One last question about National before my trip!!

[pnelson]

We have a van reserved and will arrive on Thanksgiving morning. Do I really just go to the aisle where the van is-What if there is not van there? Is anyone monitoring the cars? I know that if we've reserved one, it should be there, but if everyone is just coming and getting their cars, who's to stop people who have not reserved a van from changing their mind at the last minute and taking one that is there? When do I give them my credit card? I'm a little worried and confused about the whole procedure?

 

[CarolMN]

It's very unlikely that someone who did not reserve a van would take one from the van aisle. Without an advance reservation for a van in the system, the charge for renting a van at the last minute would likely approach the cost of buying one!

If your reservation says Emerald Reserve, yes, you go right to the garage and find the aisle for vans. Pick one. Keys are in the vehicles. If your reservation says counter service and you are not a member of the Emerald Club, you'll need to stop inside the airport at the National counter.

If there is not a van in the van aisle when you arrive there (unlikely), you can either look for an agent in the garage to help you (there should be a booth/kiosk nearby) or you can return to the counter.

Everyone "checks out" as they leave/drive out of the garage. Follow the EXIT signs to get out of the garage. There will be an agent in a booth - it will remind you of the procedure where you pay for parking to get out of a parking ramp. The exit booth is where you hand the agent the paperwork that was hanging from the mirror of your rental car, your credit card, your driver's license and any coupons you may have used to reserve the car. The agent will look up your reservation in the computer and do whatever they do to check you out. This is where someone who took the "wrong" vehicle would be "caught".

Try not to worry - I'm sure everything will go just fine. Enjoy your trip!