Avis First Changes
Dec 29, 2008 | 11:35 am
#1
Original Poster
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: ORD / DUB / LHR
Programs: UA 1K MM; BA Silver; Marriott Plat
Posts: 8,240
Avis First Changes
Just got the following email from Avis:
This is absolutely ridiculous. Nice way of alienating your more valuable customer segment, Avis.... 
As we approach a new year, we’ve made two important changes to our AVIS FIRST™ program that will affect how you earn your weekend reward benefits in the year to come.
Effective January 1, 2009, the following changes will apply:
1. Avis First weekend rewards will now be earned after every fourth qualifying Rental.
2. Rentals that earn frequent travel rewards (i.e., frequent flyer miles or hotel program points) will not count toward the four qualifying Rentals required to earn your weekend rewards.
As always, we appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you soon. You can find the most up-to-date terms and conditions at avisfirst.com.
Effective January 1, 2009, the following changes will apply:
1. Avis First weekend rewards will now be earned after every fourth qualifying Rental.
2. Rentals that earn frequent travel rewards (i.e., frequent flyer miles or hotel program points) will not count toward the four qualifying Rentals required to earn your weekend rewards.
As always, we appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you soon. You can find the most up-to-date terms and conditions at avisfirst.com.
Dec 29, 2008 | 11:37 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 9,945
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.
I didn't get half the miles I thought I was going to get because of the BA elimation of miles on corporate rates.
Dec 29, 2008 | 11:38 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: ORD, BUF
Programs: UA 1K (woohoo), SPG Gold, HH Diamond, MR Silver, Avis Worst, National Exec Elite; Destinations Many
Posts: 332
Just got the same email. You beat me to the bunch on posting it. TERRIBLE!!!! 
One of the best parts about earning the free rentals was the ability to earn points/miles as well.
One of the best parts about earning the free rentals was the ability to earn points/miles as well.
Dec 29, 2008 | 11:38 am
#5
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Programs: AA - EXP 2.3 MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold, recovering UA Premier
Posts: 280
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...
Dec 29, 2008 | 11:41 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2007
Programs: HHonors Diamond ; Prority Club Platinum; Rapid Rewards A List; OnePass
Posts: 72
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!)
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!)
Dec 29, 2008 | 11:42 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Houston, TX USA
Programs: United Platinum, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Avis President's Circle
Posts: 570
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
CLG
CLG
Dec 29, 2008 | 11:53 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Michigan
Programs: Starwood and NWA Plat
Posts: 257
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!
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!
Dec 29, 2008 | 11:54 am
#11
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAS, SAT, IAH
Programs: Flying Nut
Posts: 6,368
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.
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.
... seriously though, this does suck big time 
Dec 29, 2008 | 12:25 pm
#14
In Memoriam
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K-3.5MM; AA Exec. Plat.; Hyatt Diamond; Marriott Platinum
Posts: 356
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.
Dec 29, 2008 | 12:28 pm
#15
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Juneau, Alaska & Fort Lauderdale, Fl
Programs: Alaska MVP, AirTran Elite, Hertz Gold, Radisson Gold Elite
Posts: 83
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 ***