Are there any real benefits in being "Executive Elite"
Sep 17, 2018, 9:07 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Orange County, CA (SNA)
Programs: AA ConciergeKey | UA Plat | UA 2M Miler | Marriott Plat | Hilton Gold | Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 26
Are there any real benefits in being "Executive Elite"
I rent from National every week and recently earned "Executive Elite" status, which requires 25 rentals a year or 85 days of rental. Yes, I earn free rentals days slightly faster, but beyond that, I see no material benefit from the Elite status. There isn't an "Elite" section and even when I have gone to the rental desk asking for a complimentary "Elite" upgrade, I've simply been told, "I can offer you "x" car for "y" extra a day", which is basically the same deal anyone off the street would be offered.
Has anyone reaped any material benefits from being National Executive Elite?
Has anyone reaped any material benefits from being National Executive Elite?
Sep 17, 2018, 9:27 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Paradise
Posts: 1,617
Free Days for almost any car class is the benefit I most enjoy. The ability to apply them after a rental makes it even better.
The "Elite" upgrade is called the Executive Aisle. Drive away in a Full-Size or higher vehicle for the midsize price. There is no other complimentary upgrade, so anything else that a station offers/gives you that is not on the Aisle, is simply gravy.
EE pricing for cars in PS is supposed to be lower than any other member group or a non-member off the street.
The "Elite" upgrade is called the Executive Aisle. Drive away in a Full-Size or higher vehicle for the midsize price. There is no other complimentary upgrade, so anything else that a station offers/gives you that is not on the Aisle, is simply gravy.
EE pricing for cars in PS is supposed to be lower than any other member group or a non-member off the street.
Sep 18, 2018, 8:39 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Redondo Beach, CA USA
Programs: UA 1KMM, Bonvoy LTE+A, HH D, Nat'l EE, Hertz Plat, Avis PC
Posts: 3,712
I agree that EE is a very underwhelming step up from Exec (which is a huge step up from basic EC). I'm not sure what I'd want them to give to make the status more meaningful, but anything that costs them money is probably going to require a lot more than 25 rentals a year...
Sep 19, 2018, 4:36 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,703
Free Days for almost any car class is the benefit I most enjoy. The ability to apply them after a rental makes it even better.
The "Elite" upgrade is called the Executive Aisle. Drive away in a Full-Size or higher vehicle for the midsize price. There is no other complimentary upgrade, so anything else that a station offers/gives you that is not on the Aisle, is simply gravy.
EE pricing for cars in PS is supposed to be lower than any other member group or a non-member off the street.
The "Elite" upgrade is called the Executive Aisle. Drive away in a Full-Size or higher vehicle for the midsize price. There is no other complimentary upgrade, so anything else that a station offers/gives you that is not on the Aisle, is simply gravy.
EE pricing for cars in PS is supposed to be lower than any other member group or a non-member off the street.
Sep 19, 2018, 1:57 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: AA Plat Pro, National Exec Elite, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 129
What I value the most is being able to use the Emerald Reserve service for any car for my reward days -- I usually get Suburbans or Expeditions for family vacations, something you can't always count on being available via the Executive Aisle. I should point out that I don't believe I have ever been turned down -- when the upgraded vehicle I want is actually available -- when asking for an upgrade to an SUV at a counter service location or for an SUV when renting at an Executive Aisle location where there are SUV's available but not actually in the Aisle. But I don't know that this is necessarily a result of Executive Elite status; I might get the same treatment as an Exec.
Sep 19, 2018, 4:01 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MCI
Posts: 698
I agree that EE is a very underwhelming step up from Exec (which is a huge step up from basic EC). I'm not sure what I'd want them to give to make the status more meaningful, but anything that costs them money is probably going to require a lot more than 25 rentals a year...
There was a thread discussing VIP status (which does exist but is not advertised and out of reach of most mortals) which is a step above EE, but for that it was discussed that you'll need to wield travel accounts power to bring in alot of business to National OR Friend of Taylors OR be an actual VIP (and the usual mantra seem to apply...if you have to wonder if you qualify for VIP...you probably don't)
But otherwise I will also echo other sentiments here that I wish there was something nicer for the EE customers.....
Sep 19, 2018, 6:21 pm
#7
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Paradise
Posts: 1,617
It would be nice if National had more EE benefits. Perhaps reserve and pay one car class less including SUV's , Or a separate area with Premium Cars or higher for EE.
Sep 20, 2018, 8:41 am
#8
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Sarasota, FL (SRQ)
Programs: WN A-List, AA EXP, Hyatt Top Tier (definitely NOT a Globalist), National Exec Elite
Posts: 490
If there is a greeter at the lot, I will engage with him/her briefly while walking towards the Exec aisle and indicate that I am Exec Elite. Maybe half the time, they ask if there is something specific I am looking for that they can pull around for me. The other half of the time they ignore. YMMV.
Sep 23, 2018, 12:16 pm
#9
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Las Vegas
Programs: DL DM, AA PlatPro, Hilton DM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 1,532
What I value the most is being able to use the Emerald Reserve service for any car for my reward days -- I usually get Suburbans or Expeditions for family vacations, something you can't always count on being available via the Executive Aisle. I should point out that I don't believe I have ever been turned down -- when the upgraded vehicle I want is actually available -- when asking for an upgrade to an SUV at a counter service location or for an SUV when renting at an Executive Aisle location where there are SUV's available but not actually in the Aisle. But I don't know that this is necessarily a result of Executive Elite status; I might get the same treatment as an Exec.
Mar 31, 2019, 10:39 pm
#11
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 773
I have a hard time believing that you consistently get low mileage luxury cars for the price of a Corolla from Hertz as a PC member. The whole reason I left Hertz was their stinginess with PC members, rarely even giving out the "Guaranteed" one class car upgrades. And a lot of high mileage worn down garbage. That was several years ago and maybe things have changed for the better with their new choice program, but I don't miss them.
Once in a while I do rent from Hertz, when I don't think the price premium National charges is worth it (and this seems to be happening more and more). And I'm usually reminded why I left.
Finally, there is no "Hype" to EE. It barely has any benefit over Exec. Slightly easier to earn a free day, free days are good for almost any car class, and guaranteed availability.
I find the customer service to be better overall with National as well.
Once in a while I do rent from Hertz, when I don't think the price premium National charges is worth it (and this seems to be happening more and more). And I'm usually reminded why I left.
Finally, there is no "Hype" to EE. It barely has any benefit over Exec. Slightly easier to earn a free day, free days are good for almost any car class, and guaranteed availability.
I find the customer service to be better overall with National as well.
Apr 2, 2019, 11:27 am
#15
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: Delta DDM 720, SPG Unobtainium, CC Adamantium, can I keep bragging now?
Posts: 306
Last week at SEA I think there was like one Escalade all by itself they said was the EE aisle or something (or maybe I misheard, I was in a hurry and just grabbed my car and jetted out).
Would be nice to see more of them though!
Would be nice to see more of them though!