Today Avis announced some changes to it’s Avis First Rewards program. On November 20, 2014, Avis First will become Avis Preferred Plus. In addition, members will no longer be able to earn free weekend rental rewards but will continue to earn Avis preferred points or miles with participating airlines, hotels, etc… At the same time the Ali’i Club, Avis RentSavers California, Avis RentSavers Arizona, NY RentControl, and Avis Weekender Club programs will end as well. Members will be able to credit until the program ends and will be able to redeem any earned certificates through January 15, 2015.
Avis has said that current reward program benefits will change with the roll-out of the new program, but have not released specifics about changes – saying only that benefits will be enhanced.
Here is some additional information from the Avis First Rewards program website:
- Weekend Rewards expire per the expiration date provided in the email fulfillment. You can also view your Weekend Rewards at any time by logging into avisfirst.com and visiting the Coupon Details page. Weekend Rewards issued in July and later will expire on January 15, 2015.
- The last Weekend Rewards will be issued to eligible members in November 2014. Weekend Rewards coupons will expire on January 15, 2015.
- Credits earned toward a new Weekend Reward will not carry over to the new program when launched. We encourage members to complete four qualifying rentals before November 20, 2014, to earn a Weekend Reward.
- All Avis First members will be automatically converted to the new Avis Preferred Plus tier unless notified otherwise.
- Reward benefits offered under the Avis First & Avis President’s Club program will be enhanced under the new loyalty program and current benefits will change. More details will be provided in the coming months.
What do you think about this announcement?
Not enough information to figure out if this is good or bad. Every major car rental company offers some sort of airline/hotel credit option, but it’s usually a pretty low earning rate and they tax it. Sometimes taking the car rental credit is a better deal.