Back to Back Car Rental - National

[Karlzmom]

I have added a 4 day "bonus trip" to my previously scheduled vacation. I was able to save a significant amount of money be simply booking a new 4 day car reservation to bump up against the already booked car [more than $150] rather than rebooking the whole rental into a new rental. There is no inconvenience, as we need to go the airport to get family that will be coming in at the original time.

Both rentals are Exec Aisle. My question is if we find a great car on the 1st rental, do I have to return it and take my chances on the aisle for the second rental, or is there a way to keep the car I have and simply handle the paperwork? How would this be done? TIA for any input!

 

[conniehar90]

My guess would be that you would need to return it. My guess would be that the only other way to deal with it would be to visit the customer service desk inside the airport.

We always rent from National at MCO. Last trip we had an issue in that I forgot our confirmation number. Didn't realize it until we got to the gate with cars behind us. The gate attendant was absolutely no help. I had my Emerald card and she couldn't find my ressie. We had to "pay" the current rate (which was double the amount of my ressie) and was told to visit the customer service desk when we returned the car.

As soon as we got to our townhome, I looked up the ressie on my laptop and called National. First person I talked to found my ressie right away and told me that I had to wait until I returned the car so that there was a final billing. Then it could be adjusted. After we returned home, I called and spent about an hour on the phone trying to get it adjusted. I eventually got it adjusted but it was painful for the phone rep as she researched everything.

So, long story short, you might be able to take care of it at the desk, but personally I wouldn't want to waste the time as it could be a long line and it could be a hassle trying to explain the situation. Personally, I would just return the car and pick out a new one.

The other option would be to call National now and ask them what they thought about your scenario - they might actually extend the first ressie at the lower rate. I have been able to do that before when I needed to add a day and the system was giving me a ridiculous rate.

Good luck!

 

[bumbershoot]

We always rent from National at MCO. Last trip we had an issue in that I forgot our confirmation number. Didn't realize it until we got to the gate with cars behind us. The gate attendant was absolutely no help. I had my Emerald card and she couldn't find my ressie. We had to "pay" the current rate (which was double the amount of my ressie) and was told to visit the customer service desk when we returned the car.

....



The other option would be to call National now and ask them what they thought about your scenario - they might actually extend the first ressie at the lower rate. I have been able to do that before when I needed to add a day and the system was giving me a ridiculous rate.

Good luck!

Wow, that first part is just wild! I always have my printed out reservation info, but I have never had to show it. DH has never had to even show his Emerald card. He just shows his driver's license and it's all taken care of. That's just bizarre!

I, too, have had the rate extended like that. It's very lovely of them to do. Though I'm always on vacation when we have it done, not before.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Both rentals are Exec Aisle. My question is if we find a great car on the 1st rental, do I have to return it and take my chances on the aisle for the second rental, or is there a way to keep the car I have and simply handle the paperwork? How would this be done? TIA for any input!

They will need to close the existing reservation and start a new one; the only way you will be able to do this efficiently or effectively is at the counter. The return lane representatives most likely will not be able to help you. In small locations or local branches of companies (like Hertz Local Edition or Enterprise Neighborhood) this is much easier to accomplish, at a location like MCO, it will probably be more hassle then its worth, but I guess if you really like the car, you can do it.

 

[Karlzmom]

Thanks All! I knew that people here would know the answer.

 

[gmeh1]

I have added a 4 day "bonus trip" to my previously scheduled vacation. I was able to save a significant amount of money be simply booking a new 4 day car reservation to bump up against the already booked car [more than $150] rather than rebooking the whole rental into a new rental. There is no inconvenience, as we need to go the airport to get family that will be coming in at the original time.

Both rentals are Exec Aisle. My question is if we find a great car on the 1st rental, do I have to return it and take my chances on the aisle for the second rental, or is there a way to keep the car I have and simply handle the paperwork? How would this be done? TIA for any input!

If you really like the car you originally rented, you can go to the Alamo booth (the little kiosk at the National booth cannot help you) in the garage and speak with them. Tell the return agent what you would like to do, keep the keys. Keep your contract that you received when you rented the first car. They can assign that car to your second reservation because you will either have the keys or that contract.

 

[Karlzmom]

If you really like the car you originally rented, you can go to the Alamo booth (the little kiosk at the National booth cannot help you) in the garage and speak with them. Tell the return agent what you would like to do, keep the keys. Keep your contract that you received when you rented the first car. They can assign that car to your second reservation because you will either have the keys or that contract.

I really should have just messaged you, as you have 1st hand knowledge of how the system there works Thanks so much.