Need help understanding Nat'l EA

[ncbyrne]

I need help understanding Nat'ls Emerald Aisle. Ok, I reserved a mid-size car and I get to pick any car from EA. I've read lots of posts, and I've read Nat'ls website and can't find any detailed info on how this works. What's Aisle A - B? What if I have the coupon from the website (add'l $15 off). Do I go to the counter or head to these aisles? Will I be confused when I get there?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by ncbyrne
I need help understanding Nat'ls Emerald Aisle. Ok, I reserved a mid-size car and I get to pick any car from EA. I've read lots of posts, and I've read Nat'ls website and can't find any detailed info on how this works. What's Aisle A - B? What if I have the coupon from the website (add'l $15 off). Do I go to the counter or head to these aisles? Will I be confused when I get there?

EA: The only reservation you can make using the EA is for an intermediate. You may select any car from the EA. We were there earlier this month and they had a lot of full size cars and a couple of Jeep SUV things. We selected an Impala. There were Centuries, Impalas, one Monte Carlo (which we missed by seconds), Intrepids, Corollas, Galants, Grand Ams and Malibus (considered full size).

You go to the clearly marked aisle, select your car, put all your stuff in it, go to the check out booth, hand them your confirmation, license and coupon and hang tag from the car's mirror or dash. (One exception to the coupon, if it is an upgrade coupon you will need to go to the counter). They process your paperwork and you are otta there. It is simple and you should not have any problem. There are attendants there that will help you if you run into a problem.

A or B means the side of the airport your airline drops you at.

There is a listing on the Orlando airport site as to what airline lands on what side.

Southwest lands on side A I believe Delta lands on side B.

I have yet to trek back through the airport with all my stuff to find a "better" car. I am not buying it, I am renting it for a week.
If there is a problem with the car, then I bring it back.

BTW, the Emerald Club and Emerald Aisle is explained on their website. under FAQ's, click on the "?". Not a very long explaination, but, it is there.

Hopefully this helps, and if you need more info, just ask.

 

[bunny]

Is there ever a time when there is nothing on the EA? I am renting on Thanksgiving weekend and I am trying to decide if I should keep my full size reservation or switch to EA.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by bunny
Is there ever a time when there is nothing on the EA? I am renting on Thanksgiving weekend and I am trying to decide if I should keep my full size reservation or switch to EA.

There will always be intermediates on the EA. It is the intermediate aisle.

 

[erikthewise]

It can be a little confusing for a first-timer. I've only done it three times so I can still remember my first....

The various aisles are clearly marked -- but not with huge flashing illuminated signs! it's easy for a first-timer to not notice the signs immediately. The first thing you should do once you enter the National lot is to look for the signs that mark the various aisles as Emerald, Intermediate, Fullsize, Compact, etc.

It is nothing but a parking garage! There is no desk, no reception area, no attendant and generally no one to answer questions or help with any problems. The only thing you can do is to pick a car from the appropriate aisle, put your luggage in the trunk, and drive it to the exit booth where the only human you will meet will process your rental. They can give you a map and brief directions on how to get out. (It's really pretty simple. Just head for the South Exit and route 417, the best way to get to WDW.)

If there is a problem with the car you selected, your best and probably only option is to choose a different car instead.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

it is so easy to use the Emerald Aisle that once you do, you will be a bit disappointed if you have to go stand in line at the counter ever again instead of walking straight to your car.

When I reserved earlier this month, they did not even ask to see the coupon I used from the Entertainment Book.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

There are many attendants at the garage on side A. We were asked if we needed help by at least 3.
The rows are marked, but, you do have to pay attention. There is no longer an "intermediate" row as that is the Emerald Aisle since they made the change to to the EA program in March 2003.
It is, definitely, a very easy and quick thing to do.

 

[erikthewise]

It's good to know there are attendants. In the (only) three times I've been there I don't recall seeing any employees other than those in the exit booths, and I could not find help the one time I needed it. Perhaps attendants were there but otherwise occupied.

 

[ncbyrne]

I'll be coming in on Song Airlines (the only non-stop flights using Delta FF miles) 5 p.m. Sunday. Does it matter which aisle A or B?

 

[DebbieB]

A or B really has nothing to do with National itself, it's which side of the airport your airline comes in at. Terminal A or Terminal B. National has counters & garages on both sides. Some people check both sides for a better selection. I agree with Gail, you're not buying it, just renting it for the week. Unless the selection is really horrible, I would not run through the airport to checkout the other side.

http://www.orlandoairports.net:/goaa/ops/airlines.htm