Yikes! Avis AWD Codes!

[threeCsmom]

OK - I was helping my parents book their rental car with Avis using their corporate Avis AWD code (that I found on the helpful info thread - thank you Shirley) and found them a great rate on a minivan for their two days pre-cruise. Well, daddy is going to pay for his rental car with his AmExp award points and he just got the certificate today and on the certificate is another AWD code to use. When I go in and enter that code - yes, you guessed it, the price more than doubles! So, my question is this, do you think they (Avis) really check those codes in the computer? Or, do you think I have royally screwed up?

I haven't broken the news to my parents yet....my mistake is going to cost them - well, me since it is my fault - some $$$$! HELP!!! The award certificates can not be returned.... I know that one of you guys will have just the answer I need so I am going to sit here all night long and wait..

 

[threeCsmom]

Any words of wisdom?

 

[jordgubben]

I would try to use the code that gets you the better deal. If all else fails, clai ignorance ("but why would I use that code when this was is a better deal? can't this code work with the rewards?"). The worst that can happen is that you end up paying the amount you would normally with the amex points, right?

 

[robinb]

Does the certificate say that you MUST use the AWD code with the rewards points? My guess is that you don't, but I might also call Avis to make sure.

 

[threeCsmom]

Does the certificate say that you MUST use the AWD code with the rewards points? My guess is that you don't, but I might also call Avis to make sure.

The certificate has the Avis logo and says $75.00 Certificate and then has all the typical rules. Then at the bottom it has a section that says "Avis Rental Sales Agent Instructions At Checkout:" Then it goes through the different prompts from the computer and at the very last one is AWD and list a very different code.

My original code made the charge like $73 + tax and this new code on the certificate makes the charge $183 + tax! UGG! What a huge difference for one piece of paper! HELP!

 

[sweetp267]

I am doing the same exact thing with my reward points. I have checked and double checked with Avis and Amex and they have confirmed that you HAVE to use the AWD that is associated with the reward certificates. When you make your reservation you MUST use the AWD and coupon number. Then and only then will the certificates valid at the rental counter. Furthermore, the certificates only cover the base rate. The cardholder is responsible for ALL other charges. That means fuel, taxes and other surcharges. You also MUST pay with your AMEX card.

If you call Avis and give them the AWD number they will tell you all that stuff I did and answer other questions you might have.

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[threeCsmom]

Thanks Sweetp267 - that is what I thought. I just can not believe the price difference. We would have been better off using our reward points for something else and using the different AWD code. Should I go in and change my ressie on line or just wait until I get to the Avis counter and see if they catch it? Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[tracys2cents]

Looks like you shouldn't change your reservation, if you do you are going to pay $100 more just so that you can use a $75 certificate? Huh?