National Full-Size "Aisle"

[erikthewise]

On our trip last Dec, we went to pick up our fullsize car at National (terminal A) as usual, and found that the fullsize "aisle" had been reduced to a half-aisle and there were very slim pickings. To be precise there were three or four Centuries and (whew!) one Camry, which I grabbed.

The Camry was great but I was really disappointed to see so little space and selection for fullsize; had I been stuck with a Century (which I detest) I would not have been happy.

Is this a permanent change and why?

 

[Paull117]

Not to be mean but your on vaction why does the car brand make that big of difference you will only have it for a short period of time. Now I have a big preference when it comes to buying a car but renting I could care less.

Paul

 

[pumpkinboy]

I dunno, I agree with Erik. We rented a Fullsize over our April break and there was just one car left in the Full aisle when we got there, a Chevy Impala. We asked if there was anything else and were told we could go over to the Alamo Full size section, where there we only Impalas as well, so we took a red one. It was fine (we got seven pieces of luggage in the trunk), but I'd have preferred something better-made, like a Camry.

Sure it's a short time, but I'd still prefer to have a little bit of choice. I was kind of hoping that some Buick Rendezvous would be in the Full aisle, as they sometimes are.

I think the lesson here is to get to the aisles early during busy times to maximize choice.

 

[shelly3girls]

We are not picky over what type of car we get as long as it is clean and in good condition. That said, the last time we rented from the full size aisle there was only 1 Impala that had a flat tire and a Century that was dirty. We waited for them to pull up another car which was another Impala that was almost brand new. We really liked the car and the huge trunk. Of course we did not have it long as the tire was flat by the time we reached the Poly. When we went to exchange cars at the car care center all they had was a very dirty Century. I was disappointed but in the long run it did not affect my trip as it was not as big of a deal as I originally thought.

 

[erikthewise]

My point was that in the past there was a long aisle with lots of fullsize cars. This time there was a much shorter aisle with only a few cars to choose from. Why this change? Why is the selection of fullsize cars so dramatically reduced?

It certainly wasn't a big deal. (after all it took me five months to post it!) I'm not a car snob. But the Century I rented a few years ago was much inferior to the others I've rented from National (Intrepids and Camrys) and I was uncomfortable driving it.

 

[dvc guy]

I have rented from National many times in MCO and other locations in FL. The selection can be very spotty. One time we showed up in FLL and they had nothing in a full size, they gave us a minivan which was the last one in the place.
I like a clean low milage car, and my 1st choice is the Impala due to the HUGE trunk. Having said that somtimes you have to take what you can get. I prefer HERTZ for newer and better cars, but prices is my 1st concern.

 

[PatMcDuck]

Did you speak up? Last time we were not happy with the full size selection, and ended up taking a SUV (Aztec- weird but tons of luggage space) from The Emerald Aisle. You can always ask to take one off another aisle, if you are not happy. the worst they can do is say no.

 

[DebbieB]

I think the reduction in the full size aisle is due to the addition of the Executive Aisle, which is usually loaded with full sizes. Executive Aisle is for frequent renters (12 rentals per year or 40 days).

I've rented Impalas the past 2 times and really liked it. I'm arriving on Saturday and hope to get one. I drive a Camry and it's similiar (I'd be happy with a Camry too, I bought it after renting one from National 2 years ago). The Impala is now the benchmark for full size since the Regal is no longer in production.

I'm on a business trip right now in Atlanta, I rented from Avis (company requirement). I got a crappy Chevy Classic, what a horrible car, 3rd time I've had one. A coworker also rented one, we are both having problems with the back door not closing properly, you have to slam it. The car has no acceleration and the steering is tight. That was one of the reasons I upgraded to full size at National for vacation, last time we were there the EA was loaded with Classics.

 

[AllyBri]

I think the reduction in the full size aisle is due to the addition of the Executive Aisle, which is usually loaded with full sizes. Executive Aisle is for frequent renters (12 rentals per year or 40 days).


Debbie the selection with Executive has been terrible lately. The last time, there was one car in the Exec. lane. I have no idea where all the cars have gone and this is during a slow time. I asked them and they just shake their head and told me to take any car I want.
Can't complain someone posted that weekend rental coupon (National) and I got a rate of $55. fir this weekend.