Avis Australia is implementing a new ‘Avis Safety Pledge’ to reassure customers of the highest standards of safety and cleanliness; while Budget Australia launches its “Budget Worry-Free Promise”.
“We hope by announcing our new safety pledge, our customers feel reassured we are taking every measure to provide a clean, safe, and reliable rental service. We also continue to monitor and follow the World Health Organisation and Government advice, to ensure we have the most current, recommended processes in place,” said Tom Mooney, managing director of Avis Budget Group, Pacific.
“Car rental is currently in a unique position as it can provide a private travel solution, a safer alternative to some other transport modes where the customer can control their own environment. There is nothing more important than the health and safety of our customers and employees, and we are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe and our vehicles clean.”
The Avis pledge and the Budget Worry-Free Promise is a global promise of enhanced cleaning protocols and standards to protect both Avis staff and customers, to be implemented in all Avis Australia rental locations ahead of the easing of domestic travel restrictions by July.
All vehicles are cleaned before every rental, paying special attention to high touch point surfaces such as the steering wheel, indicators, dashboard, hand grips, in-car entertainment controls, cup holders, keys, centre consoles, and all door handles, both inside and out. Employees are supplied personal protective equipment and protective screens will also be installed across Avis Australia locations.
The safety pledge allows customers to pick up and drop off vehicles with minimal contact. The contactless experience can be further enhanced by using the Avis App, especially for Avis Preferred customers, the free to join loyalty scheme. Avis Preferred customers can benefit from a fast track service, and at selected locations bypass the rental desk completely with straight to vehicle access.
Avis Australia has also made all direct rental bookings more flexible. Customers who booked directly with Avis are able to modify or cancel any reservation made in Australia for rentals starting before 31 August 2020 without any additional fee. More information on the COVID-19 policies can be found on the Avis website.
Budget Australia has removed cancellation fees for rentals that start before 31 August 2020, and allowed customers to modify bookings at no extra cost. More information on the COVID-19 policies can be found on the Budget website.