Double reservation - EA and Van backup?
Jan 7, 2018, 3:16 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 6
Double reservation - EA and Van backup?
Going to MCO and want to get a minivan or a large SUV. I’ve read it’s hit or miss to get such a car at MCOs EA.
I know you could do this a few years ago but wanted to check if it’s still OK. Can I book an EA reservation and a backup minivan reservation for the same dates and times, and if they have a van in the EA just cancel the van reservation before I get to the checkout gate? And vice versa, cancel the EA reservation if they don’t have a van in the EA?
Want to make sure I don’t get double charged or charged at the higher rate even if they have a van in the EA by doing this.
Would it be safer booking the backup van reservation at another agency, and if so any recommendations for MCO?
I know you could do this a few years ago but wanted to check if it’s still OK. Can I book an EA reservation and a backup minivan reservation for the same dates and times, and if they have a van in the EA just cancel the van reservation before I get to the checkout gate? And vice versa, cancel the EA reservation if they don’t have a van in the EA?
Want to make sure I don’t get double charged or charged at the higher rate even if they have a van in the EA by doing this.
Would it be safer booking the backup van reservation at another agency, and if so any recommendations for MCO?
Jan 7, 2018, 3:41 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 19
You can have multiple reservations and should not get charged for either if you do not use them. I did it while testing Hertz’s Ultimate choice, using National aisle as a backup. Orlando is usually good about checking for large vehicles if you ask them to if none are on the aisle. There’s an A and B terminal aisle so you could check both sides. The Orlando selection is one of the better choices I’ve seen.
Jan 16, 2018, 4:18 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: BOS
Programs: Marriott LTG, HHonors Diamond, Nat'l Exec
Posts: 3,581
My one recommendation is to make sure your pickup times for the reservations is for *after* the latest time you'd be picking up the car. That way, you can easily cancel the reservation you don't need in the National app or online. IME that requires a phone call after the pickup time.
I always like to make sure the reservation I'm not using is cancelled before I drive off the lot. If the booth agent sees you in a van, they may assume the van reservation is correct and charge accordingly, even if it's on the aisle.
I always like to make sure the reservation I'm not using is cancelled before I drive off the lot. If the booth agent sees you in a van, they may assume the van reservation is correct and charge accordingly, even if it's on the aisle.
Jan 17, 2018, 1:51 pm
#7
Join Date: Oct 2008
Programs: UA 1K, AA Plat, SPG Platinum, National Executive
Posts: 1,970
My one recommendation is to make sure your pickup times for the reservations is for *after* the latest time you'd be picking up the car. That way, you can easily cancel the reservation you don't need in the National app or online. IME that requires a phone call after the pickup time.
I always like to make sure the reservation I'm not using is cancelled before I drive off the lot. If the booth agent sees you in a van, they may assume the van reservation is correct and charge accordingly, even if it's on the aisle.
I always like to make sure the reservation I'm not using is cancelled before I drive off the lot. If the booth agent sees you in a van, they may assume the van reservation is correct and charge accordingly, even if it's on the aisle.
Jan 17, 2018, 3:06 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: 60% YYZ 40% RSW
Programs: ACMM, AC E50K, HH Gold, National EE
Posts: 293
I do this regularly - and in fact was advised to make duplicate reservations by a National rep at a location in FL I frequent. The times can be identical - they'll simply ignore the van reservation if there's one on the aisle. As I say, I do it regularly when I need a bigger vehicle.
Jan 21, 2018, 12:43 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,200