Advice re: National 2 class upgrade coupon?

[jenjersnap]

I can use this coupon for economy or intermediate levels only. The economy upgrades to Full-size, 2- or 4-door" the example car is a Monte Carlo. Intermediate upgrades to a 4-door full-size. There's a $22 difference but we need a 4-door ... in the economy class, am I agreeing to take a 2-door if that is all they had available? I am wondering how important the word "or" is in the description!

Also, it says the level of service is Emerald Aisle. How can that be when it clearly states that I have reserved a full-size car with the coupon? I thought reserving a specific class of car other than intermediate was Emerald Reserve? In a way, it doesn't matter - if a minivan was available on EA, we would gladly take it!

 

[lawgs]

mini vans have been very rare lately on EA ( what have you seen thread ), although we saw a stretch where there seemed to be a lot of SUV's after the gas price rise, it does not seem to be the case now


even though it says 2 door, most of the cars in MCO are 4 door unless of course you take a Monte Carlo )

since you are using this coupon under your EA membership, that is probably why they are saying level of service is Emerald Aisle

 

[safetymom]

Does the coupon say subject to availability? Then you aren't guaranteed the larger car.

 

[jenjersnap]

mini vans have been very rare lately on EA ( what have you seen thread ), although we saw a stretch where there seemed to be a lot of SUV's after the gas price rise, it does not seem to be the case now


even though it says 2 door, most of the cars in MCO are 4 door unless of course you take a Monte Carlo )

since you are using this coupon under your EA membership, that is probably why they are saying level of service is Emerald Aisle

Thanks, all helpful info. Maybe I should re-state my question though: I have confirmed the full size car reservation - I went with a guaranteed 4 door - but the level of service still states Emerald Aisle ... from which area will we be picking the car up? Will we have a choice from only the full size aisle? Or are they likely to let us choose from either full-size or EA? Anyone been in this situation or want to hazard a guess? (I won't hold you to it, promise! )

I know that EA normally only has intermediates and lately hasn't had many larger sized choices but a lot can change by mid-Sept. In December, I didn't see a single intermediate when we rented with EA - it was ALL minivans, Equinoxes, Relays and LaCrosses (that's considered full, right?). Gas prices were high then too. I will be perfectly happy with a regular full-sized vehicle ... just curious about it all.

 

[shoes99]

I booked a compact, used the ent book two car class upgrade coupon 10009510 and 6100120 and I got Emerald Reserve for a Full Size 2 door Chevrolet Monte Carlo or similar. $116.51 for Aug 14 to Aug 17. I redid the reservation several times and I always came up with Emerald Reserve not Emerald Aisle. I am an Emerald Aisle member. Our party size is ok with a 2 door.

 

[cjnix29]

I booked a compact, used the ent book two car class upgrade coupon 10009510 and 6100120 and I got Emerald Reserve for a Full Size 2 door Chevrolet Monte Carlo or similar. $116.51 for Aug 14 to Aug 17. I redid the reservation several times and I always came up with Emerald Reserve not Emerald Aisle. I am an Emerald Aisle member. Our party size is ok with a 2 door.

What is the 6100120 code?

 

[sadler]

I have a similar situation. I reserved a full size using the coupon (upgrading from an intermediate) for our trip in late July. I am an Emerald Club member and my confirmation is for a full size but also states "Emerald Aisle." When I called National's 800 number, I was told that based on what the agent saw on her computer, I would have to stop at the counter. I then found some links on this board that seem to say that you may have to stop at the counter if you use an upgrade coupon. I have also read a few links describing incidents of people picking up upgraded cars without going to the counter and finding that when they returned the car, their bill was double the rate in their confirmation. Based on what I have read here, I am planning to stop at the counter before picking up my car.

 

[Hef4545]

I just used the two car class upgrade and my level of service is Emerald Reserve. I booked the compact and the upgrade is for a Full Size - 2 Door or 4 Door/Automatic with Air. Instructions are: Please proceed directly to the rental lot and the car class reserved to choose your vehicle. I used the American Express code along with the two car class upgrade coupon. I too would prefer the 4 door though so I am hoping I get one.

 

[chipscinderelly]

I have a similar situation. I reserved a full size using the coupon (upgrading from an intermediate) for our trip in late July. I am an Emerald Club member and my confirmation is for a full size but also states "Emerald Aisle." When I called National's 800 number, I was told that based on what the agent saw on her computer, I would have to stop at the counter. I then found some links on this board that seem to say that you may have to stop at the counter if you use an upgrade coupon. I have also read a few links describing incidents of people picking up upgraded cars without going to the counter and finding that when they returned the car, their bill was double the rate in their confirmation. Based on what I have read here, I am planning to stop at the counter before picking up my car.

We've used upgrade coupons regularly and never had to stop at the counter for National (Alamo you do have to). However, when we use an upgrade coupon to full size our reservation changes to Emerald Reserve.

 

[jenjersnap]

Huh.

I just don't know what to think about this Emerald Aisle vs. Emerald Reserve stuff. Mine still says Emerald Aisle though it is clearly states that it is a 4-door full size car too. I guess I will call them tomorrow myself to hear what they have to say.

I used the Amex coupon with the 2 class upgrade coupon along with DH's Emerald Club card number.

 

[Hef4545]

Just a thought....
Did you log into the National Site as DH?
Maybe it handles the reservation differently when you log in instead of entering the number and name?

 

[maps]

I just used the Amex code and 2 car class upgrade for the full size. My reservation did state proceed to Emerald Aisle.

I just came back from Charlotte, NC where I had the reservation--not a good experience. I went to EA, they didn't have any cars so told us to pick anything off the Executive Aisle. We picked up a minivan. Went to the Exit booth, gave her the credit card and the Emerald Club card and off we went.

Dropped the car off the following week and the rate charged was $503!!!!!!
I almost had a bird.

Went to the counter and the girl told us it was because the original reservation was never used (?) and the girl at the exit booth put in a brand new reservation through ALAMO! WHAT!!!!!!!!!

She says "don't worry, I got the rate down to $379 for you". Uh, no thanks, I want my original $170. After getting irate, demanding to see a manager and telling her I was not leaving until she got my original rate, she "brought it down" to $173. Fine, I wasn't going to quibble for $3.

Morale of the story, reconfirm the info at the exit booth, check the reciept when you drop off and most definitely keep a print out of the reservation.