Avis First Changes
 

Just got the following email from Avis:

This is absolutely ridiculous. Nice way of alienating your more valuable customer segment, Avis.... :mad:

Yep, that's it. No more Avis for me.

Why not just end the Avis First program? This stinks.

I didn't get half the miles I thought I was going to get because of the BA elimation of miles on corporate rates.

Just got the same email. You beat me to the bunch on posting it. TERRIBLE!!!! :td::td::td:

One of the best parts about earning the free rentals was the ability to earn points/miles as well.

I just got the same e-mail, and came here to post it. :)

I've already sent back a response stating that the Avis First program and the generous AA FF bonuses (750 miles on a 4+ day rental) were why they received a lot of business from me last year. Guess it's time to re-evaluate...

So what reason is there to be First? Upgrades are to vans or mega SUVs. I never used these, but still liked knowing I got something.

Yep, lets see, an almost useless program (I have trouble using the weekend certificates - I have at least 10 that have expired...but have used some.) getting even more useless. I have no reason to continue to use Avis. I can get my frequent flyer credit from most providers so may as well choose the cheapest. The only reason I used them for my local rentals was that I was still getting the weekend certificates.

What a joke on their program. Combine this with the fact that their cars are getting higher and higher mileage...not much use in keeping them! (I actually got a rental in CRP with 41000+ miles!)

I agree with everyone that this is ridiculous! What little incentive I had to try to re-qualify for the 1st Program is gone now.... And I can start putting my National Emerald Executive status to use. Looks like a win-win for me, but not Avis :td:

CLG

Anyone have Ms. Bergeron (the director of Avis First) work email address?

This is horrible...
 

I just came to post my email, like a lot of others obviously... What a joke. Those cars are sitting there on weekends anyway because non business travelers will not pay the rates Avis charges. I replied to my email because I had nothing to vent to, maybe it will get to Sarah.

Sarah is on Linkedin. I tried to "add her to my network" to get her email address.... I can get FF points anywhere, but I couldn't get both. So, my only choice now is to go with the cheapest provider.

Thanks for the kick in the crotch Avis!

I too just got the letter and had the same reaction. The first is understandable to a degree. Basically the economy is hurting them.

The second one is not understandable as they charge for the FF benefits. So dont understand this even if the 50 cents doesn't cover the miles.

Couple these changes with the fact that my usually week reservation in California is $100 more and I think I may now have reason to start looking.

At least they didn't insult our intelligence by calling it an "enhancement" ;) ... seriously though, this does suck big time :td:

Ridiculous. I will quit over this one.

Bye, Avis!
 

That sure ends it for me with Avis. And don't they charge you a frequent flyer fee for obtaining miles wth your rental? They have just made their entire program worthless.

I think everyone has learned from the mistakes err "enhancements" at USAirways!

I rent in Hawai'i frequently - and spend about 100 days a year in an Avis car, if not more - but that's because Avis doesn't overbook as much as other rentals (I've sat for *2 hours* waiting for my car @ Alamo), and the Preferred service has always been nice to me (I even returned a car to HNL with 3/4 tank of gas and didn't get dinged).

However, my first reaction to the AvisFirst change was "ah, AvisLAST..." . I'd rather have a few restrictions on my weekend rental than to have it taken away like that.... such as base it on the # of days you rent now, i dunno.

*** SIGH ***