Car choices at National?

[Baloo76]

We will be using the National EA for our trip in December. We have used this once before and had reserved an intermediate size car. This time however we reserved a compact car. National said this will be a Chevy Cavalier or something similar.

So...does anyone know what the "similar" cars are that National offers in the compact class? I just want to get an idea of the cars we will be able to choose from, or if we should consider upgrading. There will only be 2 of us.

Thanks!

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

My understanding is you cannot use the Emerald Aisle unless you book at least an intermediate class car - you will not be able to skip the counter etc. Therefore, I would book the intermediate and hope for something great (like a SUV or convertible) on the Emerald Aisle.

However, if price is your major objective, then I am sure the compact will be fine for just the 2 of you. Be sure to try combinations of contract codes available to you (e.g. Disney club, Costco etc.) along with coupons to make sure you get the lowest rate - you may find that you can get the intermediate for the same or even lower price.

Good luck,

 

[sgtdisney]

Generally the compact class will get you a Chevy Cavalier, Pontiac Sunfire, Dodge Neon, Ford Focus or perhaps a Toyota corolla or Nissan Sentra. It could possibly even be a Hyundai Elantra or something like that. It is really hard to say and varies by the hour and day. National Features GM cars so you will have a better chance of getting the Chevy or the Pontiac, but you never know.

Also, you may want to double check your reservation. I was under the impression that in order to use Emerald Aisle you had to reserve either an Intermediate or Full Size car. Perhaps you have Emerald Choice, which is slightly different in that you go the aisle of the car class you reserved and pick a car only from that aisle.

 

[Lewisc]

The major problem with a compact car is the trunk space. Since there are only 2 of you you can always put extra luggage in the back seat. You'll be using EC (pick any car from the compact aisle). It's usually not that much more expensive (with National) to book a full size car. Check the rate and make your decision.

 

[CarolA]

Please be sure to check your reservation. Normally a compact would be Emerald Choice which means you can only pick from the compact aisle. If you went to the Emerald Aisle and got a full size or SUV they could change your rate to the rate for that type of car. I have had this happen to my employees and they got charged some HORRIBLE walkup rate. (Yes, they had to pay the difference because they were not paying attention!)

 

[Baloo76]

Thank you all for your help!
I am definitely going to call and confirm my reservation with EA - probably we'll just end up upgrading.