Avis & BA Miles
Sep 18, 2003, 5:55 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Location: London
Posts: 1,666
Avis & BA Miles
I've become exasperated with Avis and its lottery of whether or not BA miles are awarded and a price quote is honoured. For the third time this year I've been denied miles - in some cases 1,500 or 2,000 due to the 2/4/6 rental bonus they operate - and have found out long after the rental when the miles fail to post. Avis claim that this is because the locations - often far-flung and tropical - are "manual", as if this makes it OK. Apparently, non-electronic (whatever that means) offices do not award miles and are not obliged to honour upgrades or even a price quote! This really makes a nonsense of renting from a global brand, for which uniform service levels are the major benefit. Especially when these are intended to take advantage of bonus miles, etc.
Locations this happened to me were in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean.
Anyone else had this trouble with Avis? You'd think they would be concerned to keep very regular renters' business but I have just reached an impasse with them.
Locations this happened to me were in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean.
Anyone else had this trouble with Avis? You'd think they would be concerned to keep very regular renters' business but I have just reached an impasse with them.
Sep 19, 2003, 1:30 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: UK (currently)
Programs: BA Gold (and many other greater and lesser distinctions)
Posts: 7,208
I usually get the 500 miles but have not yet had the extra bonus. My claim is currently under investigation ...
I book online in the UK at fixed rates and have NEVER EVER had a bill for the correct amount. Usually 25% - 100% over the correct figure and always from 'automated' European city locations so this is not the excuse.
As I am a Founder Shareholder, Avis are always very helpful and never quibble about putting things right over the phone, but it is irritating to have to call each time.
I book online in the UK at fixed rates and have NEVER EVER had a bill for the correct amount. Usually 25% - 100% over the correct figure and always from 'automated' European city locations so this is not the excuse.
As I am a Founder Shareholder, Avis are always very helpful and never quibble about putting things right over the phone, but it is irritating to have to call each time.
Sep 19, 2003, 7:25 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: On the X26 bus to and from LHR
Programs: BA Blue. 19695 Lifetime TPs
Posts: 2,316
This happened to me twice; both in Corsica; both failing to credit the 2000 Mile Gold Bonus coupon. Both times the normal miles have appeared pretty quickly. First time, the 2000 bonus appeared after I'd waited; claimed online (nothing happened) and then followed-up by post with copies of the agreement etc. Second time, I waited; claimed online (nothing happened)then I called and 2000 "ex gratia partner tracking" miles appeared quickly (which makes me think it's a known problem).
Subsequently (almost 3 months on) the second 2000 bonus also registered!, this time as "normal" AVIS miles. So, persistance gets you your miles (maybe even twice!) but it takes persistance.
Subsequently (almost 3 months on) the second 2000 bonus also registered!, this time as "normal" AVIS miles. So, persistance gets you your miles (maybe even twice!) but it takes persistance.
Sep 19, 2003, 8:17 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Location: London
Posts: 1,666
Fraisse: Yep, did this myself and eventually got the miles, but very ungraciously. Throughout I was made to feel like it was a big favour, irregular practice, I was uptight even pursuing it, etc. Makes my blood boil that in many companies this sort of attitude now appears to prevail - "Oh, we didn't do as obliged, but aren't you sad to waste time pursuing it?"
Took ages to chase the first two and now Avis UK have deftly deflected the latest claim to the rental location. UK absolves itself of responsibility and invites me to chase MRU for an overcharge and 1,500 missing miles. Shocking.
Took ages to chase the first two and now Avis UK have deftly deflected the latest claim to the rental location. UK absolves itself of responsibility and invites me to chase MRU for an overcharge and 1,500 missing miles. Shocking.
Sep 19, 2003, 10:28 am
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: UK (currently)
Programs: BA Gold (and many other greater and lesser distinctions)
Posts: 7,208
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fraisse10:
This happened to me twice; both in Corsica; both failing to credit the 2000 Mile Gold Bonus coupon. Both times the normal miles have appeared pretty quickly. First time, the 2000 bonus appeared after I'd waited; claimed online (nothing happened) and then followed-up by post with copies of the agreement etc. Second time, I waited; claimed online (nothing happened)then I called and 2000 "ex gratia partner tracking" miles appeared quickly (which makes me think it's a known problem).
Subsequently (almost 3 months on) the second 2000 bonus also registered!, this time as "normal" AVIS miles. So, persistance gets you your miles (maybe even twice!) but it takes persistance. </font>
This happened to me twice; both in Corsica; both failing to credit the 2000 Mile Gold Bonus coupon. Both times the normal miles have appeared pretty quickly. First time, the 2000 bonus appeared after I'd waited; claimed online (nothing happened) and then followed-up by post with copies of the agreement etc. Second time, I waited; claimed online (nothing happened)then I called and 2000 "ex gratia partner tracking" miles appeared quickly (which makes me think it's a known problem).
Subsequently (almost 3 months on) the second 2000 bonus also registered!, this time as "normal" AVIS miles. So, persistance gets you your miles (maybe even twice!) but it takes persistance. </font>
Fraisse, did you sort missing miles out through BA or Avis ?
Sep 19, 2003, 1:06 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: On the X26 bus to and from LHR
Programs: BA Blue. 19695 Lifetime TPs
Posts: 2,316
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Frequentflyer99:
Fraisse, did you sort missing miles out through BA or Avis ?</font>
Fraisse, did you sort missing miles out through BA or Avis ?</font>
Sep 20, 2003, 9:06 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Location: London
Posts: 1,666
BA apparently cannot credit any bonus or voucher miles, just the basic rental. Avis often refer the renter to BA anyway, leaving one in that annoying piggy-in-the-middle game.
So, if basic miles missing, BA; if any bonus involved, has to be persistence with Avis.
So, if basic miles missing, BA; if any bonus involved, has to be persistence with Avis.
Sep 20, 2003, 10:26 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: On the X26 bus to and from LHR
Programs: BA Blue. 19695 Lifetime TPs
Posts: 2,316
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
So, if basic miles missing, BA; if any bonus involved, has to be persistence with Avis.[/B]</font>
So, if basic miles missing, BA; if any bonus involved, has to be persistence with Avis.[/B]</font>
Sep 22, 2003, 9:38 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London and Zurich
Programs: AA, BA, Mucci: Sir Roger des Directions Routières, PCR
Posts: 13,609
FWIW, I'm still waiting for a 1,000 BA mile bonus from April. Several reminders faxed to EC have brought zilch response (not even a No).
On the other hand, my 1,000 Virgin miles per rental post within days.
For those who collect both VS and BA miles, the Virgin 1,000 miles regular award is a no brainer compared with the BA 500 miles regular plus now-and-again-I-might-get-a-bonus.
Just look:
1 rental = 1,000 VS or 500 BA
2 rentals = 2,000 VS or 1,500 BA
3 rentals = 3,000 VS or 2,000 BA
4 rentals = 4,000 VS or 3,500 BA
5 rentals = 5,000 VS or 4,000 BA
6 rentals = 6,000 VS or 6,000 BA
so it is only at the 6 rentals level (and 12? 18?) that the BA offer can match VS, assuming that the bonuses are awarded.
On the other hand, my 1,000 Virgin miles per rental post within days.
For those who collect both VS and BA miles, the Virgin 1,000 miles regular award is a no brainer compared with the BA 500 miles regular plus now-and-again-I-might-get-a-bonus.
Just look:
1 rental = 1,000 VS or 500 BA
2 rentals = 2,000 VS or 1,500 BA
3 rentals = 3,000 VS or 2,000 BA
4 rentals = 4,000 VS or 3,500 BA
5 rentals = 5,000 VS or 4,000 BA
6 rentals = 6,000 VS or 6,000 BA
so it is only at the 6 rentals level (and 12? 18?) that the BA offer can match VS, assuming that the bonuses are awarded.
Jul 25, 2005, 12:35 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: BAEC Gold, Delta Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, AMEX Platinum (US)
Posts: 18,487
Sorry to bump this really old thread but seemed the most non-specific of the Avis threads a search came up with.....
Anyone know how long I should expect to wait for the miles to post? I remember asking about a quick way to get miles a long time ago and was told they should post quickly...FWIW I booked through the avisba.com site.
Anyone know how long I should expect to wait for the miles to post? I remember asking about a quick way to get miles a long time ago and was told they should post quickly...FWIW I booked through the avisba.com site.
Jul 25, 2005, 12:54 pm
#11
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 30
Originally Posted by fbgdavidson
Sorry to bump this really old thread but seemed the most non-specific of the Avis threads a search came up with.....
Anyone know how long I should expect to wait for the miles to post? I remember asking about a quick way to get miles a long time ago and was told they should post quickly...FWIW I booked through the avisba.com site.
Anyone know how long I should expect to wait for the miles to post? I remember asking about a quick way to get miles a long time ago and was told they should post quickly...FWIW I booked through the avisba.com site.
Jul 25, 2005, 2:29 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Scotland
Programs: BA, BD, AF, LH, AA, EK, Hilton, ICHG, SPG
Posts: 1,500
I've never had a problem with base miles, but otoh I don't think I've ever had a bonus post properly. I've also been given the line about upgrades only applying at "automated" locations 
Nor have I ever had a final bill for the expected amount but, agreeably enough, it always seems to be for less than I was quoted on avisba.com!
Nor have I ever had a final bill for the expected amount but, agreeably enough, it always seems to be for less than I was quoted on avisba.com!
Jul 26, 2005, 9:46 am
#15
Join Date: Oct 2003
Programs: BAEC Silver, Junior Jet Club
Posts: 946
Had completely incorrect miles (i.e. none) and a massive bill (double quoted) from Avis in Geneva. Customer service in the UK were helpful but slow, and I was never given the miles that were supposedly on offer!