Explain how National Works?

[AngieInOH]

I need a refresher on how National works. I know there is a way to rent where you can pick any vehicle in that isle.....but you don't know what type you'll end up with. Is it the Intermediate isle?

Last time we rented a Mid-Size so we could pick any Mid-Size. But I'm thinking about taking my chances and possibly getting an upgrade. Thanks!

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Alamo and National both work the same way in most cities. First you get your paperwork, from either the rental counter or the QS machine if you're a member. Then , if you rent a compact car, for instance, you're directed to the compact car area of the rental parking lot/garage. You then select whichever compact car you want from the selection that is currently there. Ditto for the other car classes. There are usually at least 5-10 vehicles to select from although I've had as few as 3.

The above procedure was used for me at MCO, FLL, BWI, ATL and ORD. At BUF and PNS, both smaller airports, I was handed the keys at the counter for a particular vehicle and I did not get a choice.

BobK/Orlando

 

[NancyIL]

I'm a National Emerald Aisle member, so I just walk out to the cars, pick out the one I want, and stop at the booth on the way out. No waiting in line for paperwork.

 

[AngieInOH]

I'm an Emerald Member also. I just thought they used to have a procedure where you could rent a vehicle and you had a chance of getting an upgrade from what you rented. For example they might have intermediate, mid-size, SUV, Van etc all in one isle and you could pick which ever one you wanted. Maybe it was called the Emerald Isle. Not sure, and I forget how it actually works.

The last time we rented Mid-Size...... I think I had all my paperwork printed from my computer all I had to do was pick our car and drive to the booth. Very simple!

 

[Mickiethepooh]

I am curious about something here. I have a reservation with Alamo and I reserved a minivan that is to be either Stow and go or have one of the seats removed so I can transport my ECV in it. this is a special reservation, will that vehicle be out with the others do you think? in which case someone may just take it? or do they have it somewhere else?

 

[aquaticmom]

If you are a Emerald Club member, you are guaranteed at least a mid-size car. There is quite often other choices on the "aisle" when you arrive and if there are upgrades (l was there in April and there were Mini vans all over the aisle) you are entitled to drive any of them for the mid-size rate that you agreed upon when you made your reservation. I love the convenience of renting Emerald Aisle.

 

[DebbieB]

I'm an Emerald Member also. I just thought they used to have a procedure where you could rent a vehicle and you had a chance of getting an upgrade from what you rented. For example they might have intermediate, mid-size, SUV, Van etc all in one isle and you could pick which ever one you wanted. Maybe it was called the Emerald Isle. Not sure, and I forget how it actually works.

The last time we rented Mid-Size...... I think I had all my paperwork printed from my computer all I had to do was pick our car and drive to the booth. Very simple!

Yes, it's the Emerald Aisle. If you are an Emerald Club member and book intermediate, you can choose any car parked on the Emerald Aisle. It may only be intermediates, there maybe upgraded vehicles (no guarantee).

 

[NancyIL]

If you are a Emerald Club member, you are guaranteed at least a mid-size car. There is quite often other choices on the "aisle" when you arrive and if there are upgrades (l was there in April and there were Mini vans all over the aisle) you are entitled to drive any of them for the mid-size rate that you agreed upon when you made your reservation. I love the convenience of renting Emerald Aisle.

I meant to say Emerald Club member, rather than Emerald Aisle member! As DebbieB said - you need to reserve at least an intermediate to pick a car from the "Emerald Aisle." Since I rent mostly compacts, that's the aisle I go to for my car. I recently realized that the airport National/Alamo has no economy cars. If you book an economy, you can pick-up a compact for usually a few bucks less per day.

 

[AngieInOH]

OK, so when I go to the National website you can choose from various sizes of vehciles..... Economy, Compact, Mid-Size, Full Size, etc.

Which size vehicle do you rent to possibly get an upgrade on that isle? Is it the Mid-Size?

 

[riaesq]

Yes, it is the MidSize.

And most every time we have rented in MCO we have gotten an upgrade to an SUV, minivan, full or convertible- whatever we could find on the Aisle. Gotta love it!

 

[AngieInOH]

Thanks! I was wrong last time we rented a Full Size vehicle. This time I think I'll take our chances and rent Mid-Size!