Avis has a pretty convenient program where if you don’t like the car you’ve been assigned you can exchange or even upgrade it as you leave the lot. The best part is the process doesn’t take much time at all. On my latest rental, I was able to upgrade to a different car at no additional cost thanks to my Avis Preferred status and the Select & Go program.
How Does It Work?
The Avis Preferred Select & Go program allows members to keep their reserved card, exchange it or upgrade it at the time of pick up. It’s pretty simple.
- KEEP: Check your email or the Preferred board for your pre-assigned vehicle. If you’re happy with the selection, drive to the Exit Booth.
- EXCHANGE: If the pre-assigned vehicle isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, select a different vehicle that better fits your needs from our Select & Go Exchange area — no extra charge.
- UPGRADE: Choose from our Select & Go Upgrade area — including specialty cars, SUVs and more — for an additional daily charge* displayed in the vehicle’s windshield.
So does it really work to your advantage? Sometimes, yes.
Recent Experience With Exchange Program
On a recent rental, I was heading to my designate car parking space and this shiny car caught my eye. The Volkswagen had leather seats and was not in my rental category. But could I upgrade to it? Yes. Because the car was located in the Exchange lane, I was able to select from any car left in that lane at the time I picked up my rental car.
Once I decided to take the car, I simply put my items in the vehicle, drove to the gate to get checked-out and off I went. It was a smooth process.
I’d say that is quite the upgrade from an intermediate Chrysler 200, wouldn’t you agree?
Bottom Line
The Avis Select & Go program worked out for me this time. The program allows members to keep their existing rental car or checkout other cars to upgrade or exchange before they drive off the lot.
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About The Weekly Flyer
The Weekly Flyer writes about travel from a business traveler perspective. He travels the world every week accumulating points and miles along the way.
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Love it! I use the Select and Go all the time. Recently I was in LA, they had some positive Impala for me and I walked to Select and Go and grabbed me a 4 door mini. Last week in San Diego I swapped for a Volvo SUV! Definitely can’t complain.
I usually rent from Hertz where, due to my point status, I am upgraded on every rental, however, this program just may get me to try Avis once again.
Recently I took a weekend trip to Vegas. Sitting in the exchange area was a convertible Mustang. Yeah it was hot out but what an upgrade compared to the crappy midsize they had waiting for me.
This program options depends on where you are located. The management staff in the Atlanta Airport location will only leave mini-vans out in the select and go area. So, if you are traveling alone, you have no options. I have advised the Corporate office of this scheme in Atlanta but it still continues. I am a Avis First customers, so I rent often.