2012 "What's on National's Emerald Aisle?"

[bumbershoot]

Can someone clarify? In order to choose from Emerald Aisle, do you have to reserve the midsize car with the emerald club code? I can usually get better rates using different codes.

Tracey, to be really specific here...

Logged into Emerald Club account, put in dates and places and chose Midsize car. Used Continental code and $35 off coupon, got a great rate on a rental from late late on the 9th to early early on the 16th (today, wah!!!). The confirmation told me it was Emerald Aisle level of service, which means I go to the Aisle, pick a car, drive it to the booths and show them my info (just driver's license keeps on working, though hubby tries to hand over his Club ID card), they ask if we need a GPS and/or maps, hand over the maps and a receipt, and off we go!

Because of the selection when we got there, we ended up in a Sienna, for that period of time, for under $90.

 

[gmeh1]

Yes I'm sorry I forgot to say that you have to reserve a mid size car with your EC membership or you will get the class you reserve. If you are a regular EC member you reserve mid size and get the mid size price. If you happen to earn the executive level, you reserve a full size and get the mid size price and have the added benefit of choosing from executive aisle and regular emerald aisle. If you do not have executive benefits you only can choose from the regular emerald aisle.

Actually, if you are an executive level, you still select midsize. If you select full size, you revert right back to Emerald Reserve.

•Simply reserve a Midsize car at participating counter bypass locations in the U.S. or Canada.
•When you arrive at the location, follow the Executive signs and go directly to the Executive area.
•Choose any car on the Executive area (all cars are Fullsize or higher classes) and you'll only be charged the reserved Midsize rate.

 

[gmeh1]

Tracey, to be really specific here...

Logged into Emerald Club account, put in dates and places and chose Midsize car. Used Continental code and $35 off coupon, got a great rate on a rental from late late on the 9th to early early on the 16th (today, wah!!!). The confirmation told me it was Emerald Aisle level of service, which means I go to the Aisle, pick a car, drive it to the booths and show them my info (just driver's license keeps on working, though hubby tries to hand over his Club ID card), they ask if we need a GPS and/or maps, hand over the maps and a receipt, and off we go!

Because of the selection when we got there, we ended up in a Sienna, for that period of time, for under $90.

Actually, you hubby is doing it the correct way. We can find the reservation with the license number (if you are an EC member), but, it is a lot faster with the EC number(some license numbers are VERY long and will show a number of variations, sometimes even the same number from a different state and person). This is especially true if you happen to check out at the Alamo exit. I cannot tell you the number of times someone just hands me their license and does not impart the fact that they are EC. It is only after I ask for the reservation document that they let me know they are EC. I guess they assume we are mind readers. LOL.

 

[bumbershoot]

Actually, you hubby is doing it the correct way. We can find the reservation with the license number (if you are an EC member), but, it is a lot faster with the EC number(some license numbers are VERY long and will show a number of variations, sometimes even the same number from a different state and person). This is especially true if you happen to check out at the Alamo exit. I cannot tell you the number of times someone just hands me their license and does not impart the fact that they are EC. It is only after I ask for the reservation document that they let me know they are EC. I guess they assume we are mind readers. LOL.

They have NEVER wanted the EC card. Not in 3 MCO visits, one SNA visit, and one local-to-us visit. They scoff at it, say they can just look it up with his license and don't even take the EC card from his hand.

Not sure why we would go through the Alamo lane while renting National, but I suppose some people do that since they are related; just wouldn't even occur to us.

 

[joxer1014]

Actually, if you are an executive level, you still select midsize. If you select full size, you revert right back to Emerald Reserve.

•Simply reserve a Midsize car at participating counter bypass locations in the U.S. or Canada.
•When you arrive at the location, follow the Executive signs and go directly to the Executive area.
•Choose any car on the Executive area (all cars are Fullsize or higher classes) and you'll only be charged the reserved Midsize rate.

I do not want to start an argument here and I know that you work for National, but I think you are mistaken. After I started using my executive benefits, when I make a reservation, by default it shows me that my car class is full size but my price is whatever the mid size car price is. When I complete my reservation it shows as Emerald Aisle - Executive. I have never been reverted to Emerald Reserve unless the rental location does not offer the Emerald Aisle.

 

[gmeh1]

They have NEVER wanted the EC card. Not in 3 MCO visits, one SNA visit, and one local-to-us visit. They scoff at it, say they can just look it up with his license and don't even take the EC card from his hand.

Not sure why we would go through the Alamo lane while renting National, but I suppose some people do that since they are related; just wouldn't even occur to us.

Trust me, it is easier and quicker to look it up with the EC number. We don't ask for it, but appreciate it when it is presented. I speak only for the agents here at MCO and myself. Why do they go to alamo to check out? Ah, cause some people don't read signs, others are directed to this exit and others simply want to.

 

[gmeh1]

I do not want to start an argument here and I know that you work for National, but I think you are mistaken. After I started using my executive benefits, when I make a reservation, by default it shows me that my car class is full size but my price is whatever the mid size car price is. When I complete my reservation it shows as Emerald Aisle - Executive. I have never been reverted to Emerald Reserve unless the rental location does not offer the Emerald Aisle.

The bold in my last post was from the Emerald Club site. I don't believe they are mistaken, do you? Because you are an EE, it does default to that because you are EE, but, if you actually chose (rather than it going to a default) Full or whatever, it would revert to Emerald Reserve.

 

[joxer1014]

I see what you mean and clearly understandable. Thanks for all of your expert insight.

 

[BoozeBuster]

Actually, if you are an executive level, you still select midsize. If you select full size, you revert right back to Emerald Reserve.

•Simply reserve a Midsize car at participating counter bypass locations in the U.S. or Canada.
•When you arrive at the location, follow the Executive signs and go directly to the Executive area.
•Choose any car on the Executive area (all cars are Fullsize or higher classes) and you'll only be charged the reserved Midsize rate.

I'm confused then. I am Exec. and have a reservation for Mar. 3-12 for a Fullsize. My default size is Midsize, chose Fullsize and it shows Executive Selection. Am I OK to choose for ES, EA and/or Fullsize?

 

[LaurenT]

Hoping someone can answer this...
If I have a minivan reserved with a Flying Blue code and Mousesavers coupon, and my co formation says Emerald Reserve status - proceed directly to the aisle, can I - and how do I add a driver? Will they add it right at the exit booth?
TIA

 

[NJmouse]

I am in the process of renting a vehicle for the end of April...here is my situation. There will be 4 of us 4 suitcases and a ECV (one of us not the driver has COPD). If I reserve from the EA (midsize) am I taking my chances for a mini van? I am pricing them now and with the $35 off I am still going to pay $856 for a mini van for 10 days. What are my chances going with a midsize?

 

[bumbershoot]

Hoping someone can answer this...
If I have a minivan reserved with a Flying Blue code and Mousesavers coupon, and my co formation says Emerald Reserve status - proceed directly to the aisle, can I - and how do I add a driver? Will they add it right at the exit booth?
TIA

I haven't done Reserve, but when we do EA service we just add the other spouse right at the exit booth. Just hand over the license of the spouse and it's all done nice and easy. I'm sure it's the same with Reserve (though if it's not a spouse I don't know the exact process).

I am in the process of renting a vehicle for the end of April...here is my situation. There will be 4 of us 4 suitcases and a ECV (one of us not the driver has COPD). If I reserve from the EA (midsize) am I taking my chances for a mini van? I am pricing them now and with the $35 off I am still going to pay $856 for a mini van for 10 days. What are my chances going with a midsize?

You are taking a risk, definitely. We have been lucky in the Aisle lottery, very lucky. We've gotten a Nitro, a Durango, and a Sienna for midsize rates. Others haven't gotten so lucky. (of course, if there's nothing on the side you go to first, like if you choose side A of the Orlando airport, you can go to the other side and hope there's something over there)

With an ECV, I'd really considering renting what you need, unless it folds up tiny (and I doubt it). And if I were going to rent what I needed, I'd be sure to look around outside of National to find the absolutely best rate for what I needed.

Also, if you go for the Aisle and don't see SUVs/minivans, but do see something like a Crown Victoria (I don't think they have those, but they have had similar vehicles every time we've gone through the Aisle), don't discount those! We have a Grand Marquis (which is why we have never gone for one of those cars on the Aisle) and you can fit a ton of luggage in those trunks, and there's luxurious room for 4. Still not sure about the scooter though.



Might be crazy, but what about two vehicles? Just to make sure there's room? And depending on the time you're going, it could end up being way cheaper to do two EA reservations vs one minivan rental. Just have another driver sign up for their own EC account?

 

[gmeh1]

I see what you mean and clearly understandable. Thanks for all of your expert insight.

Not an expert by any means, still learning (daily). I learn "stuff" here daily.

 

[gmeh1]

I'm confused then. I am Exec. and have a reservation for Mar. 3-12 for a Fullsize. My default size is Midsize, chose Fullsize and it shows Executive Selection. Am I OK to choose for ES, EA and/or Fullsize?

I would say yes from the information you gave here. I would have to see the reservation to actually give you a firm yes.

 

[gmeh1]

Hoping someone can answer this...
If I have a minivan reserved with a Flying Blue code and Mousesavers coupon, and my co formation says Emerald Reserve status - proceed directly to the aisle, can I - and how do I add a driver? Will they add it right at the exit booth?
TIA

You will be going directly to the minivan row and you can either add the additional driver at the counter or at the exit booth. Keep in mind that additional drivers may be subject to additional fees. It all depends on the additional driver and what your contract specifies.

 

[gmeh1]

I am in the process of renting a vehicle for the end of April...here is my situation. There will be 4 of us 4 suitcases and a ECV (one of us not the driver has COPD). If I reserve from the EA (midsize) am I taking my chances for a mini van? I am pricing them now and with the $35 off I am still going to pay $856 for a mini van for 10 days. What are my chances going with a midsize?

Reserve the size you need, unless you can be accomodated with a full size car. You are taking a very big chance expecting a mini van on the EA. It does happen, but, not that often. General rule of thumb (subject to variations now and then) EA: midsize to full size cars. EE: Full size to premium.

If you don't see what you need, please, ask the greeter for assistance. You do NOT have to trapse from one side of the airport to the other. They will bring your request (if it can be granted) to you.

 

[bumbershoot]

If you don't see what you need, please, ask the greeter for assistance. You do NOT have to trapse from one side of the airport to the other. They will bring your request (if it can be granted) to you.

Good to know! Now if only we'd seen a greeter on our last two trips.

 

[NJmouse]

Thanks for the info. I just found out that she isn't taking the ECV but renting one and having it delivered to our hotel. So a full size will do just fine.

 

[gmeh1]

Good to know! Now if only we'd seen a greeter on our last two trips.

They are located in the little green kiosk on both sides of MCO, or they are walking around helping customers. White shirts, green ties. OR>>>> you can go to the Alamo kiosk inside the garage and ask for help. Since we are all the same company, they can help you as well.

 

[gmeh1]

Thanks for the info. I just found out that she isn't taking the ECV but renting one and having it delivered to our hotel. So a full size will do just fine.

That's great, so, now you can do an EC reservation and you will probably get a nice full size car. Good luck and I hope you get a surprise.