National Reservations Question

[Queenofthecastle]

A couple months ago I found a great National rate through Orbitz without codes or coupons. After I booked I noticed on my reservation it said "Emerald Club Aisle". I did some reading on mousesavers about it and joined Emerald Club so I called National to apply my club # to my existing reservation and he said I would have to make a new reservation and quoted me a new higher rate. So I told him nevermind, I'm keeping the old one.

So my question is, can I still check in via Emerald Aisle even if no club # is noted on my reservation? Or do I have to go via counter? And if I have an Entertainment coupon, do I have to go through the counter to use it also?

TIA

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[beattyfamily]

As of March 15, National changed things around a bit. There is now Quick Rent for anyone who doesn't belong to the Emerald Club. If you have no coupon or any special requests like a car seat, you head straight to the car you reserved and you are off. But if you have a coupon you go to the counter.

If you belong to the Emerald Club, you also can head to the car and bypass the counter with or without a coupon.

So I would call and ask National what you are supposed to do since your reservation was made before the change to Quick Rent. I would think that since you do not have a coupon that you could head right to the car and bypass the counter.

At this point, there's probably no need to add Emerald Club to your reservation. The benefits have drastically been reduced. All you really get is that you can bypass the counter even with a coupon.

Good luck.

 

[stacy6552]

not even going to read your question, whatever the question is, the answer is cancel with national and go with anyone else. Because they are so widely used their service sucks.

 

[CRCrazy]

Despite what the earlier poster said - we loved our experience with National - we too are Emerald Club members - walked out to the garage - found a great full size car - loaded up and drove to the check out kiosk. The clerk there was awesome, and gave us great directions, as well as not hassling me about not having my Disney Club card, as I used their discount code, as well as their coupon. I did have the coupon, which may be why I wasn't even asked for my card. We were off and on our way in less than 5 minutes from arriving at the garage.

Last trip - we used Dollar, as they were running their Jeep promotion - 1/2 off for a full size SUV - we got a Durango. We also didn't have any problems with them - we are Fastlane members, so bypassed the long line - no one was in the Fastlane line. However - their agent took a LOT longer processing the reservation, and didn't want to take no for an answer with the insurance, etc.

This trip - we are going with National for sure!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Regardless of what Stacey said, National has been wonderful for us. The cars are in great shape, they are nice cars, the employees have been great to us and all in all many positive experiences.
I am thinking Stacey had a bad experience with them and really does not like them.

If you went through Orbitz for the rental, National cannot change anything about the rental.

 

[Chuck S]

I've never had a problem with National, and try to use them whenever I travel. I am an Emerald Club member, but haven't used them since the "new rules" have taken effect, although it doesn't sound like it is much different, as an intermediate is fine for my needs.

If your make a ressie through outside source like Orbitz most car companies and airlines will not adjust/change ressies, similar to making arrangements through a travel agent.

 

[CindyKansas]

We have rented from Avis, Alamo, Hertz and National. The past 3 rentals have been from National and our trip in June/July will be National. I think National is great compared to some of the others.

 

[Queenofthecastle]

I haven't heard any horror stories about National...I think I'll take my chances.

Ok now I have another question though. The reservation is under my bf's name, but I'm the one with the Emerald Club...can I still bypass the counter?

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[GAIL HAYDEN]

Ok now I have another question though. The reservation is under my bf's name, but I'm the one with the Emerald Club...can I still bypass the counter?

No, the EC and the reservation have to have the same names on them. And, since this reservation is not connected with an Emerald Club, you still have to stop at the counter.

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by stacy6552
not even going to read your question, whatever the question is, the answer is cancel with national and go with anyone else. Because they are so widely used their service sucks.

We have used National on many of our trips including our last one this past Feb and have never had a bad experiance with them. Now with quick rent you do not even have to wait in line any longer.