Well, yes, that's a double-upgrade (I think). ^ I doubt National wants to set an expectation that everyone can book compact and drive an Impala.

I totally understand you on wanting choices...but if you're booking something below EA that's kind of the risk you take. I've booked Alamo before knowing that I give up access to ES in exchange for airline credits. That usually means no upgrade at all and sometimes no choice (e.g., a midsize aisle with 3 stripped Corollas and nothing else).

All I'm saying is that, at least in these two limited cases, the green cone aisle didn't force anyone into downgrades and didn't reduce the amount of choice beyond what the renters would expect - because these renters didn't come in with the higher level of expectations that an EA or ES renter would.

I still don't know why they are doing it...other than simply as a marketing effort (giving out free upgrades to non-EA renters).