What Are the Benefits of Avis Preferred Plus? 🚗

Avis Preferred Plus is a membership tier within Avis's loyalty program designed to streamline the car rental experience for frequent renters. Understanding what it offers—and whether those benefits align with your travel habits—requires looking at the actual perks, how they work in practice, and which rental profiles benefit most.

How Avis Preferred Plus Works

Avis Preferred Plus sits above the base Preferred membership tier. Members gain access to specific convenience features and service upgrades at participating Avis locations. The program is free to join, though benefits may vary by location, rental agreement type, and the vehicle class you book.

Key operational features typically include express check-in options (skipping the rental counter), vehicle selection preferences, and priority customer service. The exact availability of these perks depends on your rental location, time of booking, and current availability at that branch.

Core Benefits Worth Evaluating ✈️

Expedited rental process. Preferred Plus members often bypass the standard counter line, moving directly to their vehicle or a dedicated lane. This saves time—particularly valuable during peak travel periods—though the actual time saved varies by location and how busy the branch is at that moment.

Vehicle choice within your class. Rather than being assigned a specific car, members typically browse available vehicles in their reserved category and select one. This matters if you care about trim, color, or specific features, but doesn't guarantee a luxury upgrade or guarantee your first choice will be available.

Loyalty recognition. Members receive personalized greetings and faster service interactions, which some renters find valuable from a convenience standpoint. The practical value depends on how often you rent and whether you prioritize this type of service experience.

Membership status perks. Depending on your tier and activity level, you may earn points toward future rentals, receive promotional offers, or qualify for partnership benefits (such as discounts at associated brands or travel partners).

Variables That Shape Your Actual Experience

Whether you'll genuinely benefit from Preferred Plus depends on several factors:

What Preferred Plus Does NOT Include

This membership tier does not typically cover:

• Automatic discounts on rental rates. You don't receive a blanket reduction on daily rates; discounts come through separate promotions or loyalty earnings.
• Guaranteed vehicle upgrades. You choose within your booked class, but don't automatically receive a larger or premium vehicle.
• Damage waiver coverage. You still pay for or decline the damage waiver independently.
• Insurance. Personal auto or travel insurance is your responsibility.

These are common misconceptions, so it's worth confirming what's actually included in your membership agreement.

Who Sees the Most Value

Preferred Plus tends to deliver clearer benefits for:

• Frequent business travelers who rent multiple times per month and value time-saving efficiencies
• Airport renters who experience longer check-in lines and appreciate expedited options
• People who care about vehicle selection within their reserved class
• Loyalty-focused renters who want to accumulate points and earn status recognition

Occasional leisure travelers, or those who prioritize low rates above convenience, may find the base Preferred membership sufficient—or simply prioritize shopping for the best rental rate regardless of membership tier.

What to Review Before Deciding

Since membership is free, the real decision is whether you'll actively use the benefits. Before joining or upgrading, consider:

• Your typical rental frequency. How often do you actually rent cars per year?
• Your preferred pickup locations. Do those branches support Preferred Plus features?
• Your booking style. Do you book ahead or walk up? (Pre-booked vs. same-day rental experiences differ significantly.)
• Your priorities. Is speed, vehicle choice, or loyalty rewards most important to you?
• Your credit card benefits. Some travel credit cards offer overlapping car rental perks, so confirm whether you're duplicating coverage.

The landscape of car rental memberships overlaps significantly with credit card benefits and corporate travel programs, so your total value picture depends on what you already have access to.