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

[gmeh1]

I just priced out mid-sized rental cars for our December trip, and was dismayed to find that National's rates are much, much higher than other companies. I am an EA member (1st time), and from what I am reading, I should just keep checking for rate reductions? We are traveling the 7th-15th of December, not the highly busy Christmas week.

You are very early for booking a car. I would wait till about a month before your trip. Welcome to the Emerald Club!!!

 

[gmeh1]

Thanks. That was my thought. I'm hoping i'll find something better. If not, I assume I could always get something bigger and pay the difference, worst case. I'm still up in the air about that or Luxury.

Yes, you can pay the difference between the midsize rate (which is what you pay with an EC reservation) and the class of car you finally select. All our full size cars hold 5 people and the trunk size will vary (the Impala has the largest trunk in the full size class). The main difference between the Full size, Premium and Luxury class are the features, NOT the size (as a general rule). IE: the Impala LTZ comes with leather interior, rear spoiler and sometimes a sun roof considered a full size car. The Infiniti G37 is considered a Luxury car, however it is smaller overall. I love the Infiniti, but, would I pay the large difference between that and the Impala LTZ........nope.

 

[Ktita]

Yes, you can pay the difference between the midsize rate (which is what you pay with an EC reservation) and the class of car you finally select. All our full size cars hold 5 people and the trunk size will vary (the Impala has the largest trunk in the full size class). The main difference between the Full size, Premium and Luxury class are the features, NOT the size (as a general rule). IE: the Impala LTZ comes with leather interior, rear spoiler and sometimes a sun roof considered a full size car. The Infiniti G37 is considered a Luxury car, however it is smaller overall. I love the Infiniti, but, would I pay the large difference between that and the Impala LTZ........nope.

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. If I end up with an Impala, that would be fine. I don't really need luxury, I just like nicer cars. But, for the extra money, it's not really worth it. I'll probably just keep my midsize EA and hope for Full Size.

 

[gmeh1]

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. If I end up with an Impala, that would be fine. I don't really need luxury, I just like nicer cars. But, for the extra money, it's not really worth it. I'll probably just keep my midsize EA and hope for Full Size.

I have no doubt there will be full size cars on the EA. I have yet to see the EA NOT have plenty of them. You will probably see: Impalas, Altimas (sometimes they even have 2 door ones, sharp car),Malibus(considered full size and often with leather interiors) and Sonatas.

 

[Ktita]

I have no doubt there will be full size cars on the EA. I have yet to see the EA NOT have plenty of them. You will probably see: Impalas, Altimas (sometimes they even have 2 door ones, sharp car),Malibus(considered full size and often with leather interiors) and Sonatas.

Perfect. That will do. It's just 2 of us and a 1 year old with a small stroller. No need for the bigger cars.

Thanks again. If you're there next fri morning, i'll say hello.

 

[gmeh1]

Perfect. That will do. It's just 2 of us and a 1 year old with a small stroller. No need for the bigger cars.

Thanks again. If you're there next fri morning, i'll say hello.

It would be nice to say hello to you also, but, I work the swing shift. 3:30-11:30pm.

 

[mkymouse4ever]

 

[trish4bruce]

We will be picking up our car at Sanford in July. I believe they do not have a Emerald Isle to chose from so do we go up to the counter and they will chose the car for us? We have a midsize SUV booked.

 

[gmeh1]

We will be picking up our car at Sanford in July. I believe they do not have a Emerald Isle to chose from so do we go up to the counter and they will chose the car for us? We have a midsize SUV booked.

Even if they had an EA to chose from, with your reservation (which is an Emerald Reserve) you would have gone to the SUV area, not the aisle. Your reservation should telll you what level of service you have. It should be on the left hand side of the page with instructions on where to go.

 

[mzspaz]

What type of mid-size SUV's can we expect on the EA?

I'm torn between the mid-size car and mid-size SUV. DH is pushing for the mid SUV. I can go with either....I think. There are 3 of us (2 adults and 1 5 year old....although I do have a tendency to overpack )

Need this for early November.

Last time, when it was just DH and I, we reserved a mid-size car and ended up with a brand new impala that was super sweet!

 

[skeeter31]

What type of mid-size SUV's can we expect on the EA?

I'm torn between the mid-size car and mid-size SUV. DH is pushing for the mid SUV. I can go with either....I think. There are 3 of us (2 adults and 1 5 year old....although I do have a tendency to overpack )

Need this for early November.

Last time, when it was just DH and I, we reserved a mid-size car and ended up with a brand new impala that was super sweet!

From what I've read on here...mainly from what gmeh1 has posted, there is no guarantee that you will get an SUV on the Emerald Aisle. You are only guaranteed a mid-size car, but will probably see some full-size cars there too.

If you really want the mid-size SUV, I would make sure to book it ahead of time either through National or Alamo to guarantee that's what you get.

 

[mzspaz]

Thanks Skeeter....I'm not a gambler so if I wanted to go with the mid-SUV I would specifically reserve that (I don't believe there is that much of a price difference between the 2).

Do they not offer the mid-suv's on the EA?

I've gone back about 5 pages in this to see the cars listed.....I would love to make it through the whole thread to see what had been out there this year but the gorgeous weather is pulling me outside

 

[gmeh1]

Thanks Skeeter....I'm not a gambler so if I wanted to go with the mid-SUV I would specifically reserve that (I don't believe there is that much of a price difference between the 2).

Do they not offer the mid-suv's on the EA?

I've gone back about 5 pages in this to see the cars listed.....I would love to make it through the whole thread to see what had been out there this year but the gorgeous weather is pulling me outside

Mid Suv's are rarely on the EA. If you want a mid size SUV you need to specifically book one via Emerald Reserve. What you can expect on the EA is at least a mid size car, most of the time a full size car. On occasion something better. You pay the midsize price regardless of what is on the aisle. Emerald Executive can expect a full size. On occasion there is something better, again, you pay the midsize price. Emerald Elite, can expect a full size car, occasionally something better. They pay the midsize price. Elites, contrary to popular belief, CANNOT select anything they want from the garage, they are limited to the Exec (or EC) aisle. The details of the Emerald policy are detailed very well on their web site.

 

[gmeh1]

From what I've read on here...mainly from what gmeh1 has posted, there is no guarantee that you will get an SUV on the Emerald Aisle. You are only guaranteed a mid-size car, but will probably see some full-size cars there too.

If you really want the mid-size SUV, I would make sure to book it ahead of time either through National or Alamo to guarantee that's what you get.

Thanks Skeeter, nice to see someone reads what I write.

 

[mzspaz]

Thanks gmeh1!

I believe you did cover that information earlier in this thread, but I hadn't read that far back yet. I believe I am on page 9 now.

A midsize car would adequately meet our needs. So that is all that I want but DH saw the mid size SUV and was thinking of trying one out.

Since I am the one on the account, I think I'll just do the midsize on the EA and be happy with that or anything that we get. We will be arriving early evening in November, which I don't expect is a busy time.

 

[Brit_Jude]

I'm so glad I stumbled across this thread. I asked DH was level he is with National and he tells me he is Executive. Helllloooo, I have been trying to find a good deal on a car for quite some time and he never mentioned it. He travels with work.

There will be 5 of us traveling. Three adults and two 17 year olds. Luggage will be a issue. We might rent a vehicle and if we can't fit all the luggage DH will take a taxi with excess that cannot fit.

I have just checked the rates with National and the price for two weeks 17 - 31 Jul, for the mid-size, where we can pick from the Executive aisle, is still over $800 Ouch. Anyone got any clues on if the rates will go down?

Also if anyone can provide an update on what vehicles have been on the Executive aisle lately, I would appreciate it. Thanks

P.S. I know 5 in a car is a little bit if a squeeze but we will only be using it for trips to the mall our out to eat, that type of thing.

 

[mieuxmew]

Out of curiosity, does anyone have an idea what days/times the Emerald Aisle has the best selection? If our plane arrives on a Sat in October at 9 am, is there likely to be a good selection? Is Sat night or Sunday am better?
Also, has anyone scored a minivan on the EA? A minivan would be a nice surprise, but with only 4 people, not necessary.

Thanks!

 

[gmeh1]

Out of curiosity, does anyone have an idea what days/times the Emerald Aisle has the best selection? If our plane arrives on a Sat in October at 9 am, is there likely to be a good selection? Is Sat night or Sunday am better?
Also, has anyone scored a minivan on the EA? A minivan would be a nice surprise, but with only 4 people, not necessary.

Thanks!

It is difficult to say what will be on the aisles at any given time. What you can plan on is a mid size or better on the EA and a full size or better on the Exec. aisle. We try to always have a good selection. Sats are pretty quiet days, Sundays and Mondays tend to be very busy with business travelers. We have mini vans now and then, no guarantees. If you need a mini van, my advice (as always) is to book one unless you like to gamble.

 

[gmeh1]

I'm so glad I stumbled across this thread. I asked DH was level he is with National and he tells me he is Executive. Helllloooo, I have been trying to find a good deal on a car for quite some time and he never mentioned it. He travels with work.

There will be 5 of us traveling. Three adults and two 17 year olds. Luggage will be a issue. We might rent a vehicle and if we can't fit all the luggage DH will take a taxi with excess that cannot fit.

I have just checked the rates with National and the price for two weeks 17 - 31 Jul, for the mid-size, where we can pick from the Executive aisle, is still over $800 Ouch. Anyone got any clues on if the rates will go down?

Also if anyone can provide an update on what vehicles have been on the Executive aisle lately, I would appreciate it. Thanks

P.S. I know 5 in a car is a little bit if a squeeze but we will only be using it for trips to the mall our out to eat, that type of thing.

The exec. aisle lately has been a mix of full size cars and some suvs and some mini vans. BUT, you are coming at a very busy time, so, I would not bank on anything but a full size car. Our full size cars hold 5 without too much trouble. As to rates, I don't have any insight on that. Busy times=high rates. Keep on checking.

 

[gmeh1]

Thanks gmeh1!

I believe you did cover that information earlier in this thread, but I hadn't read that far back yet. I believe I am on page 9 now.

A midsize car would adequately meet our needs. So that is all that I want but DH saw the mid size SUV and was thinking of trying one out.

Since I am the one on the account, I think I'll just do the midsize on the EA and be happy with that or anything that we get. We will be arriving early evening in November, which I don't expect is a busy time.

You are welcome. I can almost guarantee you will get at least a full size car on the EA. Something bigger, well, that can be a coin toss.
What page are you on now?