Originally Posted by
ijgordon
The first time I tried National, with my Executive status or whatever I got from Amex Platinum, the whole experience was an absolute disaster. Never again (unless the price is significantly lower than the others...)
That said, I guess the program is good if you make cheap rentals. Hertz works better for me because most of my rentals are in Manhattan where it's $80-120/day usually, so the points rack up more quickly (and a free rental is "worth" more).
The Executive Aisle experience also depends on location. I hear Manhattan isn't so great.
For myself, National has been fantastic for acquiring new rental cars for cheap. I can more often get brand new cars at National than at Avis, even with Avis CC status. Was able to drive the 2013 Altima and Buick Verano at National this past week alone!