Yeabut thing is National is under no obligation to provide the exact vehicle only class. In fact IIRC they only promise with a confirmed reservation that they will get you *A* vehicle not the one/class you want.

Have had managers/CSRs at my local National locations pull vehicles they know I would like based upon past rentals (ICAR) but again they never gave an exact requested car. For instance tried for years to get a Prius but was told "one just left" or "we had one yesterday...". One day did bust out with "but I did ask......" and was nicely told that National does not hold specific vehicles. They will try to accommodate when possible but the fleet is what it is.

I'm guessing this was a non-aisle location? I've seen about twenty 200s littering the EA before but never in ES.

I learned my lesson at a non-aisle location last year when I showed up with ICAR reservation and they made it out like they were doing me a favor giving me an "upgrade" to a 200.

Yes, it was.... *LOL*

To be fair National around here always seems to think such upgrades are wonderful.

I'll be honest here. If I was a National agent and I got attitude from someone who I just upgraded from an ICAR to a 200 (SCAR), I'd stick them in the highest mileage, Fabreeze-filled Elantra or Corolla I could possibly find the next time around...

Well, I didn't complain about it. I just took it as a lesson to not reserve ICAR at this particular location ever again (it's not a place I have any plans to return anyway). There's really no reason to since I could reserve a FCAR at Alamo for less than ICAR at National anyway.

Why do National Execs reserve ICAR? FCAR is the same price and it may help you get something better in some of these situations.

Ron.

Yeah, at a non-aisle location I make sure I select full sized specifically to avoid some of the icar's and scar's (like the 200). I figure that gives me more leverage to not get stuck with one. That said, I've been offered one even on a FCAR reservation, although in fairness the selection that day wasn't real good to begin with (smaller location that doesn't have much to begin with). Agent was kinda surprised when I said that I really didn't like them.

That said, I've seen 200's creep onto the exec aisle from time to time.

All,

A quick update. Called National Customer Service on 11/29/15 and asked for both the local manager and regional manger to call. No call to date. Called on 12/01/15 (late in the eve) and explained that I still haven't recieved a call from either and the rep was pretty nice and agreeded that they should of called by now.

Anyway. For the people who have responded to the thread, please note, I'm not trying to get an upgrade, I'm just asking for somthing in the same class as reserved and that they have on the lot. Yes, maybe the contract terms say they just have to provide a car in the class booked or maybe even just a car (reguardless of class). But for customer satasifaction, can't they give me somthing they have? If I had a car in the same class, I'd give it to the customer who came first. I never have an issue, except at this one paticular location. Every other location is very cool and asks what I want, even if they aren't an asile location. This location seems to just be sticking it to me, just becasue they know I like/want a paticular car. I hate to say that, but it's what I as the customer am precieveing.

Also, I am booking a PCAR (PRENIUM CAR), when booking. It's only 2 more a day than a full size.

From what I've seen, some customers who get really chummy with Enterprise agents/managers are able to have cars held for them. It's definitely not an official thing, but a common occurrence at branches I've been to.

Why do National Execs reserve ICAR? FCAR is the same price and it may help you get something better in some of these situations.


Managed corporate travelers often have to book through a travel agent portal pre-populated with the company's travel policies (ex reserve compact or midsize), contracted vendors, and rates.

At least in the NYC area have long reserved ICAR because know fully well will be upgraded! *LOL*

Actually used to reserve CCAR for the same reason but many promotions require ICAR reservation (such as OTF) so there you are.

Though it has gotten slightly better National's fleet and management of it often leaves much to be desired, at least for non EA locations.

Right now besides the dreaded 200 there seems to be a surplus of Nissan Altima, Toyota RAV4s, Impalas around here.

What will take often depends where I am going and for how long. Finding parking in NYC can be tough for big boat vehicles so tend to prefer ICAR or even CCAR on certain occasions. Just a few feet of front or back bumper space can mean the difference between fitting in a spot or not.

Company policy, etc.

I get flagged if I don't book an intermediate.

I've found that asking for "not X" (which is what the OP was asking for) is usually a lot more successful than asking for "X".

So they look at the booking directly somehow? Do you book through a portal?

(I ask because there's no difference in the receipt.)

just wondering if you got any update? I would definitive fight to get an area manager on the line. With a Premium reservation, you have every right to take that 300. heck many location will even upgrade you into Luxury or Elite