Emerald Aisle at Tampa

[3AmigosMom]

Anyone familiar with EA selection at TPA versus MCO?? Just changed our flight into Tampa instead to save $400 on airfare and now not sure if we should book a ER full size or try EA!!
Thanks

 

[riu girl]

3amigosmom:
Can you please tell me HOW you saved $400 on air? We are plannning on flying BUF-TPA in Dec. and are looking for any tips at all on how to save us some $ on our airfare.
Thanks
Suzy V

 

[disneyldwjr]

Anyone familiar with EA selection at TPA versus MCO?? Just changed our flight into Tampa instead to save $400 on airfare and now not sure if we should book a ER full size or try EA!!
Thanks

EA are intermediates, same as MCO.

 

[Lewisc]

It's a longer drive than MCO, you really don't want to stick someone with luggage on their lap. You may need a larger car for you luggage.

 

[3AmigosMom]

I realize that the cars are supposed to be intermediates, just wondering if the larger cars are on the aisle too at times. The last few trips into MCO we've been extremely lucky and gotten full size and SUV's on EA.
I should clarify, the $400 saved is for my family of 5. Originally didn't get a great airfare 6 weeks ago (MDW-MCO $205pp) so since then just been checking rates everyday, and today thought I'd check flights to TPA ($108+pp). The ride isn't that bad. Flight times are almost the same, so for the additional hour each way it's worth it.
Thanks for the replies.

 

[gw_lit]

I travel to Tampa frequently on business and rent from the Emerald Aisle, there were a few times that I was able to get an SUV or full size, but the majority of the times the EA was filled with just intermediates. If you HAVE to have a full size or SUV, I'd just go ahead and book Emerald Reserve. If you stay with EA, you may be pleasantly surprised... but I wouldn't count on it.

 

[Kmygrl73]

We rented at Tampa EA last November and the selection was horrible. When we arrived, there was only 2 cars there and both of them didn't look too good. The Buick that we HAD to pick had an airbag compartment that looked like it was going to fall apart. We ended up bringing it to Orlando airport the next day and told them the problem(it had also stalled too!!) They told us to take whatever we wanted from the EA. There were tons of SUVS and all types of vehicles. So, in our case Orlando had a much better EA. The drive from Tampa to Orlando isn't that bad at all. We just have fun choosing our car from the EA so we problem won't do Tampa again........

 

[3AmigosMom]

Thanks for responding. Since there is 5 of us, I'll probably just book ER full size to ensure a comfortable ride.

 

[starwood]

Any idea of a selection late in the evening (around 8:30 pm)?

 

[ttfn3]

Early last fall all rental car companies in Florida were having a very tough time getting enough cars - due to everyone who rented a car to flee the state of Florida from the hurricanes in September. It took them awhile to get back up to full inventory.

We have flown into Tampa several times and used Emerald Aisle - National. We have had better luck getting "upgraded" at Tampa than at Orlando. We have gotten a van more than once - however, you are not guaranteed. So, if you need more room, go ahead and rent what you need.

 

[gw_lit]

Any idea of a selection late in the evening (around 8:30 pm)?

I've found the selection pretty good. It seems to me that there are more car choices available at night than when I arrived around noon. Just my experience... your results may vary! (I sound like an infomerical!)

 

[3AmigosMom]

I didn't realize until today that National is off site in Tampa!! How difficult to catch a shuttle to their facility/lot?? We have a 4, and two 5 year olds.

 

[ttfn3]

The shuttle is easy to catch. National is not right in the terminal. However, it is on airport property - near the post office. You shouldn't have any problem. We've done it with kids.

 

[riu girl]

Sorry to thread jump but can yu tell me what code(s) you used for your National rental at TPA? Using the codes from Mousesavers for Dollar and National, I was able to get a much cheaper rate with Dollar (but would prefer to rent from National).
Thanks
Suzy V.