NEWS, TIPS & ADVICE | RENTAL CARS

Rent-a-driver program joins Avis frequent-renter options

By Jane Engle, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
10:10 AM PDT, June 08, 2007

Why just rent a car when you can rent a driver too?

For $30 extra per hour, plus a 15% service charge, customers of Avis Rent A Car can hire a chauffeur to tool them around in any of 10 cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The chauffeur, provided by WeDriveU Inc. , a company based in San Mateo, Calif., picks up your car and meets you outside baggage claim at the airport, a hotel or wherever you want. Afterward, the driver takes care of returning the vehicle.

To reserve the chauffeur, you must call at least 24 hours ahead to (800) 272-5839. There's a three-hour minimum.

The service, announced this week, is available to members of Avis Preferred, the company's frequent renter program. Membership, which is free, carries other perks, such as skipping lines.

Avis Chauffeur Drive is one of several new programs at Avis. On June 1, the company launched Avis First , an upgraded loyalty program for Avis Preferred members who log 12 qualifying rentals or 35 rental days in a calendar year. Members get free, two-day weekend rentals after every third rental, free upgrades and other benefits.

Last month Avis launched Air Connect, a portable Wi-Fi service that rents for $10.95 per day. It made its debut at the San Francisco airport and is being expanded to other airports, including LAX, Oakland and San Jose.

Where am I?

This is a city known for great old architecture. And it's a desert spot and has a long-standing tradition of hospitality.


National Parks

America's 20 most-visited national parks in 2009.

My Trips

Subscribe to the Daily Deal blog Daily Travel & DealBlog

Phoenix airport luggage thefts: 10 tips to protect your bag and belongings
Worried about your bag getting stolen in baggage claim? You've got plenty of company, espec...
Read more »

SIGN UP Newsletter_icons

Taking restless Southern California on vacation

Los Angeles Times e-mail newsletter, delivered every Thursday


Expedia
  • Departing from:
    Depart:
  • Going to:
    Return:

Subscribe to this section    

Subscribe to
Save and share