Well, I'll check out ATL service for a Chairman's in a few days, strangely it's a station I've never visited. But as observed, location is key. Obviously availability matters, especially for Preferred Select when there may be Chairmans and Presidents club members taking the nice upgrades. But back as a Preferred Select I had no problem going to the preferred booth and simply asking for a different car. Ideally the upgrades would be automatic, but they aren't always, and even if they are their idea of an upgrade and yours may be different (and good luck getting them to read reservation notes even if you offer up a request). But in person it's easier to accomodate your request sometimes. Most people don't bother, but if the upgrade matters to you you will.

ATL is one of the better Avis locations. The manager is Mr. Allen and he is a terrific guy.

I'm not PS at the moment, but...reading thru the mention of high-mileage cars, I just had to share.

I had a Malibu at LAX last week with 24,000 miles - a record for me. (Hell, my own 16-month old car only has 6300 miles...)

And I'm afraid it's only going to get worse as Detroit is finally getting some concessions from their unions to ramp down production as needed and thus, less glut of cheap cars for the rental companies.

Indeed. Walked out the wrong door of baggage claim, so instead of head around to the proper side of the terminal to pick up the Avis bus I just hopped on a bus dropping off its last passengers... Driver took my name, saw that I was Chairman's, and headed directly to the lot instead of doing his assigned pickups.

There was a brand new DTS waiting in space #1 for me, and a staff member standing by the car to take my bags and see me off and someone to waive me through the (long line at the) exit lane.

Dropoff the manager drove me back to the terminal himself.