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

[Bordassi]

Just wanted to give a quick update on the Executive Aisle slection at JFK. Upon arrival a friendly employee showed me my way to the aisle and just told me to pick anything I'd like. There were a bunch of convertibles, minivans (Siennas and T&C), SUVs (Suburban, Tahoes, Cherocees, Full size sedans (mainly Camrys) and a few smaller sedans.

Since I was travelling with wife + 3 children and have lots of luggage (5 suitcases, stroller, carry-ons..) I took the Tahoe, which is fully loaded and has about 12K miles on it.

I consider myself lucky! For the price of a midsize I got a full size SUV!

 

[gmeh1]

Just wanted to give a quick update on the Executive Aisle slection at JFK. Upon arrival a friendly employee showed me my way to the aisle and just told me to pick anything I'd like. There were a bunch of convertibles, minivans (Siennas and T&C), SUVs (Suburban, Tahoes, Cherocees, Full size sedans (mainly Camrys) and a few smaller sedans.

Since I was travelling with wife + 3 children and have lots of luggage (5 suitcases, stroller, carry-ons..) I took the Tahoe, which is fully loaded and has about 12K miles on it.

I consider myself lucky! For the price of a midsize I got a full size SUV!

Thanks for the report. Personally, I am delighted that you had a friendly employee and really impressed with their line up that day.
Unfortunately, we are not even close with that line up here in sunny Orlando. We are booked solid on mini vans and SUV's. So, no nifty upgrades for the Aisles. Ahhhh, Orlando in July, what fun!!!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Thanks for the report. Personally, I am delighted that you had a friendly employee and really impressed with their line up that day.
Unfortunately, we are not even close with that line up here in sunny Orlando. We are booked solid on mini vans and SUV's. So, no nifty upgrades for the Aisles. Ahhhh, Orlando in July, what fun!!!

Read this people


This is why you should book what you need and not count on that free upgrade

 

[Chase'n'Ciera]

Anyone happen to know what is typically on EA at TPA? Flying in there this time and spending a few days on the beach before Disney

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Well flying in aug 9th at 11pm Hope the aisles are not empty. But, always excited to pick our car.

GMEH1, Hope we run into you. Thanks for all the info!

And, anyone, take a car lately? type / brand/ miles???/

mky

 

[gmeh1]

Well flying in aug 9th at 11pm Hope the aisles are not empty. But, always excited to pick our car.

GMEH1, Hope we run into you. Thanks for all the info!

And, anyone, take a car lately? type / brand/ miles???/

mky

You are most welcome!!
I will not be there until the 10th (end of my vacation, ). But, I hope you find what you want and if you don't ask, we try very hard to accomodate our customers. We want you completely satisfied!!!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Hi Gina, You are most welcome. Yes, you are absolutely correct. You will go to the mid size SUV area and select your vehicle, drive to the exit booth and show your license and you will be on your way. And yes, there will be someone there to direct you, not sure about the amazingly helpful part, but, I might be here.

gmeh1, you are so very helpfull.
I am sorry but I need to bug you with another question (this is our first time renting a car)
we are a family 2A & 2K we will have 4 suitcase and 4 backpacks and a stroller.(sept trip) Will all this fit in a midsize SUV, I did sign in with E Club sign in, so I can just go to the isle (sorry I still don't understand where that is or how to do that)

Thanks again.. Sorry I am clueless when it come to this.

 

[gmeh1]

gmeh1, you are so very helpfull.
I am sorry but I need to bug you with another question (this is our first time renting a car)
we are a family 2A & 2K we will have 4 suitcase and 4 backpacks and a stroller.(sept trip) Will all this fit in a midsize SUV, I did sign in with E Club sign in, so I can just go to the isle (sorry I still don't understand where that is or how to do that)

Thanks again.. Sorry I am clueless when it come to this.

No worries, always happy to help when I can. Also, you are not bugging me.
First: you are going to go to the area where the midsize SUV's are. The greeter will direct you.
Second: The midsize SUV shows it only holds 3 pieces of luggage, so, my guess is that it will be tight. The standard SUV would be more likely to accomodate your "stuff". Also, a full size car like an Impala would most probably hold more. I have seen people put amazing amounts of "stuff" into those trunks. 18+cubic feet in those babies.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

No worries, always happy to help when I can. Also, you are not bugging me.
First: you are going to go to the area where the midsize SUV's are. The greeter will direct you.
Second: The midsize SUV shows it only holds 3 pieces of luggage, so, my guess is that it will be tight. The standard SUV would be more likely to accomodate your "stuff". Also, a full size car like an Impala would most probably hold more. I have seen people put amazing amounts of "stuff" into those trunks. 18+cubic feet in those babies.

can I upgrade to a standard SUV when I get to the isle? What is a standard SUV?

 

[gmeh1]

can I upgrade to a standard SUV when I get to the isle? What is a standard SUV?

Yes, you can upgrade when you get to the garage if the mid does not fit your belongings.
Please, keep in mind, you are NOT going to the aisle, you are going to a particular section. If you decide to upgrade you will need to go to the Alamo booth in the garage and upgrade there. Very simple and usually very quick.
A standard SUV is shown on the National page under cars. Jeep Grand Cherokee is what is shown for a standard SUV.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Yes, you can upgrade when you get to the garage if the mid does not fit your belongings.
Please, keep in mind, you are NOT going to the aisle, you are going to a particular section. If you decide to upgrade you will need to go to the Alamo booth in the garage and upgrade there. Very simple and usually very quick.
A standard SUV is shown on the National page under cars. Jeep Grand Cherokee is what is shown for a standard SUV.

One last question, I booked with a coupon code, can I call and use the same code to upgrade now with the same discount?

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

One last question, I booked with a coupon code, can I call and use the same code to upgrade now with the same discount?

While upgrading is "easy" it's not always cheap. Having had to do this or having seen it done you don't always get the best price. With discounts or coupons if there's a 'limit' on the "volume" or it doesn't cover a full size SUV then you won't the deal.

And depending on the type/year etc you may not be able to upgrade at all. I have heard of a few attempts to "upgrade" to minivans being told no. Last year at Jacksonville I was behind a man at the booth (this was before they put in the aisle) who was rather upset to learn (A) there was no aisle so he couldn't get a "free' upgrade to a minivan/suv and (B) they were actually sold out due to the special event in town and he could take them midsize he reserved or.....

I screwed up this week and had to book a walk up rate at another agency as National in the town I landed in was sold out. (Yes, ES gets a guarantee car but you have to give 24 hours notice and I just showed up without a reservation) You don't want to know what I am paying but....

So learn from my errors. Book what you need in advance at all possible

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

While upgrading is "easy" it's not always cheap. Having had to do this or having seen it done you don't always get the best price. With discounts or coupons if there's a 'limit' on the "volume" or it doesn't cover a full size SUV then you won't the deal.

And depending on the type/year etc you may not be able to upgrade at all. I have heard of a few attempts to "upgrade" to minivans being told no. Last year at Jacksonville I was behind a man at the booth (this was before they put in the aisle) who was rather upset to learn (A) there was no aisle so he couldn't get a "free' upgrade to a minivan/suv and (B) they were actually sold out due to the special event in town and he could take them midsize he reserved or.....

I screwed up this week and had to book a walk up rate at another agency as National in the town I landed in was sold out. (Yes, ES gets a guarantee car but you have to give 24 hours notice and I just showed up without a reservation) You don't want to know what I am paying but....

So learn from my errors. Book what you need in advance at all possible

Thank you all for your help. I did call National and changed to a standard SUV. I can't go down to a car because my DD gets car sick, (thats why we are not takign DME) and SUV? Mini Van is better for her. So it was $60 more for the week to upgrade. I wish it was a bit less, but $60 is worth it to know I have what we need.

 

[gmeh1]

While upgrading is "easy" it's not always cheap. Having had to do this or having seen it done you don't always get the best price. With discounts or coupons if there's a 'limit' on the "volume" or it doesn't cover a full size SUV then you won't the deal.

And depending on the type/year etc you may not be able to upgrade at all. I have heard of a few attempts to "upgrade" to minivans being told no. Last year at Jacksonville I was behind a man at the booth (this was before they put in the aisle) who was rather upset to learn (A) there was no aisle so he couldn't get a "free' upgrade to a minivan/suv and (B) they were actually sold out due to the special event in town and he could take them midsize he reserved or.....

I screwed up this week and had to book a walk up rate at another agency as National in the town I landed in was sold out. (Yes, ES gets a guarantee car but you have to give 24 hours notice and I just showed up without a reservation) You don't want to know what I am paying but....

So learn from my errors. Book what you need in advance at all possible

We were telling people NO on mini van upgrades, SUV (all sizes) upgrades, etc. all July long. It was July in Orlando, need I say more?

You got me on the "ES"( I am thinking Emerald select, but not sure) status, what is that? Normally an EC or EExec. can get a walk up car without a reservation here in sunny Orlando, but, sometimes "normal" is anything but. Have not seen a total sellout yet, but, it has been really close.

 

[gmeh1]

Thank you all for your help. I did call National and changed to a standard SUV. I can't go down to a car because my DD gets car sick, (thats why we are not takign DME) and SUV? Mini Van is better for her. So it was $60 more for the week to upgrade. I wish it was a bit less, but $60 is worth it to know I have what we need.

Soooo, I am curious and a bit confused. What did you ultimately book? A standard SUV or a mini van? Keep checking those rates, you never know.

 

[ICan'tWait]

Anyone happen to know what is typically on EA at TPA? Flying in there this time and spending a few days on the beach before Disney

Wondering same thing. I guess this is a bump.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Soooo, I am curious and a bit confused. What did you ultimately book? A standard SUV or a mini van? Keep checking those rates, you never know.

I had a midsize SUV... I now have a standard suv for $267 for the week.
Is that a good price?

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

We were telling people NO on mini van upgrades, SUV (all sizes) upgrades, etc. all July long. It was July in Orlando, need I say more?

You got me on the "ES"( I am thinking Emerald select, but not sure) status, what is that? Normally an EC or EExec. can get a walk up car without a reservation here in sunny Orlando, but, sometimes "normal" is anything but. Have not seen a total sellout yet, but, it has been really close.

Typo. I am Executive and SAT had no cars with National. I didn't check Alamo as I won't actually rent from them. (yes I know it is the same company, but after my one and only attempt to use Alamo 20 years ago I swore never to let rent from them. In my 30 plus years of weekly travel I have said "never again" twice and I meant it )

 

[gmeh1]

Typo. I am Executive and SAT had no cars with National. I didn't check Alamo as I won't actually rent from them. (yes I know it is the same company, but after my one and only attempt to use Alamo 20 years ago I swore never to let rent from them. In my 30 plus years of weekly travel I have said "never again" twice and I meant it )

Just a FYI (and I know you said never) Alamo would have honored that contract and found you a car. You would still have been renting from National with Alamo's help.
Where were you on Sat with no cars? I have been on vacation (going back today, ).

 

[gmeh1]

I had a midsize SUV... I now have a standard suv for $267 for the week.
Is that a good price?

I don't know if that is a good rate, sorry, I don't keep track of the rates all that much. I can say the walk up rate for the SUV is 324.99 plus taxes and fees for a week.