application), you have the benefit of having your rental info and preferences on computer file, so that when you reserve a car using your Preferred number, or Wizard number, all you do is show your driver's license at the counter and you are out of there. A preprinted rental agreement and your key should be waiting for you. You usually get lower mileage cars and should Avis run short of your type of vehicle they usually throw an upgrade your way rather than Joe Priceline. Usually even without a reservation, you can be out of the office within 90 seconds of getting to the counter. That's my experience. I rent from Avis exclusively (since my corporate rate lowers the minimum age to 21) and I find it helpful, although it kind of helps Avis more than it helps you. Preferred Select is a step up from Preferred, and supposedly gives its members a one class upgrade with every rental. I've heard this varies wildly, though. Still, as with anything else I don't have, I'd like to have it.

Preferred Select will get you an upgrade at times; that's about it.

Unless you rent in NYC, where they don't recognize preferred service at all (in the city), and preferred select won't get you an upgrade under any circumstances.

d

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that, despite my corporate AWD lowering the minimum to 18 and waiving fees, I always get the run around in NYC locations.

Anyway, preferred is really worth it - I'd recommend signing up for it if you can; select is slightly better.

d

I have more than 14 rentals this calendar year, still haven't heard a word from them about offering me Select

maybe it's time to give them a call...

I've had 14 rentals in the past 6 months and no preferred select, so I called customer service last night. First I was told that the "program is being revamped", I said that's okay, I want to be signed up now, before the "revamping". Then I was told that preferred select happens automatically at the end of a quarter with adequate qualifying stays. I told them that somehow the "automatic" didn't happen, then I was told that the only benefit was an occasional upgrade, I told them that was better than what I was getting now, after that I was informed that the "preferred select department which is in Virginia Beach was closed but that they would send them a message with my request for enrollment in that program." So, we'll see what happens!