Avis "Express Exit Pass"
 

Had my first Avis rental from an Airport in a while yesterday, and discovered that Avis has added an option to their app called "Express Exit Pass".

After going to my pre-assigned car, I simply needed to click on the "Express Exit Pass" in the app, confirm that I had a valid drivers license, and it generated a QR code that was good for 30 minutes. At exit there is a QR code reader, and after scanning the QR code the gate opened and I was able to exit. No physical check of drivers license, credit card or any other ID, although obviously I had details of those already on file with my Preferred account.

Wow. Could be good. Could get bad.

I fear for the issues with IT + an automated gate. At IAD, ok. At DCA, you're stuck.

David

SFO only has 2 exit lanes, and yesterday only one of them was open. My presumption is that both have the scanner (I didn't look for it on the closed booth), and it's located slightly before the booth window, so worst case if it fails you just roll forward to the window and talk to a human as per normal.

In busier times I could certainly see them having a dedicated lane. Hertz did this at some locations with CLEAR - some with a dedicated agent still there to assist on that lane, others where the agent from the next booth over had to come and help if you had a problem.

I tested this out with my last rental at MCI - there was nobody at the gate and I was the first renter at 8am. It worked relatively well and was basically a seemly check out.

Wonder when Avis will do away with the human....

David

I wonder why Hertz got rid of CLEAR - some security issue, or just low usage.

Consolidated "Hertz Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on May 22, 2020" Thread perhaps?

David

They appear to have a website for "QuickPass" that includes Express Exit, along with a location list.

At Nashville it was offered in the app and there was one unattended lane that accepted it always and the attended lane also accepted it. I rolled up and the guy waved me over and I said I had the express pass. Still insisted on seeing my ID instead so didn't get to try it.

do you guys think QuickPass would still work for first time Preferred customers? all my details are already on file. how was everyone's first preferred experience?

Nope, first rental requires you to go to the desk to confirm your credit card. The check-out agent doesn't check cards, just matches IDs to the contract/car. After your card has been verified, then you can skip the desk.