Emerald Aisle Members-question

[golfgal]

I joined the Emerald Club for our car rental. It says you can pick any car in the Emerald Aisle when you get to the airport. I am wondering how often they will have different cars, say an SUV or a minivan in that aisle vs the regular intermediate that you reserve?

 

[mousey]

You usually see mini vans when the mini van aisle is all filled. They have to park them somewhere. It's when you least expect to find a van or something special in the aisle that it happens. Don't plan on it. Last visit in April was strictly intermediates.

 

[DebbieB]

Check this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=735730

Vans and SUV's are rare. The most common SUV on EA is an Aztec.

 

[Brian Noble]

If you really really need a larger car, you can reserve it with the "Emerald Reserve" service---you still get to bypass the counter, but you know for sure that you are getting the car you need. It's more expensive, but very convenient and you can be confident you'll have space.

If you don't *need* a larger car, just go to EA and take your chances. The emerald aisle used to be a great deal, but with the advent of the Executive Aisle (Emerald members that rent frequently) the better cars end up over there more often than not. Getting a larger car (or a cooler one) is strictly a matter of luck, and you shouldn't count on it.

The last time we grabbed a car at MCO, we got a PT Cruiser. Fun car, but actually a tad smaller than a standard intermediate in terms of trunk space---we travel relatively light, so that was okay. There was also an SUV or two on the line, but we wanted style.

On the other hand, my most recent rental (at Charlotte) the EA had 16 Chevy Malibus, all in ugly colors.

 

[beattyfamily]

The chances are slim.

If you need a bigger car, rent the bigger car with Emearld Reserve. I've been a member and renting Emerald Aisle for at least 5 years now and I've always gotten an intermediate...last Oct/Nov I did get a 'mini' SUV but it was tiny. Definitely should have been on the EA but at least it was different then the malibus I always seem to get.

The ONE time I booked a full size and went to the full size aisle, the EA had some PT cruisers! Go figure!

 

[LoraJ]

When I used EA, there wasn't ANY cars to chose from.

So I would suggest if you prefer a specific vehicle, to use the reserve.