The scoop on Avis First
 

Sorry if this is a repost, but I talked to Avis customer service today and this is what the rep said (some of which-yes, I know we already know :) ):

Avis First is replacing Prefferred Select
You need only rent 12 times in a 12-month period to be invited to join
President's Club/Chairman's Club etc still exist but for now there will be no "tiers" within Avis First
Same Prefferred Select legacy benefits apply, with one addition:
All rentals of 2+ days in any class since the inception of the program's "official" start date of March 14 will count towards the extra perk of free weekend rentals. Each 3 rentals of 2+ days results in another free weekend coupon for the Avis First member. All members receive their first coupon by signing up on the Web site.

Unfortunately it looks like the coupons are paper, but you can track their status when you log on to the Avis First Web site.

You must activate your account at www.avisfirst.com by the end of March to receive benefits retroactive to the beginning of the program on 3/14.

I just got a coupon via e-mail.

A-ha. I just checked my email and found the coupon emailed as well.

Terms and Conditions?
 

I have not received the coupon yet. Could someone please post the terms and conditions for the two free weekend days coupon?

Much appreciated,

Hmm...if it's retroactive to 3/14, is that the pickup date or the return date? That makes a difference in my case.

Still waiting
 

I had a "qualifying rental" from 3/19 - 3/23. Yet, I have not received any free weekend coupon. When did most of you receive yours?

I just signed up today and we'll see what I get credit for but I had rentals starting on 3/14, 3/19 and upcoming for 3/29 and 4/2. Hopefully this program is more rewarding than PS.

Drew

In another thread someone mentioned that the first free weekend coupon is just for signing up. Not 100% sure on that one though.

I received my free coupon about a week ago, even though I have yet to rent in the last 2 weeks (since I signed up for First service).

And yes, this program definitely seems more rewarding than PS. The only benefit from that was an upgrade once in a blue moon. Even if I don't get upgrades, I'd rather have the free weekend 8 times a year!

now all we need is for the avis preferred booth to recognize us as higher then a standard preferreed -- for upgrades.. they don't see it yet.

I rented yesterday at a small airport that NEVER upgrades me. In the past as PS, I'd get a beat Taurus or mustang coupe in the snow when renting full size (E).

I rented there yesterday & was "upgraded" from full size (E) to a Kia Sedona (V) that was dirty, off alignment and squeaked whenever I went above 45MPH. I was wondering why they didn't give me the usual Taurus and on my rental form it had printed "AvisFirst Member". I'd much rather anything but the dirty van but it was pouring & I didn't have time to go back inside & argue with them.

I love this new program (Hah!). Activated avis First account and the past rental history shows my last two rentals but both are non qualifiying since they did not meet the minimum rental period (even though each was a 2 day rental). Watch out for this one.

Not right. I am a President Club member and was invited to Avis First. The letter said all of my PC perks and status would contine and I would get the benifits of First (basically the free rentals).

Here are the exact specifics about the program, which is an excellent benefit to Avis customers: (this came straight from the www.avis.com)

Renters who chose Avis time and again, earn a place in Avis First, our new program that rewards our best customers with a whole new level of rewards, including free weekends. This program is replacing Preferred Select.
Avis First members are the FIRST to enjoy access to high-end services and some of the finest vehicles in the rental car industry. Some of the benefits include:

Continued Preferred Service—skip the lines and go directly to your vehicle
Free* two-day weekend rentals earned with every third rental
Upgrades, when available—to get you to your destination in style
Dedicated 800 number available day and night—to service your needs
Members-only website that gives you access to your total rentals and total rewards earned.
* Certain terms and conditions apply
Member Qualifications

Membership is by invitation and a renter must have the following qualifications to be eligible:

You must be in Preferred Service.
In a calendar year, you must have 12 or more paid rentals or a cumulative rental day total of 35 or more days on one wizard number to qualify.