Cars at SFO
Sep 15, 2014, 10:09 pm
#332
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Ontario, Canada
Programs: AC*SE MM, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 3,439
Picked out a nice loaded Suburban from the Executive aisle last Wednesday. There was a smaller SUV and a full-sized pickup, a lot of Chargers and Maximas. The Suburban was perfect for 4 of us for our drive out to Sonoma and then for touring over to Napa with another 2 couples for dinner.
Sep 17, 2014, 2:06 pm
#333
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: DL Silver, AS MVP, UA Silver, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat, National Exec Elite
Posts: 3,883
Sep 29, 2014, 8:41 am
#335
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: PDX
Programs: DL Plat, UA Plat 1MM, AS MVP, Hyatt Discoverist, Avis Presidents Club, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 3,938
Close to 11pm on a Sunday night and pickings were very slim.
ES and EA were more or less indistinguishable. So many minivans, and by so many I mean about 60% of ES and 30% of EA? In addition to this, I saw
- Camry
- Altima
- Impala (new style but with 20K miles)
- RAM pickup
- Sonata
- Malibu
I grabbed a Hyundai Tucson. A smaller, less featured car than I usually pick but it had working XM.
ES and EA were more or less indistinguishable. So many minivans, and by so many I mean about 60% of ES and 30% of EA? In addition to this, I saw
- Camry
- Altima
- Impala (new style but with 20K miles)
- RAM pickup
- Sonata
- Malibu
I grabbed a Hyundai Tucson. A smaller, less featured car than I usually pick but it had working XM.
Oct 5, 2014, 4:58 pm
#336
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: DL Silver, AS MVP, UA Silver, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat, National Exec Elite
Posts: 3,883
Any recent reports on ER-LUX and/or ER-PREM? I have an upcoming ER-PREM res and last time I was here the best they could muster was a new 200C (and discount to ICAR) along with an excuse about having to use the ER sections as storage for GM recall cars... the 200C was darn nice for an SCAR, but the lack of operational ER sections is an annoyance that is growing in frequency across MANY stations. I'm hoping this isn't the case this time around.
Oct 16, 2014, 10:01 pm
#337
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: DL Silver, AS MVP, UA Silver, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat, National Exec Elite
Posts: 3,883
I just pulled out of SFO and not much has changed since my last visit in July. EA and ES were hard to tell apart with both having a mix of Impala (2LT on ES and Limited on EA, no LTZ), new 200s (base and S, both with cloth), Altimas on both sides, Passat on ES and Jetta on EA, and a few others that didn't stand out. PS had a Navigator for $75/day and a V60 for $50 a day (which just seams like a joke to me given the equipment level). The ER sections were all empty which I will continue to harp on as being my biggest annoyance with National over the last 6 months.
The podeum greater, however, was extremely nice. While he did point me to ES when I asked about ER-PREM, I let him know that I'd really appreciate it if they could find a PCAR that wasn't an Impala or Maxima. He made a call and said they were cleaning a 300 and an S60 and I told him I'd take whichever came up first (hoping it would be the 300). We chatted a bit about why the ER sections never seem to be utilized and he says the push for 100% utilization means there are very rarely enough cars to keep those sections stocked and they're constantly poaching from them to keep the ailse filled (which would also explain why LCARs never seem to be reservable here). He also said the different recalls continue to hit them hard as well. Eventually an XC60 is pulled up and offered and I go ahead and take it because I'd been waiting 10 minutes at this point... I instantly regret it as I see a Lacrosse being pulled up behind me as I'm pulling off towards the booth and trying to figure out how to turn off the heated seats (button nested inside of one of the climate control dials)... luckily it's a 18 hour rental that will probably see 10 miles driven.
One other thing I noticed that struck me as strange was VIP had 3 cars behind a rope with persons names printed on the hang tags... I wouldn't be shocked by this except the cars were a Fusion (non-Titanium), a Maxima, and a Malibu. I would think for anyone actually int he VIP program, and number of the still mediocre cars available tonight would have filled those slots.
The podeum greater, however, was extremely nice. While he did point me to ES when I asked about ER-PREM, I let him know that I'd really appreciate it if they could find a PCAR that wasn't an Impala or Maxima. He made a call and said they were cleaning a 300 and an S60 and I told him I'd take whichever came up first (hoping it would be the 300). We chatted a bit about why the ER sections never seem to be utilized and he says the push for 100% utilization means there are very rarely enough cars to keep those sections stocked and they're constantly poaching from them to keep the ailse filled (which would also explain why LCARs never seem to be reservable here). He also said the different recalls continue to hit them hard as well. Eventually an XC60 is pulled up and offered and I go ahead and take it because I'd been waiting 10 minutes at this point... I instantly regret it as I see a Lacrosse being pulled up behind me as I'm pulling off towards the booth and trying to figure out how to turn off the heated seats (button nested inside of one of the climate control dials)... luckily it's a 18 hour rental that will probably see 10 miles driven.
One other thing I noticed that struck me as strange was VIP had 3 cars behind a rope with persons names printed on the hang tags... I wouldn't be shocked by this except the cars were a Fusion (non-Titanium), a Maxima, and a Malibu. I would think for anyone actually int he VIP program, and number of the still mediocre cars available tonight would have filled those slots.
Oct 17, 2014, 10:54 am
#338
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA EP, UA Gold-MM, UA 1K (former), GS (former),SPG LT Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,299
I just pulled out of SFO and not much has changed since my last visit in July. EA and ES were hard to tell apart with both having a mix of Impala (2LT on ES and Limited on EA, no LTZ), new 200s (base and S, both with cloth), Altimas on both sides, Passat on ES and Jetta on EA, and a few others that didn't stand out. PS had a Navigator for $75/day and a V60 for $50 a day (which just seams like a joke to me given the equipment level). The ER sections were all empty which I will continue to harp on as being my biggest annoyance with National over the last 6 months.
The podeum greater, however, was extremely nice. While he did point me to ES when I asked about ER-PREM, I let him know that I'd really appreciate it if they could find a PCAR that wasn't an Impala or Maxima. He made a call and said they were cleaning a 300 and an S60 and I told him I'd take whichever came up first (hoping it would be the 300). We chatted a bit about why the ER sections never seem to be utilized and he says the push for 100% utilization means there are very rarely enough cars to keep those sections stocked and they're constantly poaching from them to keep the ailse filled (which would also explain why LCARs never seem to be reservable here). He also said the different recalls continue to hit them hard as well. Eventually an XC60 is pulled up and offered and I go ahead and take it because I'd been waiting 10 minutes at this point... I instantly regret it as I see a Lacrosse being pulled up behind me as I'm pulling off towards the booth and trying to figure out how to turn off the heated seats (button nested inside of one of the climate control dials)... luckily it's a 18 hour rental that will probably see 10 miles driven.
One other thing I noticed that struck me as strange was VIP had 3 cars behind a rope with persons names printed on the hang tags... I wouldn't be shocked by this except the cars were a Fusion (non-Titanium), a Maxima, and a Malibu. I would think for anyone actually int he VIP program, and number of the still mediocre cars available tonight would have filled those slots.
The podeum greater, however, was extremely nice. While he did point me to ES when I asked about ER-PREM, I let him know that I'd really appreciate it if they could find a PCAR that wasn't an Impala or Maxima. He made a call and said they were cleaning a 300 and an S60 and I told him I'd take whichever came up first (hoping it would be the 300). We chatted a bit about why the ER sections never seem to be utilized and he says the push for 100% utilization means there are very rarely enough cars to keep those sections stocked and they're constantly poaching from them to keep the ailse filled (which would also explain why LCARs never seem to be reservable here). He also said the different recalls continue to hit them hard as well. Eventually an XC60 is pulled up and offered and I go ahead and take it because I'd been waiting 10 minutes at this point... I instantly regret it as I see a Lacrosse being pulled up behind me as I'm pulling off towards the booth and trying to figure out how to turn off the heated seats (button nested inside of one of the climate control dials)... luckily it's a 18 hour rental that will probably see 10 miles driven.
One other thing I noticed that struck me as strange was VIP had 3 cars behind a rope with persons names printed on the hang tags... I wouldn't be shocked by this except the cars were a Fusion (non-Titanium), a Maxima, and a Malibu. I would think for anyone actually int he VIP program, and number of the still mediocre cars available tonight would have filled those slots.
Good for you for speaking up and asking for what you want. I find that to generally be one of the best strengths of National that they are willing to find you a car that would make you happy.
Oct 17, 2014, 1:20 pm
#339
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: DL Silver, AS MVP, UA Silver, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat, National Exec Elite
Posts: 3,883
I'd say I'm about 50/50 on the greaters actually being helpful when ER isn't functioning... the guy at SFO last night was particularly nice and helpful. I get a lot of shoulder-shrugs when I question why ER is not being used, especially on late arrivals (after 10pm) at mid-size locations when the drivers have already left for the night.
Oct 31, 2014, 9:36 am
#340
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: PDX
Programs: DL Plat, UA Plat 1MM, AS MVP, Hyatt Discoverist, Avis Presidents Club, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 3,938
Arrived on a Saturday morning around 10:30am.
ES and EA were virtually indistinguishable. Nothing of note. All sedans. Camry, Altima, Sonata, Malibu, 200, Mazda 3, Chevy Cruze, Impala (old style).
I had a Premium reservation, but the premium reserve aisle had nothing. Also no luxury cars around. I inquired about the Infiniti and Volvo in the Premier area they said no, not for you without paying. They had two maxima available but I'm not a fan of that car. I was offered a Toyota Avalon if I could wait 10 minutes. I said no, so they finally said I could have the Buick Lacrosse they had in the VIP section (next to a Tahoe and a VW Passat which were also unavailable to me). Slim pickings indeed.
ES and EA were virtually indistinguishable. Nothing of note. All sedans. Camry, Altima, Sonata, Malibu, 200, Mazda 3, Chevy Cruze, Impala (old style).
I had a Premium reservation, but the premium reserve aisle had nothing. Also no luxury cars around. I inquired about the Infiniti and Volvo in the Premier area they said no, not for you without paying. They had two maxima available but I'm not a fan of that car. I was offered a Toyota Avalon if I could wait 10 minutes. I said no, so they finally said I could have the Buick Lacrosse they had in the VIP section (next to a Tahoe and a VW Passat which were also unavailable to me). Slim pickings indeed.
Nov 1, 2014, 9:07 am
#341
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: DL Silver, AS MVP, UA Silver, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat, National Exec Elite
Posts: 3,883
I personally would never complain about a Lacrosse on a PCAR res... it's my #3 PCAR behind the Cadenza (newest design, most luxurious, solid NAV, best features/infotainment) or 300C (decent trim level, RWD).
Dec 10, 2014, 9:46 pm
#343
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 2
Hi all.
Will be flying to SFO on Wednesday, July 1 2015 and the flight gets in at 12.30pm.
Would like to get one of the new Impalas as I got stuck with an old one last time with Alamo at LAX.
What is selection like in the middle of the day/week for Emerald Aisle - a good chance of getting an Impala or something full size? Are National still running a mixture of old and new Impala models?
Thankyou!
Will be flying to SFO on Wednesday, July 1 2015 and the flight gets in at 12.30pm.
Would like to get one of the new Impalas as I got stuck with an old one last time with Alamo at LAX.
What is selection like in the middle of the day/week for Emerald Aisle - a good chance of getting an Impala or something full size? Are National still running a mixture of old and new Impala models?
Thankyou!
Dec 11, 2014, 4:27 am
#345
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYD
Programs: UA GS, BA Gold, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Gold, National Exec Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,419
Bush was a zoo. Lots of tourists with lots of suit cases and chaos in the tiny parking garage. I got the smallest car I've ever rented with National just so I could leave. The staff was clueless and played a bad version of musical cars. That took an extra few minutes and they had me almost back into another car.
O'Farrell was much nicer. My name was on a board and I was the only one. They deliver the car to you on the street. I got a nice midsize, which was exactly what I wanted.