National EA (REPOST from old site)

[Pluto4President]

National Car Rental Basics and Emerald Aisle
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OK-
National Car Rental has a program called The Emerald Club (EC). The fee for this club is $50, however, certain organization's perks, such as The Disney Club (DC), have the fee waived.

With the EC, you reserve either an intermediate or a full size car. When you go to pick-up your vehicle, you bypass the counter and walk right into National's garage to the Emerald Aisle (EA). At the aisle, you have your choice of anything there. It could be a Van, Premium Car, Full-size, SUV, Pt Cruiser, whatever. Just take it! The catch, you are only guaranteed what you reserve.

When booking a reservation online you have many options. Firstly, log into the EC with your ID and password or last name and EC number.

Then, pick your dates.

Next choose a car class. If you choose other than the Intermediate or Full Size, you will probably be sent to the counter. You might even get Emerald Choice (EC). This means you go to the specific aisle for what you rented, say a minivan. You then get to pick any vehicle (minivan) on the minivan aisle.

Next choose the level of service. (Emerald Aisle)

Now the fun part: Codes!!!

Rate code: Usually a National Car program. Enter in a current code if there is one. (Keep in mind, rate codes can have blackout dates)

Coupon code: From experience, this will start with a 1. Enter in this code. Now coupons can be combined. You can use an Entertainment Book (EB) coupon with the DC, AP EC or any other contract code. (That’s next)

Contract code: This is where you enter in your contract code, again from experience; these start with a 5 or 6.

Get your quote. Re-do it with different code combinations. Check back frequently. Rate plans; contracts and coupons change rates often. Base prices are based on supply and demand.

Good luck.

Did I miss anything?


Ask away!

[Brikate]

Pluto - hoping you can help...

facts: I am trying to make a ressie for Dec. 1-8 (8 total rental days) using EC, EA and an AP discount - at MCO for an intermediate.

I am getting a base rate of $247.31 (Txs etc. = $311.92). I get this rate using all of the above and ALSO when I don't even use the EC or the AP discount. No where in the breakdown does it even show a discount of any kind. I've been trying everyday - a couple of times a day.

Am I too early (for December)? Last Sept. I booked a fullsize for this past Easter week <10 days> and only paid 290.xx (total). I will keep trying, but was just wondering if it was me? or National?

Thank you so much for all of the advice that you give. I read sooo much of it in the past, I think that's why I am confused now!

Kathy

[Pluto4President]

I am also an AP holder. That discount is usually useless for the most part. Check into the DC. For $30 (as an AP holder), you'll easily save that cost on your first National rental.

[DebbieB]

I was checking rates for December and noticed there is no EC discount coming up with contract 5007125. Disney Club gives 20%.

On the National Car Rental site, you can get free EC membership by enrolling online until 6/15.

[ToyStory]

I just joined and looked into renting an intermediate car the last week of August, Sunday - Saturday. I am only able to use the Disney Club contract number since I am not eligible to use the coupon number because of my days.

The funny thing is when I played around with the dates and if I left on Sunday the rental price was about $35.00 cheaper with the extra day. Right now I am getting price around $215.00.

Is there any other coupon codes available and how do I find them?

:confused: :confused:

Thank you.

[LisaRex]

Through Avis I got a rate of $148 for Wed-Tues in August...or $189 with all the taxes and fees. Click on the Florida Deals link on the Avis.com website.

It beat any deal I could find using all the combinations I could figure out.

good luck!

[dvm2b]

I'm leaving Wednesday for Orlando -- I have a full-size EA reservation with National for Weds-Tues.

Some combination of coupon/contract got me a base rate of $98. Taxes/etc bring it to $137. Here's hoping a nice convertible is on the Aisle!

Brenda

[mi2kdz]

I changed my National reservation to a full-size EA car from an intermediate EA, to insure that the car I rented would be large enough. The rate I got for the intermediate was $133.00 with taxes, the rate for a full size was $137.00 with taxes. I then called National to confirm this, using my confirmation#, and the reservationist quoted me $143.00. I now have to fax her my confirmation, so she can look into the discrepancy. Hmmm...wonder what happened? She was very nice, and I do believe they will honor the computer confirmation. Here's hoping they have a van or SUV on the aisle. I'm traveling alone with 4 kids.:crazy:

[Gracie2u]

Bumping to help people with coupon questions

[rhays]

mi2kdz--I just had the same thing happen to me! I used EA with the two DC discounts and got $126 w/tax for a week in August for a full size. When I called to confirm, they quoted me $134. I also had to fax my confirmation email...I haven't heard back yet. Hoping they do still honor the $126...I can't believe I got such a good rate!

Ruth

[mi2kdz]

Ruth,

I did get a reply, well actually, I called and tracked down the person I faxed the confirmation to, she explained that because I had not checked any of the insurance coverage when I signed up for the EC they automatically gave me a higher rate. I explained that I have full coverage on my own vehicle, that also covers rental cars, and that I did not need the coverage. She told me that they would honor the computer rate. Hope this helps.

Cindi

[rhays]

Cindi...I've been waiting for a call back...and haven't heard anything. I didn't think it would take more than a few minutes to figure it out. So I guess I'll call today and see if I can locate the woman that took the information.

Did they change the information they have for you? So when you get there, there isn't a discrepancy? I guess I'll find out when I call them today.

Thanks for the info!

[mi2kdz]

Ruth,
Yes they did. I will get the quoted computer rate. I'm sure you will too. I talked to April, she was very nice, and assured me that the rate quoted was the rate I would get.

[Pluto4President]

heres a bump

[rhays]

I still haven't heard from my original booking ($126)...but today I made another reservation...for $118 for a full size EA car...however, when I called to reconfirm, they had a different price!

I don't understand why their information is totally different from my print out! Their base rate will be the same, but the amount of discount is different. WHY???

When I called about this one, I spoke with Michelle (who, may I say, is NOT customer friendly)...well, I ended up speaking with Michelle's supervisor and she advised me the discrepancy was caused by the information in my DH's EC profile...his license expiration date and credit card expiration date needed to be changed and once it was updated, the rate I had received would be reflected.

I updated the info, but when I called to reconfirm again, this person spoke with HER supervisor and said I would probably have to go to the counter to get that rate. Well, I said forget it...if I'm getting $126 on the EA, I definitely am NOT going to counter for $8!!

However, I am seeing this as a challenge now! I went ahead and cancelled the reservation, thinking I probably shouldn't have and tried reconfirming again tomorrow. My strategy is: keep calling until someone tells me what I want to hear!

Has anyone else had this problem of their online rate being different from what National shows when you reconfirm? I've had this happen twice now!

Just hope I DO manage to get that $126 rate!

Ruth
:rolleyes:

[RhondaS]

Thanks for the info!

[scottishman]

BUMP!:pinkbounc :pinkbounc :pinkbounc :pinkbounc

[Ralph&Pam]

Bump.

[LisaRex]

Set.

[Pluto4President]

coming back around..

[rhays]

I have been assured by National Internet Support that I will receive the $126 rate that was quoted to me. I called yesterday to have a confirmation mailed to me...I just wanted to verify, verify, VERIFY, that I have something in my hands that states that. But they were a little hesitant to send me something. She suggested I go to the website and print a confirmation...however, that confirmation only quotes the base rate...not the total. She did verify the amount though, so I'm just going with that. I do have my original confirmation with the number and amount on it, so I'll just have to scream if anything is different when we get there. But I have confidence that it will be ok.

Ruth:D

[Pluto4President]

There have been quite a few instances where they wanted to charge me more than I was quoted. But always with the email or browser copy of the quote, they have honored the internet quote without a problem.

[CoolMom13]

A question: A few people have mentioned showing the website confirmation when they had discrepancies with their rate at the time they were picking up their rental car - did you have to go to the counter to clear up the discrepancy? :confused: I am very worried now because I booked online with Emerald, and got a great rate. If the rate doesn't match, am I going to have to wait in line at the counter? That's the main thing I was trying to avoid!

[Pluto4President]

I've been able to square it away ath the booth when leaving. But have been sent to the counter, the line usually isn't too bad for returns but allow yourself a little extra time to be safe.

[CoolMom13]

Thanks, Pluto!

[elgerber]

Just bumping to see if anybody knows of any coupon offers for National?

Thanks.

Erika

[Pluto4President]

Disney Club, Entertainment Book, Disney Travel to name a few

[CoolMom13]

I received a coupon from BJ's Wholesale Club, which turned out to be the same discount as the Disney Travel coupon that is available online.

[Pluto4President]

back up top

[Gillian]

Bump! :bounce:

[Figment78]

Does anyone know if they charge your card when you book or when you return? Do they just put a "hold" on the card when you book?

Also, I'm a little confused with the Emerald Aisle, does this mean if you book a full size, you can get an upgrade at the same price if it is available? Or do you pay more?

Thanks!!!

[Pluto4President]

just used the two DC combinations and once again, they worked out the best. That DC was definately worth the 30 bucks!

[lawgs]

yes........pluto is back....was wondering where you got off too....

nice to see that nick again...

smilawgs

=)

[Pluto4President]

Hey Lawgs
I've unfortunately been working my buns off. Seasonal business. Just booked a quick 9/29 weekend vacation so I figured I'd check in. I noticed that they extended the National coupons til 12/01. That was nice of them.

[lawgs]

we are going end of august.....and then gain at the end of november....(primarily due to the great airfares we got)....

110$ rt us air in august

94$ r/t southwest in november but flying into tampa

[Pluto4President]

November as well Lawgs 11/21-12/02.

[Pluto4President]

bump

[Pluto4President]

i like to keep it on page 1 ºoº

[Pluto4President]

bump

[Pluto4President]

:bounce:

[denisenh]

I did it! i just pulled out my dh's old but unused EA card and made a new full size car reservation for next saturday! We had counter service at TPA originally but i figured i'll just give this EA a whirl. Well, the rate quote came back $18. less too! I hope i understand it correctly....we just go and get in a car and drive away.

[Pluto4President]

yep, that's it. Get your bags, walk to the garage, pick a car from the aisle, drive to the booth, present your credentials and go to WDW! Piece of cake :)

Enjoy~

[denisenh]

Great!! thanx! That sounds so simple that I couldn't mess it up if I tried!

[DaisyDebbie]

Has anyone ever returned their National rental car off at the Dolphin drop off? Aren't there two drop offs within WDW?

[Pluto4President]

I never have Debbie, but you can set up the ressie that way. The other location is at the car care center on the exit of MK.

[josierac]

Need some help. I have reserved a minivan for August 9 2002 until August 17 2002.
The rate I got with the DC discount (I also signed up with Emerald club) including all taxes is $411.00

We are picking this up in Sarasota Florida airport and dropping off at the car care center in Disney (we won't need a car in Disney). The reason we got a minivan is that there are 4 of us and we are visiting my in-laws and when we go out it's easier to take one car instead of 2.

Is this a good rate for those dates and length of rental? Can I do better. We also chose National because we can drop it off on Disney property. We can actually get a little better rate with Dollar with no discounts but we would have to drop it off at the airport and I don't want to do that.

Thanks for any help

[Pluto4President]

Taxes included, I've seen worse. But sometimes convenience and time out way the financial aspect. If it works for you and you can afford it, I would do it. However, as you get closer keep checking the rates. If they drop, book a new ressie and CANCEL the old.

[josierac]

Thanks for the info Pluto. Are there any other codes for discounts?

Thanks

[Trekker]

bump

[MacMaam]

HI, I have EA, DC, and the Entertainment Book. Can anyone tell me what contract/coupons numbers I put were when booking online. I keep getting contract numer no good, etc. TIA

[Pluto4President]

Coupon code: From experience, this will start with a 1. Enter in this code. Now coupons can be combined. You can use an Entertainment Book (EB) coupon with the DC, AP EC or any other contract code. (That’s next)

Contract code: This is where you enter in your contract code, again from experience; these start with a 5 or 6.

[Scotch]

I started the process of applying for EC online. Reading through the tedious terms and conditions, I reached a clause that really troubled me. It states (near the bottom, under paragraph 19): I understand that no coupons, vouchers, travel orders or any variations from the Terms and Conditions . . . will be accepted on Emerald Club aisle . . . transactions. So National is not legally obligated to accept coupons for EC rentals??? or just coupons that may contain terms that may be at odds with the Terms and Conditions? I don't want to be surprised when I go check out the car.

If EC rentals (intermediate and above) just drive off without going through counter, how does National verify that you have one of the coupons that state it must be presented in person? (I remember some old DIS posts re National counter service insisting on a hard copy of the coupon before honoring coupon discount.)

[Pluto4President]

I can honestly say I never read the fine print and never had a problem with coupons.

When you drive away, you actually check out at the kiosk, froom within your car, on the way out.

[UltimateWDWFan]

Thanks. This string has been very helpful. One thing I haven't seen a direct answer to, though... If I reserve a full-size (traditional) car with the EC, and then if there's a mini-van available when I get there that I want, **which rate do I pay?** Is it the original car rate, or the mini-van rate. (I assume it's the original rate, else what's the benefit, but no one's answered that question yet.)

Thanks.

Tammy

[GAIL HAYDEN]

When you get your ressie confirmed via the net, it will state (if you reserve a full size car) something to the effect of "go to the aisle and pick up your full size car or choice of vehicles in the Emerald Aisle". Which means, you can take anything you want from the aisle, assuming your ressie is for Emerald Aisle, of course. ;)

[UltimateWDWFan]

But which do you PAY for? The one you reserved, or the one you actually take? (Which rate are you charged?)

[GAIL HAYDEN]

You are charged only what appears on your ressie. There is no extra charge for taking your "choice" on the aisle.

[Pluto4President]

Exactly as Gail said, you pay for what you reserve, anything above and beyond is a bonus. Tues & Wed however, they had a limited selection on the aisle. Maybe a dozen cars, all Full or intermediates.

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Pluto, did you happen to see the Luxury aisle? I have a reservation with Emerald Choice for around $40 more than Dollar.

[Pluto4President]

Sorry Cali - didn't walk that far down, from driving out though, it looked like there were a couple of Devilles. I can tell you, because I looked just for you, that L&M didn't have any!

[CaliforniaDreaming]

So, does L&M have no Devilles, or just no luxury cars? I remember the L&M person on your thread said they have very few.

Hopefully this next time I will get a Deville! Since our flight was an hour late last time, I didn't feel like waiting for a Deville---I was anxious to get to WDW as I expected to have already been there by that time! When we returned the Park Avenue, there was a Deville (only car on the luxury aisle) sitting there! It was silver.

Thanks!
Cali

[Pluto4President]

No L&M had nuttin I would considerr a Luxury.

[dtuleya]

I am a member of the EC (Yeah, for free through my DC membership). I currently have a full-sized reserved over Thanksgiving for 8 days. My total (with all the millions of extras they take on) is $185. I've been told this is a pretty good rate. When I get to the garage, I can basically take any car on the lot. Is this correct? So if there is a nice SUV or a Cadillac there, we can take one of those for the same price???? We never rent cars so this is all new to me. TIA for the clarification.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

dtuleya,
No, you cannot take any car in the lot, you may take any car on the Emerald Aisle, assuming your ressie is for Emerald aisle.

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Originally posted by dtuleya
I am a member of the EC (Yeah, for free through my DC membership). I currently have a full-sized reserved over Thanksgiving for 8 days. My total (with all the millions of extras they take on) is $185. I've been told this is a pretty good rate. When I get to the garage, I can basically take any car on the lot. Is this correct? So if there is a nice SUV or a Cadillac there, we can take one of those for the same price???? We never rent cars so this is all new to me. TIA for the clarification.

You can choose any car on the full size aisle. We have a luxury car booked for one week (and we'll be able to choose any car from the luxury aisle) for around $500/week including taxes and my Disney Club discount. As you can tell, these cars are much more expensive! I think full size is around $200 for my dates! Ouch, yeah, I know I'm getting ripped off, but I like those luxury cars! On my New Year's trip, it was close to $600/week with taxes and the DC discount! So, that is why you cannot book a full size and pick any car!

I'm sure you'll find something on the full size aisle that you like. If there aren't any cars on the aisle at all, they might let you go pick an SUV or a Premium car. :)

------------------

Pluto, that stinks that L&M didn't have anything you'd consider a luxury! For my dates they want well over $700!

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Cali,
If this person has made a ressie for the Emerald Aisle, any car on that aisle may be selected. You can only make ressie for the aisle with the selection of intermediate, standard or full size only.
If you make a ressie via emerald choice, then you can select any car from that particular aisle. You can reserve anything this way.
There is a difference between the two.
We booked a full size from the Emerald Aisle and ended up with a Bonneville (aka boat) and the cost was 113.35 for the week(including all extra fees), this was in Sept. I used my DC code and Delta coupon.

[dtuleya]

When I made my original reservation, I didn't have my EC membership # yet, so the $185 is for a full-size counter service. When I called back to give them my ED #, they said they'd have to do the entire reservation over. Since then I've noticed on the web site that prices have really gone up. National quoted me a price of $244 for an intermediate (Emerald Aisle).

Here's the way I see, please tell me if I'm missing something...I definitely did better without my EC membership. I am guaranteed a full-sized at a great rate (or so I'm told). If I'd change now, I might only get an intermediate, but pay $80 more just to save me time from checking in at the counter. Right? I'm assuming the only thing that could go wrong is if they don't have any full sized cars, but then they'd offer me something better (right?).

We never rent cars, so sorry if I appear to be very ignorant on this subject. TIA!

[GAIL HAYDEN]

You have it correct. I will add, had you had your EC number you probably would have received the same rate (or better) when you originaly booked the ressie. Prices change, sometimes hourly. I would keep on checking the site, it may go down. If that occurs, make a new ressie and then cancel the old.

[DebbieB]

There usually isn't much of a line at the National counter, I wouldn't pay extra to bypass it. You will still be able to pick your car in the garage out of the full size aisle, they do not assign cars at the counter. I had an EA reservation in December and picked out of the full size aisle because all EA had was intermediate (my reservation was full size).

[mrsmouse]

just wipin' off the dust and bumpin' up this info!