National full-size and aisle

[Cameo]

I am reserving a full-size from National. If I get there and the aisle has a van, could I take that instead? I know that "reserve "means you get what you reserved, but last time we were on the aisle and there happened to be a van (it arrived after we had loaded our stuff into a car). We snagged it and were very happy about it. I can't find any decent Internet rates for a van for our week (Aug. 12-18). Thanks!

 

[beattyfamily]

I'm not really sure why a van was put on the Full size aisle but I guess if they make that mistake again, you have every right to try and snag one again.

Sometimes they do put SUV, vans, Full sizes etc...on the the Emerald Aisle as a bonus for Emerald Club members who book an Intermediate and get the Emerald Aisle service, but I've never heard of a van on the Full size aisle. You were very lucky!

If you are asking if you can book a Full size and then check out the Emerald Aisle and take a van, I would think the answer is NO. You booked a Full Size which means you have Emearld Reserve, you are only suppose to go to the aisle of the car you booked in that case, unless you are willing to pay the difference.

 

[Cameo]

Last time we booked it was when you could still book full-size off the Emerald Aisle. The van was on the Emerald Aisle when we found it and took it, not on the full-size lane. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[beattyfamily]

Oh I see! Sorry!

Yes, since you booked and picked up a car last, Emerald Aisle and Emerald Club have changed and now we only get EA when we book an Intermediate and the rest of the sizes are Emerald Reserve now.

Then if you qualify (I think it's 40 rentals), you become an Executive Club member and you can book a Full size and go directly to the Executive Aisle and you are then guaranteed a Full size but will probably get an upgrade.

And since they made this change (in March) supposedly Emerald Aisle are only Intermediates although people have reported still seeing small SUVs and PT Cruisers.

Unfortunately, only those who book Intermediate with EA can go to the EA. All other sizes must go to their designated aisle or pay for an upgrade upon arrival.