National Emeralds

[exiles]

Have reserved a van with National and it said it was an Emerald Choice. How is this different from Emerald Aisle?

 

[mareed]

My understanding is that it's very similar to Emerald Aisle except you go to the minivan aisle and choose which one you want. This aisle will only have minivans on it, where Emerald Aisle sometimes has cars other than intermediate and full-size. I've used Emerald Aisle in the past and really loved the convenience. Have a minivan reserved through Emerald Choice in 3 1/2 weeks and I'm looking forward to the same convenience!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

You cannot book a mini van, suv, convertable, luxury or premium on the Emerald Aisle. EA reservations are for compact, intermediate and full sized only. Emerald Choice is as explained previously.

 

[Rpsemont]

Gail - Welcome back! I monitored weather while you were away. Looks like you had a good week. So did you happen to take note of "exactly" how to get from SWA baggage claim to National EA for this directionally challenged person. If I take my DH on a roundabout trip to the parking garage, he'll never forgive me. Thanks.

 

[pnelson]

How do you join Emerald Choice? For our vacation, we need a minivan, so it sounds like Emerald Aisle would not be for us,but I don't see a signup for Emeral Choice on the website.???

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Rpsemont
Hi,
Thanks for the welcome back. The weather was very very nice.
Hope the weather for your vacation is as nice.
Yep, took note. After you pick up your luggage, go to an elevator and go down one floor, exit the elevator and you will see signs for car rental. Directly across from the National counter will be a door that exits to the garage. Cross the little access road (carefully, it is busy), go to the garage, take the elevator up one floor and take a left out of the elevator, you will see signs for National and each aisle is marked, I believe that EA is one aisle past intermediate. Trust me, it is well marked.
Let me know if I can help further.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

How do you join Emerald Choice? For our vacation, we need a minivan, so it sounds like Emerald Aisle would not be for us,but I don't see a signup for Emeral Choice on the website.???

You don't sign up for it, it is one of the options that shows up when you make ressies for EA. I don't know if it is an option with a regular rental, I don't make them that way.

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by pnelson
How do you join Emerald Choice? For our vacation, we need a minivan, so it sounds like Emerald Aisle would not be for us,but I don't see a signup for Emeral Choice on the website.???

I just tried for you and without joining the Emerald Club, you do not get the Emerald Choice option.

So by joining Emerald Club you can get Emerald Aisle like Gail described and if you are renting something like a minivan, SUV, Convertible, you can get Emerald Choice, where you can go pick the minivan you want. You cannot, however, go to the Emerald Aisle and pick a car from there. Only those who rent a Full size or smaller can choose from the Emerald Aisle.

These two options: Emerald Aisle and Emerald Choice are benefits of joining the Emerald Club.

I believe you'd still be able to avoid the counter even though you are renting a van, if that is what you are looking for.

Hope this helps you decide.

 

[Rpsemont]

Thanks Gail,

One other question. I noticed in some other posts people said there was nothing on the aisle, so they just picked a full size. Do we first check out "emerald Aisle" and if we're not happy with those choices, go to the full size aisle?

THanks.
Anne

 

[pnelson]

Thanks for the help! This rental car thing is really getting to be something of a dilemma!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

. I noticed in some other posts people said there was nothing on the aisle, so they just picked a full size. Do we first check out "emerald Aisle" and if we're not happy with those choices, go to the full size aisle?

Assuming you have booked a full size, yes you may do that and it is exactly what I did. There was nothing on the EA in full size except one WHITE Grand Prix, and since I HATE white cars, and am not fond of Grand Prixes we went to full size and took a smoking Intrepid. BTW and an FYI they mark the smoking and non smoking cars with the appropriate little stickers.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I just tried for you and without joining the Emerald Club, you do not get the Emerald Choice option.

Thanks for the info and clearing this up. Yet another thing for my long term memory.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Thanks for the help! This rental car thing is really getting to be something of a dilemma!

Stick with us kiddo, we will help you.

 

[pnelson]

Just got off the phone with National, there is Emerald Choice but you don't get to bypass the counter if you are renting a minivan-even if you are a member of Emerald Aisle. So, I did join Emerald Aisle for free, but I will still have to wait in line when I get to the counter.

Also, the rates for a minivan seem high-I was quoted $194.17 for Nov. 27-Nov. 29. That's 3 days-Doesn't that seem high??

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Also, the rates for a minivan seem high-I was quoted $194.17 for Nov. 27-Nov. 29. That's 3 days-Doesn't that seem high??

Perhaps a little, but, you are getting a daily rate, not a weekly rate. The weekly rate is for rentals for 5 - 7 days. Not to mention it is a holiday, one of the most traveled ones at that.
Keep checking, with luck it may drop.