Emerald Aisle - Emerald Reserve?

[Sandi]

I have an Emerald Aisle card and I got it before the weird switch over. As I understand it, with Emerald Aisle, you reserve and pay for an intermediate car, but get to pick any car on the Emerald Aisle. So, if there is a bigger/nicer car, you can get it. But, you're only "guaranteed" an intermediate.

With Emerald Reserve, you reserve and get what you want and pay for. So, if I reserve a full size, I go to the full size row and get a full sized car.

First, I want to know if I understand the rules.

Second, I have two reservations now. I have an Emerald Aisle (intermediate) reserved for about $242. So, I'd get at least an intermediate.

My second reservation is Emerald Reserve for a full size car at $254. So I know I'll get a full size. (Right?)

We're going over Easter, so I prices are higher than I'm used to, but that makes sense and is a different issue. We're going Tuesday April 6 to Tuesday April 13. It's just me and my 9 yo DD.

What I'm wondering is, does it make sense to save a few bucks and hope for a full size (in which I'd feel safer -- I drive an SUV up here in Michigan). Or, should I just pay the $13 and know I'll have a full size (and then be ticked off when I look over to the Emerald Aisle and see the SUVs).

What will really be on the Emerald Aisle when I'm there? Any advice or thoughts would be most helpful.

Thanks!

 

[safetymom]

I would pay the extra money to get the larger size. No walking the aisle, moving over to another, etc.

This way you can plan on the size of car that you need. No stressing over whether the luggage will fit, etc.

 

[drusba]

If you want a full-size, pay the few extra bucks to assure getting it which is quaranteed under Emerald Reserve, particularly at that time of year. At the "aisle" if they put anything better than intermediate there at that time of year (less likely than other times), it will not be many and you will be competing with all those who may arrive before you do.

 

[Sandi]

That's how I was leaning. I appreciate the feedback.