Fastbreak Star (new Elite recognition program) coming in 2015
Dec 18, 14, 7:02 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: AA, WN, UA, Bonvoy, Hertz
Posts: 2,473
Fastbreak Star (new Elite recognition program) coming in 2015
First, don't call Budget about this program. They are still not sure if they will be able to get it running by January 2015 or if it will be a mid-year of 2015 implementation.
Here is the history that I have been able to determine so far:
In March 2014, Avis Budget requested to trademark "Fastbreak Star". That appears to have been granted.
In the new T&C for Fastbreak (that came out in September 2014 but was published in October 2014), this program was mentioned by name for the first time in material.
http://www.budget.com/budgetWeb/html...stbreaktnc.pdf
Here are the key attributes that were listed, but could be changed:
-Anyone (within the allowed geographic they define as North America) can be a Fastbreak member. That is the loyalty level I suspect is listed for everyone's documents today who uses the FB program.
-A new tier was established that is a pretty simple threshold of either $2000 base Spend (excluding taxes, fees and tolls) or 5 paid Rentals (using standard rate codes, but excluding some rates).
Benefits:
-It appears you can continue to get partner miles or points on rentals.
-You should still be able to earn Budget Bucks (www.budget.com/bucks)
-One car class upgrade (which many get via FB anyway)
-Special number (special agents?)
-Special offers via email
Even having FB status was already recognized as a loyal renter by most locations, but this is designed to start to tier renters for potential further benefits perhaps. It is clear that Avis Budget wants to make a small commitment initially with the program which is a good idea. If you look at the situation, you have to get the locations to understand to recognize these renters and create consistency before adding more benefits.
If this program kicks in 2015, they will do a system evaluation on the FB profiles to determine who will get FB Star (potentially in January) and notify customers at that time based on rental history.
Rasheed
Here is the history that I have been able to determine so far:
In March 2014, Avis Budget requested to trademark "Fastbreak Star". That appears to have been granted.
In the new T&C for Fastbreak (that came out in September 2014 but was published in October 2014), this program was mentioned by name for the first time in material.
http://www.budget.com/budgetWeb/html...stbreaktnc.pdf
Here are the key attributes that were listed, but could be changed:
-Anyone (within the allowed geographic they define as North America) can be a Fastbreak member. That is the loyalty level I suspect is listed for everyone's documents today who uses the FB program.
-A new tier was established that is a pretty simple threshold of either $2000 base Spend (excluding taxes, fees and tolls) or 5 paid Rentals (using standard rate codes, but excluding some rates).
Benefits:
-It appears you can continue to get partner miles or points on rentals.
-You should still be able to earn Budget Bucks (www.budget.com/bucks)
-One car class upgrade (which many get via FB anyway)
-Special number (special agents?)
-Special offers via email
Even having FB status was already recognized as a loyal renter by most locations, but this is designed to start to tier renters for potential further benefits perhaps. It is clear that Avis Budget wants to make a small commitment initially with the program which is a good idea. If you look at the situation, you have to get the locations to understand to recognize these renters and create consistency before adding more benefits.
If this program kicks in 2015, they will do a system evaluation on the FB profiles to determine who will get FB Star (potentially in January) and notify customers at that time based on rental history.
Rasheed
Jan 30, 15, 7:08 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: AA, WN, UA, Bonvoy, Hertz
Posts: 2,473
Maybe not intended for live yet (actually, I am pretty sure it is not quite live yet), but here is the latest mention via Google:
https://www.budget.com/budgetWeb/pro...rogramBenefits
By the way, just in case it wasn't clear, you have to have at least three rentals a year to have FB. Otherwise, the lowest level is technically RapidRez (just pre-saved information).
I had my first 'cool car' category auto-upgrade this year, but then I also had another location that wouldn't pre-reserve a car (the "Counter" indicator on the board) due to low inventory. Of course, they happen to find a car that would be the same as reserved, so this program is definitely not out yet because they changed the T&C again and removed mention of this new Star program.
Rasheed
https://www.budget.com/budgetWeb/pro...rogramBenefits
By the way, just in case it wasn't clear, you have to have at least three rentals a year to have FB. Otherwise, the lowest level is technically RapidRez (just pre-saved information).
I had my first 'cool car' category auto-upgrade this year, but then I also had another location that wouldn't pre-reserve a car (the "Counter" indicator on the board) due to low inventory. Of course, they happen to find a car that would be the same as reserved, so this program is definitely not out yet because they changed the T&C again and removed mention of this new Star program.
Rasheed
Jan 30, 15, 7:20 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat Pro, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 5,602
It's about time. I'm primarily a Hertz renter - but sometimes use Budget as a backup option when Hertz prices are absurd. Happens from time to time in certain cities and internationally as well. Would be nice to receive more recognition, although the benefits you mention are quite limited.
