Last updated: May 2026 | Editorial review based on verified information from avis.co.uk and independent travel research
Quick Answer: Avis operates at over 5,500 locations across 170 countries, making it one of the world’s most established car hire brands. The free Avis Preferred loyalty programme delivers a 10% discount from the very first booking, priority service, counter bypass at major airports, and the ability to earn British Airways Avios on qualifying rentals. Free cancellation applies across the car hire range.
Editorial note: Pricing, fleet availability, and programme terms change regularly. Always confirm current rates and conditions directly at avis.co.uk before booking.
Finding the right car hire company involves more than comparing base prices. Speed of collection matters. Loyalty benefits matter. The quality of the vehicle waiting for you at the end of a long flight matters. Consequently, Avis has built its reputation precisely around these practical priorities — faster pickup, consistent fleet quality, and a loyalty programme that delivers value from the first rental rather than after years of accumulation.
This review covers what Avis offers UK travellers in 2026, how it compares to its main competitors, and which type of traveller benefits most from booking with Avis.
What Makes Avis Stand Out in 2026?
Avis combines global reach — 5,500+ locations in 170 countries — with a loyalty programme that activates immediately at sign-up. The Avis Preferred programme is free to join and delivers a 10% discount on European and South African rentals from the first booking, priority service at collection, and counter bypass capability through the Avis app and QuickPass system.
Global Coverage With Strong UK Presence
Avis covers all major UK airports including London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Glasgow. Additionally, city-centre and neighbourhood locations extend the network well beyond airport terminals. For UK travellers booking European holidays or international business trips, the same Avis Preferred account works across all participating countries — simplifying loyalty earning and redemption.
Furthermore, Avis is the exclusive British Airways car rental partner. This partnership allows members to earn Avios on qualifying rentals — a particularly compelling advantage for frequent BA flyers who want to maximise their points balance without additional effort.
A Fleet Built for Every Journey
Avis’s UK fleet spans a wide range of vehicle categories:
- Economy and compact cars — efficient options for city travel and short trips
- Standard and full-size cars — comfortable for longer drives and families
- 7-seater and people carriers — ideal for group and family travel
- Van hire — available for removals and large cargo needs
- EV and hybrid vehicles — growing fleet with charging guidance provided
- Avis Prestige — luxury vehicles including premium European brands
- Avis Select Series — handpicked, newer models for a premium experience
- Long-term hire — flexible options from one month upward
Free cancellation applies across all car hire bookings made through avis.co.uk — a practical reassurance for travellers who need flexibility in their plans.
The Avis Preferred Loyalty Programme
The Avis Preferred programme is free to join and delivers benefits immediately from sign-up — including a 10% discount on all European and South African rentals, priority service at collection, and access to QuickPass digital pre-registration. Higher tiers unlock upgrades, free additional driver benefits, and partner perks with airlines, lounges, and travel experiences.
Membership Tiers Explained
| Tier | How to Qualify | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Avis Preferred | Join free — instant access | 10% off Europe/South Africa, priority service, counter bypass via app |
| Avis Preferred Plus | 5 rentals + €1,000 spend in a year | Complimentary single car-class upgrade, free additional driver |
| President’s Club | 10 rentals + €2,000 spend in a year | Double upgrades on weekends, free additional driver, free Roadside Assistance Plus |
The 10% Discount: Active From Day One
Most loyalty programmes make members wait — accumulating rentals before unlocking meaningful savings. Avis Preferred takes a different approach. The 10% discount on base rates in Europe and South Africa applies automatically from the moment you join, on your very first booking. Consequently, there is no reason to delay signing up — the saving activates before you even collect your first car.
Partner Benefits Worth Knowing
Beyond the core discount, Avis Preferred membership unlocks several travel partner offers:
- British Airways Avios — earn on qualifying rentals through the exclusive BA partnership
- 10% off Viator adventures — city tours, activities, and experiences worldwide
- 12% off Lounge Pass — airport lounge access across 600 lounges at 350 airports
- Up to 30% off Priority Pass — access to 1,300 lounges worldwide
- 10% Amazon.co.uk cashback — applied as Amazon gift card on eligible worldwide rentals
- Student discount — available for eligible students at avis.co.uk
These partner benefits extend the value of Avis Preferred well beyond the rental itself — particularly for travellers who combine car hire with airport lounge access or experiences at their destination.
QuickPass and Avis First: Speed at the Counter
QuickPass is Avis’s digital pre-registration service, available at over 40 major airports. By submitting rental details in advance through the Avis app or website, members arrive to find paperwork already prepared. At QuickPass locations, collection involves scanning a QR code at the Express Exit gate — key handovers can take as little as 30 seconds.
How QuickPass Works in Practice
Pre-registration happens before arrival — ideally from the moment you book. You submit your driving licence details, payment card, and any rental extras. Avis then prepares the rental agreement in advance. On arrival, follow the QuickPass signage to the indicated counter or collection point, sign the paperwork, and collect the keys.
In practice, QuickPass removes the primary frustration of car hire: filling in forms after a long journey while other passengers queue behind you. For Avis Preferred members, the counter bypass function within the Avis app goes further — in certain locations, they go directly to the vehicle or a self-service kiosk without any counter interaction at all.
Avis Drive Gold: The Subscription Option
For frequent UK renters, Avis Drive Gold offers a subscription-based approach to consistent savings. At £79 per year, it provides 20% off UK car hire and 15% off European rentals throughout the subscription period. Additionally, Drive Gold includes a free additional driver and child seats. Consequently, for anyone renting more than four or five times annually in the UK, Drive Gold’s savings typically outweigh the subscription cost within the first few bookings.
Avis Prestige and Select Series: Premium Hire Options
Avis Prestige covers luxury and premium vehicle rental — including European prestige brands — at select UK and international locations. The Select Series offers handpicked, newer models across standard categories for drivers who want a fresher, more refined rental experience without the full prestige tier price.
Who Avis Prestige Suits
Business travellers arriving at client meetings, couples celebrating special occasions, and drivers who simply want a step above the standard fleet — Avis Prestige addresses all three. The collection includes premium saloons, SUVs, and sports models at locations where demand justifies the inventory.
Furthermore, Avis Preferred Plus and President’s Club members receive complimentary car-class upgrades on availability. Consequently, a Standard or Full-size booking can result in a Prestige-category vehicle at no additional cost — one of the most practically rewarding loyalty benefits in the mainstream rental market.
Avis vs Competitors: Side-by-Side Comparison
Avis positions itself firmly in the upper mid-market — offering broader value than pure budget brands through its loyalty programme, QuickPass speed, and Avios partnership, while remaining more accessible in price than specialist luxury operators.
| Feature | Avis | Hertz | Sixt | Europcar | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worldwide locations | 5,500+ in 170 countries | 8,000+ in 147 countries | 2,000+ in 100+ countries | 3,000+ in 140+ countries | 9,500+ in 90+ countries |
| UK airport coverage | ✅ All major airports | ✅ All major airports | ✅ Major airports | ✅ All major airports | ✅ All major airports |
| Loyalty programme | Avis Preferred (free) | Gold Plus Rewards (free) | Sixt+ (subscription) | Privilege (free) | Enterprise Plus (free) |
| Discount from day one | ✅ 10% from first rental | ✅ 10% in Europe | Limited | ✅ Privilege tiers | ✅ Enterprise Plus |
| Counter bypass / fast pickup | ✅ QuickPass + app bypass | ✅ Gold counter bypass | ✅ Gold/Platinum card | ✅ Privilege tiers | ✅ Enterprise Plus |
| Avios / airline points | ✅ Yes — BA exclusive partner | ✅ Yes — 61 airlines | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| EV fleet | ✅ Growing | ✅ Growing — Tesla available | ✅ Growing | ✅ Growing | ✅ Growing |
| Prestige / luxury vehicles | ✅ Avis Prestige collection | ✅ Prestige Collection | ✅ Strong luxury range | Limited | Limited |
| Free additional driver | ✅ Preferred Plus and above | ✅ Gold members (spouse) | Paid extra | Paid extra | ✅ Select programmes |
| Subscription option | ✅ Drive Gold (£79/year) | ❌ No | ✅ Sixt+ | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Free cancellation | ✅ All car hire | ✅ Most bookings | ✅ Most bookings | ✅ Most bookings | ✅ Most bookings |
| BA Avios earning | ✅ Exclusive BA partner | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Consumer Analysis: Which Traveller Should Choose Avis?
Avis delivers the strongest value for frequent leisure travellers, British Airways flyers, business professionals, and families who want a reliable, globally recognised brand with instant loyalty savings, fast pickup, and a genuine Avios-earning partnership. The combination of QuickPass speed and the 10% day-one discount makes Avis particularly compelling even for new members.
British Airways Frequent Flyers
For anyone who regularly flies British Airways, Avis is the standout choice in the car hire market. No other mainstream rental brand holds BA’s exclusive car hire partnership. Consequently, every qualifying Avis rental adds Avios directly to your BA Executive Club account — accelerating your points balance toward flights, upgrades, and other Avios redemptions without any additional effort.
Furthermore, the Avis Preferred 10% discount compounds the value. A BA frequent flyer renting monthly earns Avios and saves 10% on every European rental — a combination that no competitor can replicate.
Business and Frequent Travellers
For business travellers renting regularly across the UK and Europe, Avis Preferred Plus (five rentals per year) unlocks free car-class upgrades and a free additional driver. In practice, reaching Plus tier within a calendar year is achievable for anyone renting monthly. The Drive Gold subscription at £79 per year provides an alternative route to 20% UK savings for those who prefer a flat annual cost over accumulating rental counts.
Additionally, QuickPass counter bypass removes the most time-consuming element of the rental experience. Pre-registering details before each trip means arrival, signature, and departure in minutes — valuable on tight business schedules.
Families and Leisure Travellers
Avis suits family travel well. The fleet includes 7-seaters, people carriers, and estate cars for luggage-heavy journeys. Free cancellation on all car hire protects families from booking uncertainty — particularly useful when holiday plans are subject to change. Moreover, the Viator partnership (10% off tours and experiences) and Lounge Pass discount (12% off) extend Avis Preferred value into the trip itself rather than just the drive.
Occasional Renters
Even for travellers who hire only once or twice a year, Avis Preferred is worth joining before the first booking. The 10% European discount activates immediately — without any rental history required. Consequently, signing up five minutes before booking is all it takes to start saving. Moreover, the Amazon cashback programme adds a secondary benefit on eligible worldwide rentals for those who regularly shop on Amazon.
Practical Tips for Getting the Most From Avis
Five straightforward actions that improve the Avis experience before and during every rental:
Before You Book
- Join Avis Preferred at avis.co.uk before booking — the 10% European discount applies automatically from sign-up, with no minimum rental count required
- Book direct at avis.co.uk — direct bookings are the only route to Avis Preferred points and partner benefits; third-party comparison sites typically exclude loyalty earning
- Register for QuickPass after booking — pre-registration can be completed from the booking confirmation page or email, and speeds collection significantly
At Collection and Return
- Follow QuickPass signage at the airport — dedicated routes lead to the QuickPass counter or vehicle directly; do not join the standard queue
- Inspect the vehicle and use the Avis app on return — the app supports express return at participating locations, meaning drop-off and eReceipt without counter interaction
Is Avis Worth It?
Avis represents strong value for UK travellers who want instant loyalty savings, faster collection through QuickPass, Avios earning on every qualifying rental, and access to a consistent, well-maintained fleet. The 10% day-one discount and the British Airways partnership are the two clearest competitive advantages over most rival brands.
Where Avis Excels
- Avios earning — the exclusive BA partnership is unique in the mainstream rental market
- 10% discount from day one — no rental history required to start saving
- QuickPass at 40+ airports — one of the more developed fast-pickup systems in the market
- Drive Gold subscription — 20% UK savings for £79 per year suits frequent UK renters
- Partner benefits — Viator, Lounge Pass, Priority Pass, and Amazon cashback extend value beyond the rental
- Free cancellation — applies across all car hire, providing genuine booking flexibility
Choosing Between Avis and Its Rivals
For Avios earning — Avis is the only mainstream option with the exclusive BA partnership. No competitor matches this for BA frequent flyers.
Travellers who prioritise the widest global network will find that Hertz (8,000+ locations) and Enterprise (9,500+ locations) exceed Avis in total location count. Non-BA travellers with heavy international use may find this breadth relevant to their decision.
When luxury and prestige vehicles are the priority, Avis Prestige and Sixt’s premium fleet are the two strongest mainstream options in this category.
Subscription-focused renters have two mainstream choices: Avis Drive Gold (£79/year, 20% UK discount) and Sixt+. Drive Gold suits frequent UK renters specifically.
FAQs About Avis Car Hire UK in 2026
Avis Preferred Loyalty Programme
Joining and the Day-One Discount
Is Avis Preferred free to join? Avis Preferred is free to join at avis.co.uk, with no minimum spend or rental history required. The 10% discount on European and South African base rates activates immediately from sign-up and applies automatically at booking. Joining before your first rental — even five minutes before — ensures the discount is always applied.
What discount does Avis Preferred provide? Members receive 10% off base rates on bookings in Europe and South Africa, applied automatically when logged in at avis.co.uk or in the Avis app. Additionally, members at Preferred Plus tier (five rentals, €1,000 spend per year) receive complimentary single car-class upgrades. President’s Club members (ten rentals, €2,000 spend) receive double upgrades on weekends.
Partner Benefits and Avios
Can I earn British Airways Avios with Avis? Avis is the exclusive British Airways car rental partner — meaning it is the only mainstream rental brand through which BA Executive Club members can earn Avios on qualifying rentals. The Avios earn applies to eligible rentals booked through the BA partnership. Consequently, this makes Avis the natural first choice for frequent BA flyers who want to maximise Avios earning across every aspect of their travel.
What other partner benefits does Avis Preferred include? Membership includes 10% off Viator tours and experiences, 12% off Lounge Pass airport lounge access across 600 lounges at 350 airports, up to 30% off Priority Pass subscription (covering 1,300 lounges globally), and 10% back on eligible worldwide rentals as an Amazon.co.uk gift card. These partner benefits apply across the membership regardless of rental frequency, making Avis Preferred valuable even for occasional renters.
QuickPass and Fast Collection
How QuickPass Works
What is Avis QuickPass and how do I register? QuickPass is Avis’s digital pre-registration service, available at over 40 major airports including UK and European hubs. Register through the link on your booking confirmation page or email — you will need your driving licence, payment card, and a form of ID. Avis prepares the rental agreement in advance. On arrival, follow the QuickPass signs, sign the paperwork, and collect the keys — handovers can take as little as 30 seconds.
Do I need QuickPass if I am already an Avis Preferred member? Avis Preferred members with the Avis app can bypass the counter entirely at certain locations — going directly to their vehicle or a self-service kiosk. QuickPass and Preferred counter bypass are complementary services. Preferred members do not strictly need QuickPass, as the app provides counter bypass independently. QuickPass is particularly useful for non-members who want faster collection without joining the full loyalty programme.
Avis Drive Gold Subscription
What is Avis Drive Gold and is it worth it? Avis Drive Gold is a subscription service providing 20% off UK car hire and 15% off European rentals for a full year. Drive Gold also includes a free additional driver and free child seats. The £79 annual fee (promotional pricing — confirm current rate at avis.co.uk) pays for itself after approximately three to four UK rentals when the 20% saving exceeds the subscription cost. Frequent UK renters who book four or more times per year will typically find Drive Gold saves money overall.
Vehicles, Families, and Long-Term Hire
Fleet Options
Does Avis offer electric vehicles in the UK? Avis operates a growing EV and hybrid fleet at UK and European locations, primarily at major airports and larger city sites. When booking an EV, always confirm availability at your specific pickup location and review the charging policy for your rental — terms vary by site and vehicle. The Avis website at avis.co.uk lists current EV availability by location at the time of booking.
Is Avis suitable for family car hire? Family travellers find Avis well-suited to their needs. The fleet includes 7-seaters, people carriers, estate cars, and larger SUVs at most UK airports and major city locations. Child seats and booster seats are bookable in advance as rental extras. Additionally, the free cancellation policy across all car hire provides useful flexibility for families who may need to adjust plans — particularly for school holiday bookings made well in advance.
Long-Term and One-Way Hire
Does Avis offer long-term car hire? Long-term hire is available from one month upward through Avis’s dedicated long-term hire service. This suits travellers relocating temporarily, professionals on extended project assignments, and anyone who needs a vehicle for several months without the commitment of a lease. Rates and vehicle availability should be confirmed directly with Avis at avis.co.uk.
Does Avis allow one-way rentals in the UK and Europe? One-way rentals are available at many Avis locations across the UK and Europe, allowing collection at one location and return at another. Drop-off fees may apply depending on the specific collection and return points. Consequently, always confirm the one-way fee for your route when booking, rather than assuming it is included in the base rate.
Booking, Pricing, and Policies
Young Drivers and Cross-Border Travel
Does Avis charge young driver fees? A surcharge applies for drivers under 25. The specific amount varies by country, vehicle category, and rental duration. Drivers aged 25 and over are not subject to young driver fees. Always check the applicable surcharge for your specific booking location when reserving, as the fee differs between markets.
Can I take an Avis rental car from the UK into Europe? Avis offers dedicated continental cover for drivers taking UK rentals into Europe. Specific documentation, additional insurance, and country permit requirements apply for certain European borders. Always declare planned cross-border travel at the time of booking rather than after collecting the vehicle. The Avis continental cover service at avis.co.uk/drive-avis/car-hire-services/continental-cover provides full details for UK-to-Europe trips.
Insurance and Fuel
What insurance options does Avis offer? Avis provides several cover levels — including the Avis Inclusive package, which bundles protection into a single upfront cost to avoid large excess exposure. Many travellers also use credit card rental cover or third-party travel insurance to manage excess costs. In either case, review your existing cover before collecting the vehicle, and select only the Avis options that genuinely supplement your existing protection rather than duplicating it.
What fuel policy does Avis use? Most Avis rentals operate on a full-to-full basis — you collect the vehicle with a full tank and return it at the same level. Prepaid fuel is also available at many locations. The full-to-full policy is typically the most cost-effective option for most journeys. Always confirm the fuel policy for your specific booking, as terms can vary between locations.
All information in this article is based on publicly available data from avis.co.uk and verified independent sources as of May 2026. Pricing, programme terms, and vehicle availability are subject to change. Always confirm current details directly at avis.co.uk before booking.
Editorial & Accuracy Standards
- Expert Review:
Ammara Azmat,
Senior Travel Mobility Analyst (12+ years experience) - Status: Verified for accuracy against official 2026 service data and real-time traveller reports.
- Our Process: This content follows our Fact-Checking Policy.
