How successful has anyone been in getting an upgrade with Emerald Aisle?

[mom2jp]

We would really like to get a minivan and the deal at Dollar for $209 is excellent, but a full-size at National would be about $50 cheaper. Has anyone had any success in getting an upgrade with National's Emerald Aisle?

[robinb]

I have never seen a minivan in the EA and I have rented from them a number of times in the last year. If you need a minivan, then you should rent a minivan and not worry about it. A $50 savings is not worth it, IMO.

Also, don't even think about going over to the minivan aisle and taking one. My BIL had that bright idea and found all the minivans locked.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Everytime I have rented from national there have been mini vans and suv's on the EA. In fact, I once thought I was going to be stuck with a minivan (they were blocking the other cars from view). But, I do agree with Robin, if you really want a mini van, you should book one and not rely on luck.
Just an FYI, we rented an Impala (a full size) and it accomodated luggage for 5 people in the trunk. The trunks are huge.

[DebbieB]

We go 2 or 3 times a year and always use National EA. It's been awhile since I've seen a van. Last December, they didn't even have any full sizes on the aisle but I had a full size reserved so I got an Intrigue from the full size aisle. If you book EA, always book full size not intermediate, they are the same price.

[Maleficent2]

We also did not see anything above a intermed.sz on the isle when we were there in June.

Only one intrepid on the on the full sz isle also!


We had reserved a full sz.


I was so unhappy about the selection I do not think we will rent from National again.



JMHO

Mal

[SalandJeff]

Last year we used Emerald Aisle at end of September. There was not one vehicle in the aisle (of course at that time a lot of people were renting cars instead of flying). The lot agent told us to take an SUV that was in another section, but then a full size drove in, so we gave the SUV to a family and took the full size for just my DH and me.

A think a lot of what is left in EA when you get there is a matter of timing of flights - depends on how many people have arrived to pick up cars before you that day and how many have returned them.

So I agree, if you absolutely must have a minivan, book one. If you belong to DC, you may be able to apply both DC and EA discount at National and get a good deal on a guaranteed minivan. Check mousesavers and the DC site for discount coupons or codes.

[dcfromva]

We generally use National EA, too. Up until last June, we would always get some kind of SUV or minivan in the EA (at places other than Orlando). Last June, we reserved a Full size in the EA in Las Vegas and had a huge trama just trying to get what we reserved. We ended up having to go to the counter (yikes! not, the counter!) and it took ages to get it straightened out. At the counter, they said that National wasn't going to be putting out the SUV's and Minivans in the EA anymore.

I have rented cars at Orlando about 5 times in the past year. I didn't see anything other than just regular cars in the EA. So, I would go along with the others--if you must have a minivan, reserve it!
-DC :)

[CarolA]

Please remember that the EA program was designed for business travelers who don't want a mini van and are likely to complain if that is their only option.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Please remember that the EA program was designed for business travelers who don't want a mini van and are likely to complain if that is their only option.

To add: people like me who cannot stand mini vans or suv's. :)

[nluvwithdisney]

The best I received was EA in Atlanta. We got a Pontiac Bonneville which is considered a premium car.

[Maleficent2]

was not that there was no SUV's or Minivans although I would have liked either.


I was very unhappy that there was only one(not one type-one car)real full sz car on the fullsz aisle an "intrepid"

A horrible car in my opinion I would not even drive this car.Made my husband.I have never ever driven a car with such terrible vision problems.Esp.backing up.


sorry to "intrepid"owners out there this is just my HOP



Mal