GreekDeno

I rent a week a month and have been going with Budget for a couple yrs. The counter people all know me and give me discounted upgrades, but they obviously have no loyalty program. Budget has great cars where I rent (have had over yrs- bmw 1 series, volvo s, camaro ss, lincoln mkz, cadillac srx, currently a flex which is ugly as sin, but has great interior). Avis cars here are very basic.

So do I stick with Budget and my local counter agents loyalty program or go to Avis and build loyalty for free rentals when I'm on vacation? TIA

randix

what floats your boat. I rent cars 364 days a year, Budget was a favorite because of various promotions and price. My last Budget rental was $90 per week, then the next week they wanted $280/wk for the same vehicle. It took me about 5 seconds to scratch my head and switch.

jackal

IMHO, this kind of loyalty is priceless, since it puts you well over the top of any top-tier elite level. The agents know and like you (especially if you occasionally buy something from them--remember, they are commissioned salespeople, and they like people who buy things), and so if anything happens, you'll be given the best treatment. You'll be given the car in stall A-1 with the fewest miles and nicest trim package. Something wrong with your car? They'll go the extra mile and drive out to meet you. Something wrong with your rate or you accidentally booked the wrong date? They'll do a manual adjustment without question. Tight on availability? You're first in line to get a car. Returning late and low on gas? They'll have no qualms backdating your return time and only charging you pump price.

Knowing and being appreciated by the front-line people is ALWAYS better than any sort of corporate loyalty.

That said, earning free days for vacations is nice.

GreekDeno

Thanks. I will stick with budget and use avis for other location travel to get rewards there.