National - Executive Selection Clarification

I have 2 points to clarify:
1) If you rent a car larger than a mid-size, can you still use executive selection? (i.e. you pay more, but guarantee you have that size or any of the executive selection vehicles)?

2) When using executive selection, are you allowed to choose other vehicles outside the executive selection area (if you can't find one that you like inside the executive selection area)? If so, what restrictions?

Thanks!

I have 2 points to clarify:
1) If you rent a car larger than a mid-size, can you still use executive selection? (i.e. you pay more, but guarantee you have that size or any of the executive selection vehicles)?

2) When using executive selection, are you allowed to choose other vehicles outside the executive selection area (if you can't find one that you like inside the executive selection area)? If so, what restrictions?

Thanks!

This assumes that you have Executive (or Exec Elite) status.

1. Technically, you're supposed to book FullSize (pay for Intermediate) to be eligible for ES - but reports seem to indicate that booking Intermediate (Mid-Size) works also. If you book a higher category (say Premium) you can self downgrade to take a car off ES but some checkout agents may give you a hard time especially if the car is of a higher category (I had 1 experience with this at LAX - as Exec with a Premium reservation - found a Lincoln MKS (luxury) in ES and took it - agent pushed back - I said it was in ES call your manager who OKed it).

2. You can choose to take a car in the category reserved or lower if you find something you like better than what is in ES / EA (years ago when a Volvo S60 was Fullsize - I did exactly that at MCO without any problem).

1. With at least a mid size reservation, you are always allowed to pick from the ES. Many times I will reserve the premium (at full size price) to give me options incase the ES is Impala city.

2. It depends on what your reservation is for. If you reserve a mid size and you want an Avalon, which could be on the aisle, then you will likely not be able to go to the premium selection to pick one. Depending on your status and the airport, the selection, the mood of the employees, time of day, day of week, color of your shoes, etc you can always ask for something that is usually on the ES. Worse that happens is they say no.