National - VIP aisle? And how does Emerald Reserve work?

Hi all - was dropping off my rental at PDX last night and decided to walk through the non-Exec aisles to see what was on offer. In the corner, I noticed an area with some nicer cars (a couple of Volvos, a Saab and some SUVs) under a sign that said "VIP aisle." Does anyone know what the VIP aisle is?

As an aside, how does Emerald Reserve work? Do I need to go to the counter to get the car? From the website it looks like you can go straight to an aisle to get your car. I was contemplating renting a premium car next rental, but I didn't see a "premium" aisle at PDX (or anything that looked like a premium car other than what's in the VIP aisle).

Thanks!

Hi all - was dropping off my rental at PDX last night and decided to walk through the non-Exec aisles to see what was on offer. In the corner, I noticed an area with some nicer cars (a couple of Volvos, a Saab and some SUVs) under a sign that said "VIP aisle." Does anyone know what the VIP aisle is?

As an aside, how does Emerald Reserve work? Do I need to go to the counter to get the car? From the website it looks like you can go straight to an aisle to get your car. I was contemplating renting a premium car next rental, but I didn't see a "premium" aisle at PDX (or anything that looked like a premium car other than what's in the VIP aisle).

Thanks!

ER (aka the normal lane) you get what you booked..You R/S mid-size.. you'll have choice of fusions, altimas,jettas..same deal with any other company

Emerald Club lane - you book mid-size but you have the choice of whatever is on the lane (mix of full-size,some small SUv's and sometimes a few bonus vehicles)
EC exec lanes- same deal but higher tier cars, 300's lacrosse, vw cc 2.0..you get the idea

I would also refer to the sticky for a more in-depth answer

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/national/928922-national-alamo-faqs-questions.html

Thanks. I guess my question re: Emerald Reserve was perhaps location specific - if the location doesn't have a section for "Premium," then do you have to go to the counter to get your car? There was no section for them at PDX...

PDX is not the only Emerald Aisle location to lack clear markings for Premium. It's a growing problem. I ask a greeter to point me to Premium. Sometimes the section is well-bounded but unmarked. Sometimes they just point to Exec Selection and I've wasted the surcharge above a full sized car.

Sometimes best cars are taken from lots for VIP meet & greet. Perhaps Ritz can tell you more, I believe he has status.

PDX is not the only Emerald Aisle location to lack clear markings for Premium. It's a growing problem. I ask a greeter to point me to Premium. Sometimes the section is well-bounded but unmarked. Sometimes they just point to Exec Selection and I've wasted the surcharge above a full sized car.

This is exactly what I'm worried about! That, or getting a Mercury Grand Marquis... :eek: