Car rental - additional driver Q

[mikat]

I was wondering if anyone has experience with this situation:

I'm planning on flying to Orlando a day earlier that DH. He needs to stay and work and extra day, and older DS needs to be in school. I can fly down with younger DS, get checked in, go shopping, and settle in (hoping to stay Bonnet Creek!) The next day DH and older DS and fly in and we can pick them up at MCO and head straight to the parks.

Here's the problem - I'm reading in some places that additional drivers need to be there when the car is rented. Would it be possible for me to bring a copy of his driver's license and have him added? Does anyone have experience with this problem?

Thanks!

 

[sympatico]

If you're a member of National's Emerald Club then your spouse is an authorized driver (free) with your membership. Your license will be on file and you have to show it but your spouse doesn't have to show their license but is allowed to drive. An additional driver costs extra.
Emerald Club membership is free through the mousesavers.com site.

 

[brernick]

Look and see if the rental company you are using has a free members club. Register. It should ask you about additional drivers. You also get your car a lot faster with some companies.

If not it's up to the company policy.

Just give them a big smile at the car rental desk.

 

[encinc]

We were able to do that once. My parents were in FL for two weeks, my family flew down after one week to join them. My dad had a free additional driver on his rental with the AARP code, so he came to meet us at the airport. He and I stopped in at the rental counter (I believe it was National), showed my driver's license, and I was added on as an authorized driver on his rental. DH picked up our rental car (which included a spouse as an authorized driver) and I was able to drive either car. Worked out great when we split up to go shopping. My mom won't drive a rental, so I drove theirs with her to the mall, and DH and my dad had our rental with the carseats to go somewhere else with the kids.

So, check with your rental company, but I believe it can be done even if you're not a member of the frequent flyer program,