Just Back - National Car Rental and SWA Report

[Pluto4President]

Hi All. Landed at 11:30 on Thursday 9/27. Went right to the aisle as usual. Ugh - One car. Chevy Impala (Georgia Tags). Most of the aisels were very low on inventory. Oh well, started putting luggage in truck. 2nd bag was going to be tight. Oops, here comes a camry. Sold - took that instead. Both bags no problem. 20000+ miles, a little beat up but ran great. Checked out, wanted DC coupon, EC card and coupon this time. No problem...had it all. Returned it today. No problem, rate was just what was quoted. The aisle looked better though. Full sizes, minivans and an assortment of SUV's. Overall experience a pleasurabe 9.5!

Flight down out of ISP, piece of cake. Arrived for a 7:20 flight at 6:30. Long lines, but lots of agents. Got through and had about 10 minutes to spare in seating area at gate. Plane ½ full.

Flight home. Arrived at 9:30 for an 11:30 flight. Same thing , long lines but quick. Plane ¾ full. Plenty of time to relax and eat before hand.

 

[jtryan]

Pluto4President,

Thanks so much for posting your experience! We are flying SWA and renting from National using our Entertainment Book discount and have signed up for Emeral Club. We will be traveling the first week of December and hopefully the Emeral Aisle will have plenty of cars to choose from. One question - is it easy to get to National after you claim your baggage?

roxanne

 

[Pluto4President]

You go down one level, get your bags. Go down a second level, walk out the doors, across the street to the car rental lot. Follow the signs up one level and to National. Then, look for the Emerald Aisle. It's right next to the aisle where the cars are being returned. Real easy.

I've rented from National often and in different markets. This is the least selection I have ever seen. Obviously it is due to rental cars being driven home when the air space was shut down. I would not worry about it. After all, it is still extremely convenient.

If the selection is light when you get there, you can always walk to the aisle in which level of car you booked. Intermediate or Full Size, and choose one from there. Just check with someone in the garage before doing this though.

 

[jtryan]

Great - sounds easy! Thanks a bunch!!

roxanne