Anyone have problems with National's Emerald Aisle?

[4forMe]

We almost had major problems with our minivan reservation through National.

I've rented with them twice before using the Emerald Aisle service and never had a problem.

We had booked a minivan. When we arrived on Sat. March 19th to pick up our minivan, only two minivans were left in the minivan section - everything else parked there was an SUV. We can't use an SUV as there is not sufficient trunk space. Anyway, we went straight for the Toyota Sienna and after loading everything up, realized that one of the sliding doors was broken. We then got out and transferred everything to the other minivan available (a Chrysler Town and Country).

As we were loading up, two other families came down the aisle looking for a minivan. They had stroller, luggage, etc. and an SUV was obviously not going to cut it. I told DH if we had checked luggage this trip (did everything carry on instead), we would have found ourselves without a minivan.

What would you have done in this situation? I told DH I would have went to the Executive Aisle and gotten a minivan from there as they had some. I guess I was shocked that people had rented minivans and they just had SUV's in the minivan aisle.

Has anyone been in this situation with National before? Just curious as to what you would do if the car you reserved wasn't available.

 

[dudspizza]

We almost had major problems with our minivan reservation through National.

I've rented with them twice before using the Emerald Aisle service and never had a problem.

We had booked a minivan. When we arrived on Sat. March 19th to pick up our minivan, only two minivans were left in the minivan section - everything else parked there was an SUV. We can't use an SUV as there is not sufficient trunk space. Anyway, we went straight for the Toyota Sienna and after loading everything up, realized that one of the sliding doors was broken. We then got out and transferred everything to the other minivan available (a Chrysler Town and Country).

As we were loading up, two other families came down the aisle looking for a minivan. They had stroller, luggage, etc. and an SUV was obviously not going to cut it. I told DH if we had checked luggage this trip (did everything carry on instead), we would have found ourselves without a minivan.

What would you have done in this situation? I told DH I would have went to the Executive Aisle and gotten a minivan from there as they had some. I guess I was shocked that people had rented minivans and they just had SUV's in the minivan aisle.

Has anyone been in this situation with National before? Just curious as to what you would do if the car you reserved wasn't available.

Your title says "problems with Emerald Aisle" but then you mention a minivan rental. Emerald Aisle you are only guaranteed a mid-size or higher on the aisle. So, if a person needs a minivan, they should reserve the minivan class and not take their chances on a possible upgrade using the EA.

If you personally had a minivan reserved, then you had a Emerald Reserve reservation, which is what I am assuming you had. I am guessing you meant to say Emerald CLUB reservation.

If I had a minivan reservation and there were none, I would take one off of one of the aisles OR I would go over to Alamo and take one. They are the same company and use the same cars. I would mention it to a lot attendant first and they will send you over to Alamo.

Duds

 

[4forMe]

Your title says "problems with Emerald Aisle" but then you mention a minivan rental. Emerald Aisle you are only guaranteed a mid-size or higher on the aisle. So, if a person needs a minivan, they should reserve the minivan class and not take their chances on a possible upgrade using the EA.

If you personally had a minivan reserved, then you had a Emerald Reserve reservation, which is what I am assuming you had. I am guessing you meant to say Emerald CLUB reservation.

If I had a minivan reservation and there were none, I would take one off of one of the aisles OR I would go over to Alamo and take one. They are the same company and use the same cars. I would mention it to a lot attendant first and they will send you over to Alamo.

Duds

Yes, you are correct that I had an Emerald Reserve reservation (and now need to correct the title). The section dedicated to minivans was mostly SUV's. Thanks for letting us know that we would probably get a car from Alamo. I love the Emerald Reserve service (just walk to the garage), and we got a great rate on the car as well.

Thanks for your response.