National bypass

[jackdis]

Hi. I just made a reservation with National because of the counter bypass. I'm hoping to save time. Please tell me how it works, what you thought of it, if it really does save a little time, etc. Thanks!!!

 

[Bobb-O]

Are you a member of Emerald Club and does you res say

Level Of Service Emerald Aisle

You didnt say if your res is an Emerald Aisle or not. Not all res are.

But if you did sign up you walk straight to the garage and pick out a car in the emerald aisle line and drive to the exit. Show your reservation, drivers license, emerald club card (believe not required) and credit card plus coupon if any and you're on your way.

 

[beattyfamily]

There's two ways to bypass the counter:

Quick Rent for NON-Emerald Club members (can't use a coupon with this kind of reservation; can book any size).

Emerald Club reservation (any size). As long as you do not use an upgrade coupon or rent a carseat, then any size rental and you can still bypass the counter.

We've bypassed the counter for the past 7 or 8 trips and its GREAT! You get your luggage and then get on the elevator to street level, cross the street and follow the signs to National. Then look for the aisle of the size you reserved and pick whichever car you want on that aisle. The keys are in the car. Pack up the car and leave. Then you'll pass through the booth and give them your CC/license and any coupons and then you are off.

It's easy and great!

 

[jackdis]

I did sign up. (The fee is waived right now if anyone is interested!) This sounds like it will save us a little time. Thank you for your replies.

 

[PlutoPony]

What's the procedure for Emerald Club and an additional driver? Any charge? Do you just show both licenses at the booth?
TIA!

 

[beattyfamily]

What's the procedure for Emerald Club and an additional driver? Any charge? Do you just show both licenses at the booth?
TIA!

Yes, its free for an additional driver and you both show your licenses at the booth.

 

[michboro]

I was wondering, when you sign up to be Emerald Club member it asks for a credit card number. Does this mean if you make a reservation that you will be charged on your credit card, and what is the cancellation policy??

 

[beattyfamily]

I was wondering, when you sign up to be Emerald Club member it asks for a credit card number. Does this mean if you make a reservation that you will be charged on your credit card, and what is the cancellation policy??

You won't be charged until you return the car.

If you do not cancel within 24 hours there is a $50 charge.

Basically, you can book and cancel as many times as you want (if you are checking rates) until your trip. They don't charge your CC for each reservation.

 

[snowbunny]

After I signed up for Emerald Club, they mailed me a piece of paper, "Master Rental Agreement." Do I have to send this back to them before I can bypass the counter? I thought I gave all my information online already.

 

[EdDome]

Emerald Club reservation (any size). As long as you do not use an upgrade coupon or rent a carseat, then any size rental and you can still bypass the counter.

I've used coupons before and did not go to the counter (just handed them to the booth attendant on the way out). Has the procedure changed or is it unique only to upgrade coupons?

 

[beattyfamily]

I've used coupons before and did not go to the counter (just handed them to the booth attendant on the way out). Has the procedure changed or is it unique only to upgrade coupons?

Policy hasn't changed. It's only UPGRADE coupons that bump you to the counter.

 

[lawgs]

snow bunny

yes the Master Rental agreement has to go back signed....

think you can use fax

another way:

when we did it we just went to the rental counter for National at our local airport.....thus you could probably do it at any National Car rental agency if there are any in your city

 

[snowbunny]

Thanks lawgs, I will fax it in before our next trip.