No more Avis for me in 2009. Have been considering using Hertz as my preferred. This so-called "enhancement" makes my decision even easier to make. Happy New Year Avis (without my business)!!!

I'm much more interested in AVIS surviving as a company and being able to rent at current rates thru 2009. Losing the weekend rentals mean close to nothing. CAR is the stock symbol.....check it out.

Not a stock symbol I keep track of usually....yikes!

I'm confused... What exactly does the Frequent Flyer Surcharge pay for, if its not the miles? What is AVIS losing? That charge must not cover the full cost of posting miles?

In 2007 I rented from Avis 68 times. In 2008 I rented from Avis 72 times.

With this change to Avis First I plan to switch my preferred rental car company to someone else.

Predicted 2009 rentals from Avis: 0.

I hope things work out for Avis and I wish them the best.

No more Avis! Hertz or National for me.

hedoman - I hear you. However, I suggest that the way for Avis to survive and offer competitive rates is partly through the retention of its most loyal, (and likely most profitable) renting population. If their survival predicates a change to their business model, then as a consumer I get to decide if I want to buy that model. The overwhelming response on this board is that if these changes are indicative of the survival business model, then their core purchasers don't want it.

Competition
 

Is there a website or a board that compares the programs? I've been loyal to Avis and love the free weekends for weekend trips on the midwest, but I am seriously considering a change for cheaper rates. I've been with Hertz's program in the past, but wasn't that happy with the benefits that came from that either.

Thanks for your help!

That's exactly what I'm probing for in my question above (and below). Anyone have the quick and dirty on Hertz?

Oooo... but now as an AvisLAST member, you can get a weekend *compact* rental for only ::: drumroll ::: $49!!! ****

Just read the fine print

****You must bend over and accept what we give u in your behind. Upgrades are not allowed, what do you think we are, a charity? Please note your car is not guaranteed, but your rate is. Your car may not be available until midnight saturday, at our discretion. AvisFirst members do not get free upgrades, frequent flyer miles, and you must purchase the CDW to get this FANTASTIC $49 weekend rate. In the event of a lot oversell, we may downgrade you to Uber-Compact-Smaller-than-Daewoo at our discretion. Whining about the size of your car doesn't matter.

Unfortunately, my company almost always makes use Avis b/c of a corporate contract. On my own dime, I guess I'll take a serious look at Hertz again.

I agree that it probably would have been better to do away with Avis First. Still, getting only one nearly worthless benefit instead of two doesn't mean much to me. I've been treated better by Avis than the other companies, so I've got no problem sticking with them.

Goodbye, Avis.

National will be getting my 40+ rentals / 160+ days next year.

It was nice knowing you.

randomman

I'm sadly in the group that must use Avis for corporate rentals -- i wonder how many Avis First members are governed by corporate contracts? Avis might be hoping that the renters will complain, but if we are held captive by our corprate travel rules, does Avis really care?

I'd complain to our corporate travel folks, but they don't care about anything other than price.

Yeah, unbelievable...

I was very disenchanted when iTunes went away.

Now, I think I'll move my business elsewhere.

True, the world sucks... the economy sucks...
but if you have steady customers who have no choice
but to contribute to *someone's* bottom line... why
alienate them?