Originally Posted by
westau
I got my first Emerald Club rental in February in TPA and I just went to the aisle, picked out a car, and went to the checkout booth. I have never gone to a National counter.
+1, you don't need to stop by the counter at your first EA/ES rental.
I stopped by the counter, but was asked to go directly to the parking lot.
Hertz does require you to stop by the counter at your first rental to verify your DL and crecit card etc.