Anyone use EA/National in Ft. Lauderdale?

[sgtdisney]

I will be picking up a car in Ft. Lauderdale for our next trip and then ending the trip in Orlando. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with National and/or EA at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport. Are they at the airport or do you need to take a bus, stuff like that. Also what kind of cars they found in the EA at pick up.

 

[JandD Mom]

Hi,

National has a counter at Ft. Lauderdale baggage claim. However, the cars are not onsite. To get to the national lot, you have to go out the doors and get the shuttle (I believe you exit and head down the sidewalk to the left).

There is tons of construction at that airport right now, but last time I was there (in Jan) there are NO car rentals right on site without a shuttle. I am not sure if the construction will change that.

The shuttle ride to the lot is very short. National is one of the closer lots to the terminals. I believe it is about a mile or less. Once you get to the lot, the driver first stops the shuttle at the EA and tells the club members to choose their car. Then he directs people to the aisles for car classes for non EC members. I was not a club member at the time but the cars at the EA were a lot nicer.

Good luck.

 

[travelcoupons]

All of the car lots at FLL (Ft. Lauderdale) are by shuttle only, the same goes for Ft. Myers. None are directly connected to the airport terminal.

 

[bailey8]

Yes, all rentals are a short shuttle ride away. If you are an Emerald Aisle member, designate someone in your party to be the runner. Meaning, if a shuttle full of people arrive together, chances are most are EA members. Since it's a first come, first serve car selection, you want to pick a car, FAST! When we were at this airport in March, we knew we wanted an SUV or a mini van. All they had was one mini van, no SUVs, and many, many Astro vans, which resemble ice cream trucks. Since I drive a Land Rover at home...no way was I spending 2 weeks in an Astro van. So, RUN FAST.

Also, you are very rushed at the booth as you drive away. I was told that the Nat'l employees normally make you pay a rate higher than what you're quoted on-line (if you made on-line reservations). This did happen to us, too. They rush you. So, you may want to wait a few minutes so you're last in line leaving, and you'll be less rushed.

We also drive from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando. You'll get so sick of those "Yee Haw" signs! You'll know what I mean when you're there...

 

[sgtdisney]

Thanks for the information. I am hoping for an SUV or a minivan. A full size will be big enough, but we drive a minivan at home and it will make it easier with the luggage. Since you need to take a tram to the lot, it is a good idea to leave the family at the airport instead of shlepping the luggage and the family on a bus. I do remember the Yee Haw Junction signs. I know exactly what you mean about them! We almost always combine a trip to Ft Lauderdale with our Orlando vacation as we have a lot of family in South Florida, but we have used Dollar in the past....

 

[JandD Mom]

They make me nuts too!