National - Did they try to rip me off?

I am a new Emerald Club member. I got a great deal on a compact at MCO. Based on what I know, if you don't rent a midsise you have to go to the counter and not the Emerald Aisle. So I go to the counter and her says just go to the garage and pick any car in the compact aisle. I pick a car right under the compact sign.

I returned the car 2 days later and they charged me more than I was quoted. So I go to the counter and he said I rented a midsize. It was no midsize - some kind of small Mitubishi. He said that thay judge the cars by value and not by size. Whatever. It was a cheap compact in my view.

Did they try to stick it to me? Did someone just park a car in the wrong place? How come the guy at the exit didn't warn me? This worries me about not stopping at the counter and have them tell you which car to take.

Welcome to the 'wonderful' (and confusing) world of National Car Rental. Choosing your own car has always been one of their "benefits," but I would also be upset if I were you.

Using Emerald Isle for years, I have been overcharged numerous times in the past after taking a car that was not the size I'd reserved.

Forget dealing with any local personnel -- they are often misinformed or simply don't care. Instead, call their 800 number for customer service, who should be able to correct any billing mistakes.

As an Emerald Club card holder I have found the customer service 800# useful when resolving a problem. Some airports like BOI do not have an Emerald Club aisle and may or may not upgrade you.

Completely gave up on National. Betwen total lack of "service" and poor (or no) cars to select even though I've had Emerald for years...not any more...