I've been a National Exec member for 15 years. Recently, my corporate leisure code for them has become less and less attractive price-wise. As a result, I've switched to using Avis as their rates with my corporate leisure program are insanely good. I can also get confirmed car classes versus rolling the dice on Executive Aisle. I have Visa Infinite, so Avid upgraded me to Preferred Plus. Also, I'm not far away from enough Loyalty Points for American Air to move me to Preisdent's, so I think I'm full on switching my loyalty to Avis.

I'm now on my second rental, my first one was in Colorado Springs, and I just went to the counter, and they gave me keys and told me the parking spot number. I drove off without talking to anyone. However, I've been getting emails now about bypassing the counter. I can't find any info anywhere. I haven't downloaded the app, but no emails, nothing in my online reservation I can see. I got a text message two days ago with a link about setting up something to bypass the line, but when I clicked on it, I just got my main reservation page with nothing specific to do. The rental is for today (we land at 8pm) at SLC airport. What can I expect, what should I do? Worse case, I'll go to the counter and just ask.

Thanks

Welp, I may have figured it out. I just saw this when logging in. I can't do anything yet as it says I need to be within 5 miles of the airport, but presumably when I land, I just select my car? We rented a Premium 3-row SUV (Traverse or similar), I presume the options will include that and other similar cars?

Generally speaking, at most major rental centers you will get an app notification welcoming you to whatever city. It will often pre-assign you a car/space number, or sometimes give you a choice. You can sometimes change the pre-assigned car and/or cycle through some pages with 3 choices per page.

Pay attention to whether it says �Complimentary Upgrade� or has a per-day price attached. I suppose that if none of the choices were suitable, you could go to the �Preferred Counter� to sort it out.

Some airports have a big TV screen listing names and space numbers. Others have a separate �Preferred Counter.� Depending on the lot security, the keys may be in the car, or you may have to pick them up.

Smaller rental centers will require you to go to the main desk� with no �Preferred Counter� or �skip the line� features.

Thanks for the detailed response. One gets complacent with what they�re used to when it comes to travel partners. One of the reasons I stuck with National was the flexibility to pick a car based on my needs/moods. I didn�t realize Avis offered this flexibility via App, which I prefer so you don�t have to race off the bus and fight everyone else that wants the best car available, haha.

Except there's value in physically looking at the car before you accept it. Ex body damage. Odor. Stains. Dirty. The app won't tell you these things.

Or state license plate? Would the app tell you? Some people have a preference, especially if they're parking on the street overnight and want to blend in. Some people want something unique, like if they see a loud obnoxious yellow NJ plate in TX. Some people before the pandemic, when FL plates usually meant the car was actually purchased new in FL, noted those cars tend to be base model, and often heavily worn out from tourist peak season.

I have yet to see the Avis 'skip the counter' actually do anything or work. The app either just gives me my original booked car class and won't let me select anything else, or says go to the counter and no way to select a vehicle.

I�ll report back, but if this is the case, that�s a major blow to my expectations

The app does tell you the mileage, MPG, and State license plate. If one picked a car with damage/smoke/odors, they could always go back to the counter to exchange.

It�s fair to say that the upgrade processor doesn�t do what you hoped.

Do you really mean that you�ve never �skipped the counter�? Do you ever rent at major airports? I can�t think of the last time I had to go to the counter at a major airport. I just walk to the car, get in, and drive away (stopping at a gate to exit the lot):

I rarely get more that 2 or 3 choices to pick from. And sometimes no choices at all. YMMV.

So I rented a premium 3 row SUV (Traverse or similar). When I landed I was offered a 2023 Ford Explorer with 2900 miles which to me is effectively a direct competitor to the Traverse. It didn�t specify whether the Explorer was 2wd or 4wd, so I was a bit uncertain and didn�t confirm. I was given the option for three other vehicles, all three had a prominent banner that said Complimentary Upgrade with a star:

- 2021 Kia Sorento 7 passenger FWD with 40k miles
- 2022 Chevy Traverse 7 passenger AWD with 20k miles
-2023 GMC Terrain 5 passenger AWD with 6k miles

Before accepting, I went to the stall of the Explorer and it was AWD, so I took that. Without doubt it was the best of the bunch, unsure why anyone would consider the other options an upgrade. Also, the Explorer itself wasn�t a 1-class upgrade from what I reserved; that�d be a Tahoe or similar. I saw plenty of Tahoes and other slightly more upscale SUVs parked in other stalls�

The Explorer is actually great and still smelled new, but so far I can�t say I�m impressed with my first Avis experience. I walked by the National Executive aisle and saw far better options including a BMW X5, an Infiniti QX80 and higher trimmed Explorers (Platinum vs Limited).

Ultimately, I got what I paid for (no Plus upgrade though and offered only a selection of downgrades); the QR code checkout worked well.

Pictures of the offer and �upgrades�

Used to rent at SLC every week and know the staff there. They never upgrade you for free unless its mud season or a specific request. Booked full size and would always receive a midsize SUV as the "comp" upgrade. This was as one of the few PC members back in the day before PC got diluted with United.

If you want better vehicles, I'd stick to National with Avis as a backup.

I usually go for low mileage for less chance of a trashed car. Thats not a surefire method by any means, but I have definitely got burned by taking a complimentary upgrade with more miles.