kxc262

From what I've gathered, LCARs are basically non-existent in the area now. Most likely, they have been pulled to Enterprise (I see them there quite often).

Since it is winter time, the larger SUVs have also been pulled off the aisle for reservations.

SFO selection sounds similar to SJC, but I have found that the SJC morning greeter to be more friendly. He can usually help accommodate requests. Evening greeter is firm on not handing out free upgrades to big SUVs.

Mrgolfer21

I'm executive with National and renting from SFO...they have pickups much cheaper than aisle (yes, I understand supply and demand)...if I show up and just pick a car out of the aisle and not a pickup (essentially downgrading myself), anybody have any experience on if I will be charged more? Given that I might be driving this car through some snow depending on weather, I'd rather not have a rear-wheel drive truck. Thank you.

IsleOfMan

I've done this before, but never with a truck (I've done MVAR, PCAR, IFAR/SFAR, even LCAR). That said, there are definitely 4WD trucks in the fleet, so see what they have in 4WD in your booked class before you assume you'll have better luck on the aisle.

kxc262

I'm assuming your going to Tahoe. Depending on the snow, you must carry chains (state law). During heavy snowing, chains can be mandatory, even if you have AWD and/or winter tires.

That being said, don't expect too many SUVs on the aisle as reservations have them pulled off especially during weekends. You definitely will not find a large SUV on the aisle as they have been all pulled off for reservations.

flyerbjorn

I drove to Tahoe every weekend for a few years in a 4wd. Although I carried chains, I was never asked if I had them, or put them on.

In practice, the R3 condition (chains on all vehicles) never happens. If it gets to that level, the roads are typically closed instead.
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/chcontrl.htm

I've got a similar question to Mrgolfer21. If I reserve an SUV at SFO, which I'm assuming is a "specialty vehicle", and there happens to be another car that I like in the aisles, what stops me from cancelling the more expensive SUV booking and rebooking a cheaper fullsize for the aisle?

IsleOfMan

Nothing... and in practice, I usually just have the booth downgrade and adjust the rate for me instead of cancelling/rebooking or holding multiple reservations (though my corp rate is fixed regardless of location, so I don't have to worry about an ICAR being more expensive at pickup than a PCAR/LCAR at time of booking). That said, the previous poster's situation was that the Pickup was CHEAPER than an aisle reservation, which which doesn't happen often but on occasion.

flyerbjorn

Great to know and less hassle. Thanks!

gooselee

Well crap. So when I show up with an LCAR reservation as an EE, is this one of the locations that is pretty good about pulling from Enterprise or Alamo?

kxc262

Yes you will be fine.

ArchStudent

January 2nd
ES:
Pick your color Impala
Pick your color 300 (Took a 300c and later swapped at LAX)
1x Camaro Convertible
1x Ford Flex
1x Fusion SE
Didn't look too closet at EA, but at first glance it was rather boring.

flyerbjorn

Drove 3 cars over the last two weeks. Everyone was really nice, including the greeter.

I had booked a standard SUV for 2 weeks. When we arrived with 2 kids and LOTS of luggage, they said "you need a big car for all that luggage" and got us a Ford Explorer 4x4 Limited. Really nice car. Unfortunately, the low tire pressure indicator came on the next day, as I passed SFO, so I pulled in and exchanged it for another Ford Explorer Limited, although 2wd. They didn't have any large 4x4/awd on Tue morning.

I swapped the second car for a GMC Acadia awd later in the week, since we were going to Tahoe.

On all three occasions, the aisles were full of different cars, including some smaller 4x4 SUVs and minivans. Didn't really pay attention, since we needed something bigger and 4wd.

ThatBri

Did a one way return on Feb 1 @ 7:00pm

Another than pick your color Sonata, Altima, or the one Fusion, some cars available with upgrade fee included a QX50, XTS and a 3-Series.

gooselee

Did you happen to notice the trim level on the 3-Series?

I got an XTS off PS in ATL a couple months ago. Was pretty nice, though I didn't care for the plastic-y feel of the dashboard...

ThatBri

It was a 328i. Not sure what options were on it.

gooselee

Thanks!