Neighborhood Avis PCAR @ Humble, Tx
Apr 18, 2017, 1:57 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: San Francisco
Programs: Hilton Diamond | IHG Platinum
Posts: 6
Neighborhood Avis PCAR @ Humble, Tx
Hi all,
Tempted to rent from a neighborhood Avis that's right outside IAH next month to avoid airport fees. Saw a good rate for a premium car but curious how things can go. I've called a few locations and asked if they had any premium cars on the lot, they told me they don't but could have one moved there the next day. What's the likelihood they move one versus just "upgrading" me into an intermediate SUV? (would prefer a loaded sedan vs a base SUV)
I've also heard of experiences at Hertz Local Editions where they downgraded the reservation without really giving much compensation.
Tempted to rent from a neighborhood Avis that's right outside IAH next month to avoid airport fees. Saw a good rate for a premium car but curious how things can go. I've called a few locations and asked if they had any premium cars on the lot, they told me they don't but could have one moved there the next day. What's the likelihood they move one versus just "upgrading" me into an intermediate SUV? (would prefer a loaded sedan vs a base SUV)
I've also heard of experiences at Hertz Local Editions where they downgraded the reservation without really giving much compensation.
Apr 18, 2017, 4:55 am
#2
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,032
Avis near IAH always pulled cars for me from the airport. But the last I did that was a few years ago, so things could've changed. I would suggest going for the local station. If they downgrade you or give you crap, just hop over to IAH and swap it for something in your category.
Apr 19, 2017, 1:39 am
#4
Used to be bulldoggolfer05
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Săo Paulo, BR/Miami Beach, FL/NYC/DXB
Programs: HGP DMD, HHonors DMD, SPG PLT, MR PLT
Posts: 2,295
If you call the day before your reservation and tell the agent what you are looking for (i.e. a nicely loaded sedan instead of a SUV), they'll likely do what they can to accommodate you.
A local location in NC that I frequent has told me that on several occasions that if you swap cars at the airport, then the airport gets the rental fees and not the local location, so they want to avoid swap outs as much as possible...
A local location in NC that I frequent has told me that on several occasions that if you swap cars at the airport, then the airport gets the rental fees and not the local location, so they want to avoid swap outs as much as possible...
Apr 19, 2017, 8:30 am
#5
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,032
Very good point. I've been told on multiple occasions that the last place of swap gets the revenue. A local ATL location LOVES when I need a swap (especially on a monthly rental). I call and they gladly go to ATL and get what I want and have it ready.
Apr 25, 2017, 3:32 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: San Francisco
Programs: Hilton Diamond | IHG Platinum
Posts: 6
Thanks for the feedback everybody. Is the Ford Taurus or Chrysler 300 still the primary PCAR in the Avis/Budget Fleet (especially at IAH?). In your experience, how would you rank these PCARs from Most common to Least? (I've seen a few comments in the "What will i get thread?"). Much appreciated!
Ford Taurus
Chrysler 300
Toyota Avalon
Hyundai Azera
Kia Cadenza
Volkswagen CC
Buick LaCrosse
Nissan Maxima
Volvo S60
Volvo V60.
Ford Taurus
Chrysler 300
Toyota Avalon
Hyundai Azera
Kia Cadenza
Volkswagen CC
Buick LaCrosse
Nissan Maxima
Volvo S60
Volvo V60.
Apr 25, 2017, 8:52 am
#7
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,032
Thanks for the feedback everybody. Is the Ford Taurus or Chrysler 300 still the primary PCAR in the Avis/Budget Fleet (especially at IAH?). In your experience, how would you rank these PCARs from Most common to Least? (I've seen a few comments in the "What will i get thread?"). Much appreciated!
Ford Taurus
Chrysler 300
Toyota Avalon
Hyundai Azera
Kia Cadenza
Volkswagen CC
Buick LaCrosse
Nissan Maxima
Volvo S60
Volvo V60.
Ford Taurus
Chrysler 300
Toyota Avalon
Hyundai Azera
Kia Cadenza
Volkswagen CC
Buick LaCrosse
Nissan Maxima
Volvo S60
Volvo V60.
In Canada, 300 is much more common than the Taurus. Otherwise, comments would be the same.