Last two times I have flown into AUS I have booked a Full Size with a free upgrade coupon. Both times I have gotten, "Sorry we are out of Premium cars how about a truck?"

1st time: Ford F150
2nd time: Toyota Tundra

It is fun to go driving around Texas in a big truck. ^

You'll look like a local! I agree, though, the Tundra is a great vehicle!

I was hoping I would have the same results, but no such luck...

Location: IAH
Day/Time: 2/9 around 5pm
Status: Presidents Club
Reserved: Premium Size
Offered: Nissan Rouge
Given: Sebring

Flight arrived about 20 minutes early and the board said CTR. Go to the counter and they say that they are out of premium cars and that they will give me the Rouge at the full size rate. Hesitantly, I agree (after asking for one of the couple CTS's sitting out front and being rejected).

Rouge had no XM and the power outlet was not functional (only 1,000) miles.

Went back in to the desk and let them know the car was not acceptable. Again, asked about the CTS and was told that they were reserved for CEO's (I am guessing they meant Chairman Club).

Was given the Sebring, which luckily has XM radio. Funny enough, the outlet in the ashtray doesn't work. Luckily there is another one in the center compartment.

When exiting the Avis facility I saw a couple more Cadillacs sitting around the corner. I guess those cars weren't available either.

Is IAH a corporate or a franchisee location? If it is a franchisee location, that might account for the shoddy treatment you received. I am not saying that there is any excuse for it, but that may have been the reason.

I think it's corporate. I've had horrible experiences at IAH at times, too, even as a Chairman. Once I was told "Sorry, no upgrades" and had to walk to the FAR end of the garage for a Camry with a check-engine light. A different agent was there & offered me a CTS.

Another time I had a reservation for "Luxury" and was denied any upgrade to Camaros & Infinitis. They said I could have either for $189/day

In NY I've seen several Avis and Budget cars from TX. Most of Avis is corporate now. The daily operations of the neighborhood stores are run by the former independent licensees now tapping into the corporate fleet. Budget still has a few true independent licensees in certain cities, which they'll identify in the FAQ section of their website.

Hi all my names Teabag and I�m new round here. Must say I�m very impressed with the level of knowledge and assistance offered by people on this board.

Anyhow I have a question that I have been mulling over regarding Avis upgrades.

I am going to rent a car out of MCO for 8 days in June.

I have recently joined the Avis preferred scheme, and upon receipt of my membership card came a voucher for a free upgrade.

Now ideally I would like some sort of SUV or 4x4, basically something a little bigger/higher than your regular car. What should I book to get that with the upgrade voucher? I assume I give that in at the desk on arrival at MCO?

Location: BHM
Day/Time: 2/22 9pm
Status: Presidents Club
Reserved: Full Size
Offered: Cadillac CTS
Given: CAMARO!! Finally

Location: PHX
Day/Time: 2/27 1am
Status: Presidents Club
Reserved: Full Size
Given: Lincoln Town Car

You gave up a CTS for a Camaro?! [ok, I must be getting old now - but I did own a Camaro that I bought new in 1978 - 305-V8, red with a spoiler]

How was it?

Susan

Location: LAX
Day/Time: 3/1 ~11 AM
Status: Avis First
Reserved: Full Size
Given: Camero

Location: LAX
Day/Time: 3/8 ~11 AM
Status: Avis First
Reserved: Full Size
Given: Lincoln MKZ

Location: DEN
Day/Time: 3/13 ~10 PM
Status: Avis First
Reserved: Full Size
Offered: Galant
Given: Toyota Sequoia (very helpful since I had 6 people + ski gear)

Location: MCO
Status: President's Club
Reserved: Intermediate
Received: Lincoln MKS (4-class upgrade)
Duration: 34 day rental

MCO has improved in that you now don't need to see an agent at the kiosk to get your keys/contract. They have a new board with names and car location listed, with keys and contract in the car.

I still had to visit the counter because they had the duration of our rental wrong (seems to be a problem with rentals over 30 days). But we are enjoying the MKS - nice ride and great upgrade for such a long trip. Nice to have air-conditioned seats in Florida.

Susan

Location: SAV
Date: 3/8/10
Status: President's Club
Reserved: Intermediate
Received: Cadillac CTS

Location: PNS
Date: 3/10/10
Status: President's Club
Reserved: Intermediate
Received: Camaro SS

Location: FRA
Reserved: Full Size Mercedes C class
Received: Porsche Panamera

^

Location: FRA
Status: Chairman
Reserved: Full Size Mercedes C Class
Received: BMW 730d

Wow, Porsche Panamera, really? What was that like?