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

[n2mm]

We're back. It was a quick trip. Picked up on Thursday 8/23 @ 4PM - Side A: On the EA only sedans, on the ExA pretty much the same, just a few bigger ones. Several convertibles, impalas, and 300s. We took a 300 and it was a very nice car. We liked it. No SUVs of any size, nor anything bigger. Since it was only the 2 of us, we were happy with the 300. Though missed not getting my favorite -- the Ford Edge.

Got to DCA last night @ 7PM and really was missing MCO. We had reserved Emerald Reserve-mid-size SUV. When we asked where the mid-size SUV aisle was they looked at us like we had 3 heads. They told us to take whatever we found in the aisle and "go away". We finally settled for a traverse. We found the same type of service at IAD too when picking up at Dulles. We are so spoiled by MCO and the great service we always receive there.

 

[E-P-C-O-T]

gmeh1,

I want to thank you for been so helpful, really do appreciate all this information.

I also have a question for you. We are arriving next tue at 6p, A side, we decided to drop our full size Alamo res for a chance to get an Suv or minivan on the Exec Aisle at National, DH wants to keep his exec status . If we get to the exec and there are only sedans, is it ok to ask if there are any Suvs? We never had a problem before finding one on the aisle, but, reading n2mm post makes me nervous.

Thanks!

 

[Funwith4kids]

Exec on A side last night consisted all sedans with 1 Traverse (e.g. a few Camrys, 1 Impala, 1 300, and other nonmemorable sedans that are on EA). Looked pretty much like the EA other than just a few exceptions.

I was a bit disappointed at the choice of vehicles that are not on EA. I took the 300.

 

[gmeh1]

gmeh1,

I want to thank you for been so helpful, really do appreciate all this information.

I also have a question for you. We are arriving next tue at 6p, A side, we decided to drop our full size Alamo res for a chance to get an Suv or minivan on the Exec Aisle at National, DH wants to keep his exec status . If we get to the exec and there are only sedans, is it ok to ask if there are any Suvs? We never had a problem before finding one on the aisle, but, reading n2mm post makes me nervous.

Thanks!

Sure it is ok to ask. I don't guarantee anything, because it is the day after a holiday, but, by all means, ask. I will be on National Tuesday, not sure what side, but, if you see an old lady, give a shout out.

 

[gmeh1]

Exec on A side last night consisted all sedans with 1 Traverse (e.g. a few Camrys, 1 Impala, 1 300, and other nonmemorable sedans that are on EA). Looked pretty much like the EA other than just a few exceptions.

I was a bit disappointed at the choice of vehicles that are not on EA. I took the 300.

Did you ask for something different? We can only stock what is available at any given time and what the drivers can get from prep. area to the 3 different agencies. Often there is overflow and we can find something there, that is why I stress asking if you want something specific.

Keep in mind that the Emerald program only guarantees:
Emerald Aisle- mid size or better.
Emerald Exec- full size or better
In your case, you received a Premium level car at the midsize price.

I feel bad that you were disapointed. I wish I had been there.

 

[sargenca]

if you see an old lady, give a shout out.

What gmeh1!?! You're an old lady!!??!! I had you pictured as a tall, handsome, young 30-something guy!

 

[E-P-C-O-T]

Sure it is ok to ask. I don't guarantee anything, because it is the day after a holiday, but, by all means, ask. I will be on National Tuesday, not sure what side, but, if you see an old lady, give a shout out.

That's what I was worried about, I honestly don't know why I chose to travel on a tuesday, we will be home all weekend and monday. I should have my head checked

Well, if you see an excited 3yr old screaming .. We made it Mama, let's go to Disney World, it's that way!... That would be us! DD thinks she is our personal GPS...

Would love to meet you and thank you for everything you do for all of us, so, I'll keep an eye out for you...!

 

[Funwith4kids]

Did you ask for something different? We can only stock what is available at any given time and what the drivers can get from prep. area to the 3 different agencies. Often there is overflow and we can find something there, that is why I stress asking if you want something specific.

Keep in mind that the Emerald program only guarantees:
Emerald Aisle- mid size or better.
Emerald Exec- full size or better
In your case, you received a Premium level car at the midsize price.

I feel bad that you were disapointed. I wish I had been there.

Don't feel bad. My post was not meant to be disappointed with my choice. I was disappointed in the variety at the time I was there (lots of the same sedans in various colors). I am happy with my choice, but looking for an avalon.

I did ask the attendant if there were other options to choose from and he pointed me to the executive aisle I was already looking at.

 

[gmeh1]

What gmeh1!?! You're an old lady!!??!! I had you pictured as a tall, handsome, young 30-something guy!

Nope, tall old lady.

 

[gmeh1]

Don't feel bad. My post was not meant to be disappointed with my choice. I was disappointed in the variety at the time I was there (lots of the same sedans in various colors). I am happy with my choice, but looking for an avalon.

I did ask the attendant if there were other options to choose from and he pointed me to the executive aisle I was already looking at.

Oh, I don't like that attitude from the attendant. I always ask what my customer is looking for and then try to find it and that is what were are supposed to do, not point at something you were already looking at. Not to excuse this, but, all too often the customers ask the drivers (who are not National employees) for help. First: few speak or understand English and second: they are supposed to refer the customer to the greeter. If it was the greeter with this attitude, I am really really annoyed!!!

 

[gmeh1]

That's what I was worried about, I honestly don't know why I chose to travel on a tuesday, we will be home all weekend and monday. I should have my head checked

Well, if you see an excited 3yr old screaming .. We made it Mama, let's go to Disney World, it's that way!... That would be us! DD thinks she is our personal GPS...

Would love to meet you and thank you for everything you do for all of us, so, I'll keep an eye out for you...!

You were smart to travel on Tuesday. I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, with luck and meeting your "GPS". Have a great weekend.

 

[E-P-C-O-T]

Tuesday - 4 Sept - A side 645p

Emerald aisle had a Town and Country, Ford Fusion, lots of Impala and Malibu and a Dodge Caravan

Executive aisle had lots of Charger and Traverse, a couple of 300s, Expedition, Yukon, Taurus and a couple of Grand Caravans. We chose a Grand Caravan with 12 miles on it It was exactly what we needed, so, we were very happy.

Didn't get to meet gmeh1, didn't see her, only saw a couple of drivers. Maybe next time

 

[gmeh1]

Tuesday - 4 Sept - A side 645p

Emerald aisle had a Town and Country, Ford Fusion, lots of Impala and Malibu and a Dodge Caravan

Executive aisle had lots of Charger and Traverse, a couple of 300s, Expedition, Yukon, Taurus and a couple of Grand Caravans. We chose a Grand Caravan with 12 miles on it It was exactly what we needed, so, we were very happy.

Didn't get to meet gmeh1, didn't see her, only saw a couple of drivers. Maybe next time

I am glad you got what you needed and sorry I didn't see you, they had me on B side Tuesday. It was CRAZY!!!

 

[LisaTC]

I joined the Emerald Club last year because I get a great rate as a benefit for leisure rentals through my work. Last Oct we flew into Tampa and out of MCO because it at that time, the flight times were better and it was over $50/pp cheaper. So we saved $150 -- almost paying for my rental. That worked well. I liked the Tampa airport and I thought the National selection was very nice. Returning the car to MCO (actually we had an SUV) was fairly effortless I thought. I didn't realize until reading this thread there was an A and B side. We are flying into and out of MCO this time. Does it matter which side? A? B? Is it complicated? Our dates are 12/15-22...9:30am ish arrival. Wonder what we'll find? Thank you!

 

[gmeh1]

I joined the Emerald Club last year because I get a great rate as a benefit for leisure rentals through my work. Last Oct we flew into Tampa and out of MCO because it at that time, the flight times were better and it was over $50/pp cheaper. So we saved $150 -- almost paying for my rental. That worked well. I liked the Tampa airport and I thought the National selection was very nice. Returning the car to MCO (actually we had an SUV) was fairly effortless I thought. I didn't realize until reading this thread there was an A and B side. We are flying into and out of MCO this time. Does it matter which side? A? B? Is it complicated? Our dates are 12/15-22...9:30am ish arrival. Wonder what we'll find? Thank you!

No, it does not matter what side you pickup from or drop off at, both sides have all the rental companies. Not complicated at all. You deplane on the airside, take a tram to the main terminal, you will be on the 3rd. floor, luggage pickup is on the 2nd. floor and car rental is on the 1st/ground floor.
If you use National, you just go out the ground floor, cross the "street" (now equipped with walk/don't walk signals) and select your car.
Returning is easy, just follow the signs.

 

[LisaTC]

No, it does not matter what side you pickup from or drop off at, both sides have all the rental companies. Not complicated at all. You deplane on the airside, take a tram to the main terminal, you will be on the 3rd. floor, luggage pickup is on the 2nd. floor and car rental is on the 1st/ground floor.
If you use National, you just go out the ground floor, cross the "street" (now equipped with walk/don't walk signals) and select your car.
Returning is easy, just follow the signs.

AWESOME! Thanks

 

[Mouse511]

Hi - We have used National EI on all of our trips to WDW out of MCO but have always flown Delta - Delta dropped the direct flight from our airport, so now we are going to fly Jetblue.

Delta is on the B side - Jetblue is on A side - so I have never been to A side - which side has better cars in the EI ? or does it not matter.

B side has always been super easy and we have always had good luck with nice new cars......I hope the A side is just as good or better ?

Oh and should we be concerned that we are not getting in until after 8pm the day we arrive ?

Thoughts ?

 

[gmeh1]

Hi - We have used National EI on all of our trips to WDW out of MCO but have always flown Delta - Delta dropped the direct flight from our airport, so now we are going to fly Jetblue.

Delta is on the B side - Jetblue is on A side - so I have never been to A side - which side has better cars in the EI ? or does it not matter.

B side has always been super easy and we have always had good luck with nice new cars......I hope the A side is just as good or better ?

Oh and should we be concerned that we are not getting in until after 8pm the day we arrive ?

Thoughts ?

Both sides are pretty much the same. A side is somewhat larger. Depends on what day you are arriving, but, I am sure you will find something you like.

 

[goodferry]

We just left the B side and there were at least 6 minivans, a few Nissan Altimas, and a Toyota. We got a really nice Town and Country.

 

[sargenca]

We just left the B side and there were at least 6 minivans, a few Nissan Altimas, and a Toyota. We got a really nice Town and Country.

Wow! Score! Thanks for letting us know what's was on the aisle...