Cars at LAX
Jan 22, 2009, 10:59 pm
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Los Altos, CA
Posts: 85
I personally think LAX has the best car selection of all the National locations in the US. Can't wait to get my hands on a Benz!
Jan 23, 2009, 9:37 pm
#34
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,589
Lots of trans-pacific pax have a day to kill in LA between connecting flights and renting a car is the best solution. Thus a lot of 8 hour car rentals at LAX (and many cars returning between 6 pm and midnight -- unlike most locations). There is a huge rush-hour at LAX between 10 pm and midnight, which surprises some people.
Jan 24, 2009, 8:24 am
#35
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Mid-Levels, Hong Kong
Programs: AA EXP, CX MPC GLD, MR PLT, SPG PLT, National Exec.
Posts: 686
Just picked up a car last night. Emerald Aisle had 3 Volvo S40's while the Executive Selection had noting to write home. They both had the Toyota Highlander which I ended up with because I am shuttling large boxes around while I am down here.
Also what is up with the Check Engine lights always coming on with the cars you pick up in LAX and ONT locations. In he last two months I have had about 6 rentals and all but one the Check Engine or Change Oil lights were on.
Also what is up with the Check Engine lights always coming on with the cars you pick up in LAX and ONT locations. In he last two months I have had about 6 rentals and all but one the Check Engine or Change Oil lights were on.
Jan 24, 2009, 9:19 am
#36
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: US Silver; WN A-List; Marriott Plat Premier
Posts: 448
Jan 24, 2009, 3:30 pm
#37
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: YYJ
Programs: Aeroplan, Priority Club, National Exec Elite, Hertz #1 Gold, Avis First, Thrifty Bluechip
Posts: 1,924
I just meant to ask what they carry for convertibles at all, either seen in the EA/ES or in the Convertible Emerald Reserve section. I'd likely just pay the droptop rate to guarantee it, I'm just wondering what they carry.
Jan 24, 2009, 3:52 pm
#38
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: ATL
Programs: DL: GM, UA: Gold, HH:Gold PC:Platinum
Posts: 12
I've rented from National Emerald Club lane at LAX 3 times in the last year and had a Chevy Impala twice, and a Dodge Journey (BORING) once. I cant go down mulholland drive in a Dodge Journey! The Impala handles it quite well though
Jan 28, 2009, 11:22 pm
#39
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Land of the Free
Programs: AA 1MM Plat, PC Plat RA, HHonors Gold, National EE
Posts: 1,440
I picked up a Charger on the Exec Aisle last Friday. I walked past a Mustang on the regular aisle to see what was on the EA, but it got snapped up before I could hustle back 
Jan 29, 2009, 12:54 pm
#41
Join Date: Aug 2006
Programs: UA 1P, AA Gold, HHonors Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 33
In my experience, there is almost ALWAYS a ton of SUVs in the executive selection. Mostly the smaller types - Chevy Equinox, etc.
Jan 29, 2009, 5:26 pm
#42
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 31
i concur...i've seen larger SUVs (Outlook / Acadia) but that is the exception, not the rule. i would be a little concerned in that a number of the suvs get taken on Fri afternoon by families bound for Disney...With that said, i wanted an SUV there two weeks ago and was about to settle for a Taurus (bleh) but they pulled up a V70. Has anyone had success playing the 'Executive' card and asking them to wash / bring up a different class?
Feb 6, 2009, 11:31 am
#43
In Memoriam
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Southern California
Programs: Hertz 5 star, Priceline Hotel bidder. AA PLT, 1MM.
Posts: 2,910
Emerald Aisle: LAX 2/3/08 (Tuesday nite 10PM).
Used my free day coupon with drop off at LGB. Aisle was full of cars. Minivans, Impalas, many others. Had at least 2 Toyota Prius and picked the one that wasn't smoked in. Didn't have time to look at what all was there. 2 Aisles full of cars.
Prius was nice ride and averaged 59 mpg with a light foot. Took a side trip and turned in car with 115 miles on it. Used about 2 gallons of gas. ^
I dislike the $10 LAX contract fee plus $1.83 in taxes. All in was $11.83)
Used my free day coupon with drop off at LGB. Aisle was full of cars. Minivans, Impalas, many others. Had at least 2 Toyota Prius and picked the one that wasn't smoked in. Didn't have time to look at what all was there. 2 Aisles full of cars.
Prius was nice ride and averaged 59 mpg with a light foot. Took a side trip and turned in car with 115 miles on it. Used about 2 gallons of gas. ^
I dislike the $10 LAX contract fee plus $1.83 in taxes.
All in was $11.83)
Feb 6, 2009, 3:35 pm
#44
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 12
Okey. So I also need some advice on the availability of cars at LAX. My requests are for SUVs with a proper 4x4 (we are going to Utah and expect some snow driving). The std. SUV lists a Trailblazer (not really my kind of car and I suspect most of those are not 4x4). What else is there to chose from and which of those has a proper 4x4? Will need to pick it up late Sunday in the end of February (but might adjust if this is a horrible time)
Thanks in advance...
Thanks in advance...
Feb 7, 2009, 7:46 pm
#45
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,589
The Trailblazer does have "proper 4x4" which is fine for snow driving -- but it isn't off-road capable (no rented SUV would be except for maybe Hummers H2/H3). Toyota Highlander is also quite nice and readily available. Not sure of the LAX percentage, but about 50% of SUVs seem to be with 4WD so it is fairly common. If you are doing serious snow driving, check the tires and pick your vehicle based on the tires. That is probably a much bigger factor than which SUV you choose.