HELP WHAT TO DO? Leaving in 42 hours and have problems with national

[lillykat]

Ok we have a full size car reserved thru EA at national. Well we looked at our confirmation two weeks ago and realized that even though we put in EA service it says EA counter service. My Boyfriend called them and he was told it says EA in the computer and not counter and that they would email a new confirmation and not to worry about it. Well yesterday when we still did not have the email he called twice. The first person told he we reserved a full size so we were not entitled to EA service b/c it ONLY applies to Intermediate cars. Then he called back and was told SORRY SINCE YOU ARE USING A DC COUPON YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE COUNTER WHENEVER YOU USE A COUPON. What is this? We leave around 3 am THIS sat. and can't afford to change car companies the prices are about 20-50$ higher!
He won't transfer to L&M b/c he wants to use a more established company - or at least one he has heard about. Anyway need suggestions quick.
OH I can't rebook with them b/c prices are now 20$ higher now for same coupons and booking

 

[Pluto4President]

keep calling the EC hotline until you get the answer you want....

 

[all4fun]

My dh and I used National's EA service when we went to WDW last October. We arrived in the late afternoon and there were a very limited # of cars to be picked from at the time. We got lucky though because someone had just returned a really nice new Buick luxury car with all leather interior and all the bells and whistles. This was a full size car and it was a very nice ride, so no complaints there. The only problem we had was we had reserved it online with a coupon and when we stopped at the gate to check the car out, we were told that we need the actual coupon...which we didn't have because my dh used an online coupon code and didn't think the actual coupon was necessary. The lady argued with him about it and then he asked to speak with the manager. (Understand, he can be VERY persuasive when he wants to be.) Anyway, we won that little argument so everything turned out ok. I guess I was happy with the car we got and the price was right, but I wouldn't want to have to put up with that hassle again.

I hope you are able to straighten this out with them before you go. I just thought you might be interested in hearing about someone elses experience. I'll be watching for the outcome as we are going again in April and I am ambivalent at best about using EA again.

 

[Chuck S]

We always use EA. They will take your coupon at the check-out kiosk. Just make sure you have either the original coupon, or if it is from a website, print the webpage that contains the coupon info. I take two copies of my confirmation and coupon so I have a backup. I've never had any problems with National, except for having a somewhat poor car selection during a busy season. They are the rental company I like best.

Sometimes the phone reps really don't know what's going on. EA is for intermediate AND full-size. I say bypass the counter, have your confirmation and coupon in hand and handle it at the kiosk. Also, I've never had them be able to e-mail another copy of the ressie through their system. They can fax it, though.

 

[all4fun]

An added note to my post above. We would have brought our coupon if Anywhere on our paperwork had it said that it was necessary. Since we weren't told, we didn't know. Also, if you go to http://www.nationalcar.com/index.html and read the little blurb about their Total Counter Bypass with Emerald paragraph, it sounds like you can get any car you want. You just reserve the type you want and then when you arrive, you can select the car from the category you reserved.

Good luck and happy travels!
inkbounc

 

[cindala]

Having just recently booked with National, I found that when I submitted the code for several different coupons, the system came up that I was bumped back to counter. This was for the EC coupon for a free weekend day, and also the coupon for a two car class upgrade. The DC coupon and the EC coupon I used for $20 off, kept me at Emerald Aisle service. I always bring my coupons with me just in case too. EA is for Full Service as well. It is printed out on my confirmation forms.

 

[pbhunt]

lillykat, even if you have to go to the counter, it's really not the end of the world. We stopped at the counter our first time to ask the location of EA. You might just stop by and ask if you can use EA instead.

 

[lillykat]

Well we have the printed coupon off of the internet we used plus our DC card and the coupon with the contract ID info...My fear with counter (other then being delayed with the counter service) is that they will attempt to force us to take insurance when we dont want or need it. I know we don't have to take it BUT the thought of the hassle is a real pain. We went with national for the convience of EA we had a ressie with hertz we just recently cancelled that was only 5$ more they are now 40 something dollars more then the national price. I just hope this works out - after arriving at the airport around 330am I really wont be in the mood to do much but go to the world and relax.
Thanks for the quick responses everyone!!!

 

[zulaya]

They won't force you to take insurance. The one time I used the counter before getting EA the woman just asked if we needed insurance, and I said no and she didn't blink an eye and continued with my reservation. It was not hard sell at all.

 

[lillykat]

Interestingly enough I looked at my boyfriends contract a few minutes ago and it states in the contract you aren't supposed to use coupons with renting with EA. Maybe this was the problem but I just got off the phone with someone who tells me just go to EA and it is in their computer as EA and not counter - go figure

 

[DebbieB]

I rented with National last month using EA. I had the Disney Club discount and the free day coupon. I reserved full size. My reservation said Emerald Aisle and there was no problem checking out, I handed in the coupon at the booth. There were no cars bigger than intermediate in the EA, so I went over to the full size aisle and took an Olds Intrigue. I've used counter service before and never had pressure to buy insurance. They asked, I said no, end of story. I would just head out to the EA and pick your car either out of EA or full size and go to the booth.

 

[CarolA]

In Orlando they do take coupons at the exit gate for the Aisle. I don't think that is true at all National locations which could be where the confusion comes from when you call National.

 

[pbhunt]

lillykat, as long as your boyfriend has insurance, all he has to do is say "no thank you", and decline the additional insurance. If you're really worried, have him bring the declarations page from his policy. I'm sure everything will be fine when you arrive in Orlando. Who knows? Maybe they'll have restocked EA for the next day and you might have a wonderful selection!