Can you still get complimentary upgrade if you use Avis Preferred & bypass counter?

[BC]

Just wondered, from reading some other posts, it seems sometimes you get a complimentary upgrade when picking up your rental car. If you bypass the counter and go on out to the car lot, does that attendant have the authority to give you and upgrade or do you just get what is reserved if you bypass the line?

 

[DebbieB]

I got an upgrade about 3 weeks ago without even asking. I had intermediate booked. USAir is having a special right now for Dividend Miles holders with Avis, you get an upgrade plus 1,000 bonus miles. It was just me and a coworker on a day trip, I wasn't too concerned about the upgrade. We went out to the garage and they gave me keys for a Ford Escalade. I really didn't want an SUV, so I asked for a regular car, they gave me a Ford Taurus, which I believe it is a full size.

 

[plutospup]

I've often received a free upgrade as an Avis Preferred member. A few times I've even been offered my choice of vehicles. It's great not having to stop at the airport counter!