Avis - Preferred Service - Bypass Conter

[wee-haggis]

I know that having a Preferred Service booking with Avis means you can bypass the counter at MCO, but I have the following questions.

1)Is it like National Emerald Aisle where you proceed directly to the car,choose a car and drive off ?
2)Is it like National where you are guaranteed a minimum size car (you have booked) but could get a free upgrade ?
3)Is the return process easy (like Alamo and National where you drive up,they meet you,check the car and print off a receipt)?
4)Like Alamo and National are you able to cancel and rebook with no penalty ?

thanks

 

[uva185]

1. Not sire, they might do it like Hertz and show your name on a board which tells you which space number to go to.

2. Yes, but don't expect an upgrade for being a "Preferred" member. The real preferred levels require you to rent a certain amount per year.

3. Yes.

4. Yes.

 

[prncess674]

Avis preferred at MCO was way behind the times. At most airports there is a big board with your last name and a space number. You then go straight to your car and your contract is in the car and you proceed to the checkout in the car and they verify your license.

At MCO you did bypass the counter inside the airport but when you made your way to the garage you still had to stand in line at a window where they verified your ID and handed you a set of keys. The only nice thing about going to the window was you were able to ask what kind of car you would be getting before schlepping all the way to your car. I didn't like the original car assigned and then asked what else they could give me. If my car had been preasisgned and I had already walked the distance to it, I probably would have just taken what was given. If you don't like your original, then ask for another.

 

[OKW Lover]

Avis preferred at MCO was way behind the times. At most airports there is a big board with your last name and a space number. You then go straight to your car and your contract is in the car and you proceed to the checkout in the car and they verify your license.

At MCO you did bypass the counter inside the airport but when you made your way to the garage you still had to stand in line at a window where they verified your ID and handed you a set of keys. The only nice thing about going to the window was you were able to ask what kind of car you would be getting before schlepping all the way to your car. I didn't like the original car assigned and then asked what else they could give me. If my car had been preasisgned and I had already walked the distance to it, I probably would have just taken what was given. If you don't like your original, then ask for another.

This has changed. Starting about 6 months ago (maybe longer) there is a board in the garage with your name and space number on it. You walk directly to your car and drive off (stopping at the gate to show your license and paperwork - which was already in the car).

 

[prncess674]

I have no idea if/when they changed the policy, but I rented in Feb 2010 and I saw no obvious signs of them installing signs on the SWA side of pickup. It wasn't really a problem to me since I was only in a line of a 2 people to get my keys and I was pleased that I was able to question what car I was assigned. I travel for work every week and am included in the super frequent traveler circle. I didn't like my assigned car and received a better car that suited my needs better when I questioned my assignment.

 

[wee-haggis]

Thanks for the answers guys