A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,555
Yes, spouse can drive the car - although you do have to be there to pick it up. I'm pretty sure all of the "free spouse" rules at all agencies are country-specific, so if you're renting outside the U.S. confirm the rules first. But at PDX, yes, no problem, spouse can drive.
I think you will like Exec Select.
I believe the other perk of Exec Elite (25 rentals) is being able to reserve any type of car on your free days. But...since ES selection is pretty good, that's not a *huge* perk unless you really need a van or something. I have redeemed a couple of recent free days for one-way luxury cars. But if I'd been forced into a one-way Exec Select car, that wouldn't have been too awful either.
The thing I like about National is that, so far for me, their free days are truly "no bull." One-way is no problem and I've never had one not be available when regular cars are available.