Tampa Rental Car Question

[Aggiegrl]

We're flying into Tampa and renting from National. 2 vehicles, 5 adults, 3 kids.

Can two adults go pick up the vehicles and return with them to the baggage area for loading? If so, how is the loading area? Do they hurry you along a lot?

We'll need to install the three seats (I'm a pro at this, pretty quick). I'd rather not have to drag 5ish bags, 3 carseats, and 2 strollers a long distance if at all possible.

Advice?

 

[SteveMouse]

You could easily take 2 car seats with you (1 per each adult) and install them prior to returning to passenger pickup (you could even use them on the plane/gate check as appropriate and save waiting for baggage)

Note that all drivers have to be at the counter to present licenses in order to be authorized drivers, so if only two of you go, you'll be driving the entire time unless you stop at the CCC on Disney property or other National office to add drivers.

-steve

 

[OKW Lover]

In Tampa, the distance from baggage claim to the car rental facility is about 50 yards. Seriously, its just across the road from where you exit baggage claim.

 

[Aggiegrl]

Thank you both.

Does anyone know if they have luggage carts for rent/use, and if those are allowed to go into the rental car area? Two adults will be kid wrangling/pushing strollers. That leaves three adults for 5-6 bags and three carseats.

I don't think we'll make it in one trip without a cart of some sort (or a paid porter's help), so we might need to make more than one trip to and from the baggage area. I assume we can go back and forth so long as someone is watching the bags.

4 of the 5 adults will need to be drivers. I guess my MIL, the non driver, could stay with three kids (strapped in strollers) and a pile of luggage inside the baggage area while the cars are brought around. I'm not sure if it's a good idea putting my MIL on the spot first thing in the trip though.

ETA-I've read that National allows spouses as additional drivers without having to be on the rental contract. I guess I need to research this.

 

[SteveMouse]

Depending on the state and/or codes utilized/Emerald Cub, there is no CHARGE for spouses as drivers- different from whether there needs to be a license on file.

 

[Aggiegrl]

Depending on the state and/or codes utilized/Emerald Cub, there is no CHARGE for spouses as drivers- different from whether there needs to be a license on file.

I don't believe they need added from what I've read on the Flyertalk forum. ETA-I've read about 300 different thread about this with varying information. Sometimes they add the spouse at the gate, sometimes they don't and just hand the license back to you. I guess we'll all be there just to be sure.

Automatic Authorized Drivers

Free (in the United States and Canada) - An Emerald Club member's spouse, immediate family member, business partner, employer, or fellow associate who drives the car for business purposes.
Immediate family is a Mother/Father, Son/Daughter, or Brother/Sister who has the same address on the drivers license as the Emerald Club member's. This includes a spouse regardless of whether he/she has the same last name, is a common law spouse or same gender domestic partner.

Who May Drive the Vehicle - Authorized Driver
a) You represent that you are a validly licensed driver for the type of Vehicle being rented, at least 21 years of age (an Underage Primary Driver Fee will apply for drivers under age 25). National may verify that your license is valid issued and in good standing.
b) Unless applicable law requires otherwise, the Vehicle may only be driven by you or an Additional Authorized Driver. An "Additional Authorized Driver" is an individual who (i) is a capable and validly licensed driver for the type of Vehicle being rented, (ii) is at least 21 years of age (a young renter fee may apply for drivers under age 25), (iii) has your prior permission to drive the Vehicle, and (iv) is either a member of your immediate family who permanently resides with you, or a fellow employee who drives the Vehicle for business purposes.You will not allow use of the rental vehicle by any driver in violation of the requirements set forth above.Your immediate family members includes your parent, child, spouse or a domestic partner. In addition to the above, Additional Authorized Drivers who otherwise meet National's qualifications can be added at the time of rental. The Additional Authorized Drivers and you are referred to collectively in the Agreement as Authorized Driver(s).

 

[OKW Lover]

Does anyone know if they have luggage carts for rent/use, and if those are allowed to go into the rental car area? Two adults will be kid wrangling/pushing strollers. That leaves three adults for 5-6 bags and three carseats.

They do have luggage carts to rent that you can take over to the car rental garage.