Not so great experience with Emerald Aisle

[Jeafl]

Just back from WDW a week ago. We had a fantastic rate of $239 for 2 weeks for a full size. When we arrived in Orlando around 2:30 pm., we went right to Emerald Aisle only to find one dirty, scratched up LeSabre and about a dozen pick ups. We have never found this to be the case before. Since we didn't want a pick up, we took the LeSabre. The attendant apologized for the car being dirty, and he said we could wait until something else came in, but that he couldn't pull something else off another aisle. I have to admit, ALL the aisles looked like slim pickings. We decided not to wait and just left with the LeSabre. The car was fine, though we had to stop and scrape all the bugs off the windshield at a gas station. (The wipers couldn't clean it well).

When we returned the car, we were running very late, and the line was very long to return. It still didn't take too long to return it though. Of course, with our luck. the woman handed me the receipt and it was $83 more than my confirmation (which luckily I brought along). She basically said too bad, now you have to go to the counter. We dragged all of our luggage way across the street to the counter to find another long line. It seemed that everyone in line there was trying to fix the same problem we had. Finally it was our turn, and the woman said she was having a hard time adjusting the price in the computer to match what we had. She finally was able to get it within a few dollars. I said that was good enough, since we were close to missing our flight. By the time we dragged our luggage to check in and run to the gate they were already boarding. It was very stressful, but we did make our flight. All in all, the price was great, but I'm not sure the hassle was worth it.

 

[NancyIL]

I made a reservation on the internet and called National to verify the rate that day, and their computers were showing a higer rate! I'm glad I decided to get a compact with counter service - because I'll get the price straightened out BEFORE I drive out of the airport!

 

[pbhunt]

Jeafl, your experience is a good reminder for all of us who book rental cars with ANY company online. You should always confirm the rate by phone, at the counter, booth or kiosk before you drive THEIR car off the lot. Sure, it might cut into your vacation time a little, but it's much easier to do the confirming when you pick up the car, than it is to haggle over the price when you're trying to catch your flight home. Thanks for posting it.

 

[Barbruka]

Just wondering if this is normal? We have booked a EA car for September, and I really don't want a gross car. If this is typical, I'll book somewhere else. What has happened to others?

 

[Niagara2]

Arrived today and all I can say is be careful. The choices were OK but when we went to window they sAID THEY HAD 3 Ressies for me. I had cancelled two and even confimed that last night on phone and on National web site. I also was over charged by $13 - no biggie but a hassle. I could not get it fixed at dirve out window and told to call. I think they are having BIG problems with their system. Nothing jives exactly. I called last nite to confirm rate and still charged more at check out. The last three times have been a hassle. I am calling this time and if I do not get satisfaction I guess I find a new car company.

 

[Poohlovr]

We had a real similar experience two weeks ago.

I had read about the over-charges on these boards, so, I asked at the booth what my rate was (it was supposed to be 107.86). She was showing 136.00. I showed her my confirmation and she played with the computer for a long time, even calling someone else in to help her. When another car pulled in behind us, she made corrections by hand on the print-out (like that would work???) and said that would take care of it. Wrong. When we returned the car (a little early, cause I already knew what was going to happen...) we were being charged 123.00.
We went to the counter, (where there was only one person ahead of us in the car return aisle, thankfully) and explained our story to the lady at the counter. She never could duplicate my rate, but, did get it at 107.01 and that's what we were ultimately charged.

All I can say is be prepared to get back to the airport a little early and be prepared to go in to National's counter.
I'm sure we have it happening again, as I am reserved for a full size for 118.00/week next month and when I checked the website, it shows 163.00....

 

[RhondaS]

Argh! How frustrating.

I just want to give a little reassurance that National doesn't always mess up.

I used them last September and again this May. Both times, I was given the rates that I had confirmed without any hassles. (Disney Club and Entertainment book discounts on the Emerald Aisle)

Maybe it was just luck on my part.

 

[mikek]

I guess I've been lucky.

I use EA for business all the time as well as trips to WDW. Never had these problems.

BUT - I do ALWAYS INSIST on getting a printout from the exit booth to confirm everything before I leave. If you don't ask- almost always- they just toss it aside and you wind up having no idea of how much you'll be charged on return.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I had a similar problem last Sept. and did not notice it until we arrived home (Dee returned the car not me and he NEVER looked). One call to National explaining the situation took care of it all. The fixed the rate and credited our card immediately.

 

[maryisme]

I had a similar problem with national just last week. I knew about the rate difference before arriving because I had called the previous evening to confirm my ressie. Upon calling national, I was told by two different reps that I would have to go to the counter to straighten the error out. When I arrived I was told to just go to the kiosk.

After explaining the problem to kiosk she played around with the discounts til she got it close to my price. This took her a while. Upon returning the car however, the rate she gave me was lower than my confirmed rate so I can't compalin.