Cars at MCO
Feb 26, 2010, 5:57 pm
#121
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: DL - Plat, Marriott - Plat, Hilton - Diamond, SPG- Plat, National- ES
Posts: 1,857
We travel a lot as a family and are very picky as to the rental car options - our own cars are treated nice and traded every two year, so I always hope that a rental car will be as nice as our own. I normally rent from Alamo however last year when travelling to Orlando I paid a higher price for a standard SUV and got a Saturn VUE - I considered it to be a 'small suv' I was upset and they would do nothing for me...even though I rent from Alamo twice a year! I decided to sign up for National (partner company I know) but I went for the Emerald Club hoping for some better service. I really liked the option of picking anything off the emerald aisle with a chance for a nice upgrade.
We are flying in around 830pm and spending the night at the airport, picking the car up in the morning - is there a better time that we should head over to the garage for a better selection? also it seems B side has a bigger selection of cars?
THANKS !
We are flying in around 830pm and spending the night at the airport, picking the car up in the morning - is there a better time that we should head over to the garage for a better selection? also it seems B side has a bigger selection of cars?
THANKS !
The "nice upgrade" well... if you read through this thread it's hit or miss. I guess if you think a "mini van" is a nice upgrade.
However, rental cars seem to be "aging" more so don't get your hopes too high.
Feb 27, 2010, 10:55 am
#122
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Southeast Coast
Posts: 159
Sat., Feb. 27 - A Side, Executive Aisle
Went to the Executive Aisle, A side, 11:30 AM this morning. Both sides of this aisle were almost full of cars. I didn't go up and down the aisle, as I grabbed a lone Volvo S40 right away (6900 miles). Here's what else I remember seeing.....
Chevy Malibus (lots of 'em)
Toyota Corollas (even more of these than Malibus)
1 Dodge Avenger
1 Chrysler Sebring
1 Kia (don't remember the model)
1 Ford Fusion
zero SUVs
zero Minivans
Chevy Malibus (lots of 'em)
Toyota Corollas (even more of these than Malibus)
1 Dodge Avenger
1 Chrysler Sebring
1 Kia (don't remember the model)
1 Ford Fusion
zero SUVs
zero Minivans
Feb 28, 2010, 5:49 pm
#123
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Rochester, NY
Programs: AirTran A+ Elite, Marriott Rewards Plat, Rapid Rewards A List, National Exec, USAir Div Mil
Posts: 323
I ask because a strategy like that would be easiest for me on my next trip w/ the family.
Thanks!
Mar 1, 2010, 6:21 pm
#124
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SAT
Programs: Marriott Titanium, Hilton and Wyndham Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Delta Plat, United Silver, Hertz PC
Posts: 724
Yes, that is what I did. I thought it was ok, but I asked the person working anyway and they said it is fine to do that.
Mar 3, 2010, 8:21 pm
#125
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Central NJ USA
Posts: 73
We picked up a Volvo S40 on Side A on Saturday Feb 27th. We were Exec Status but the bright red Volvo with 3500 miles on it was way in the back of the regular Emerald Aisle. At check out it was listed as a standard elite. Sweet car and easy to drive.
Mar 4, 2010, 10:22 am
#126
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: LAX-- But I'd rather be on Brokeback Mountain. United 1K! Other
Programs: RCC,HHonors Diamond,HGVC Elite,SPG Plat,Hyatt Diamond,Nat'l Emerald Exec Elite, Disney Premier Pass
Posts: 2,472
Oh, FYI- They are changing B-Side around. Now to pickup cars with National you have to go to the right when entering the garage. Before you went to the left. The left side is for all returning cars and the pickup area is to the right of the escalator as you enter the gargage.
The ES aisle had nothing but Grand Marquis' and Town Cars (Bleh) a few minivans and tired Chrysler 300. One of the only newer vehicles on hand were a few Dodge Journeys, which I have not driven before so I took one of those (regular EA). It's not a bad car, at least they are pretty well equipped (sat radio, auto headlights, multiple power ports front and back are few things I like so far). And I like the dark tinted windows in the back cargo area.
Mar 9, 2010, 12:04 pm
#127
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Somewhere cold - preferably up a mountain
Programs: AC Subhuman (*A silver), NW Barely Alive
Posts: 842
EA on Feb 28 (Sunday) A side - HHRs as fare as the eye could see. I had a "standard" reserved - Avengers, HHR, and Sebrings was all there were.
Glad I had a backup with Budget. I drive an Avenger at home; not interested in driving one on a rental.
Glad I had a backup with Budget. I drive an Avenger at home; not interested in driving one on a rental.
Last edited by billybob123; Mar 9, 2010 at 9:32 pm
Mar 10, 2010, 9:58 pm
#128
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 834
Landed at MCO yesterday about 9pm. Plenty of choices on B-Side Executive Section. Saw 2 Volo's, Explorers and Escapes, Jeeps, and my selection a Lincoln MKZ! It only had 3,600 miles on it and was fully loaded! A very nice ride. Too bad I'm returning it tomorrow!
Mar 17, 2010, 9:22 pm
#129
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Park, Metropolis
Programs: AA LT PLT 3MM, Hilton/Marriott/SPG/Club Carlson GLD, IHG PLT
Posts: 4,608
Ok, can I do this or not. Let me know
As a recent and new Emerald Elite, I have a reservation this weekend at MCO. I have fullsize car on hold, upon arrival Friday evening, around 11pm, with Emerald Elite status, can I just go over and grab an SUV or Minivan, if that is what I prefer and need? My weekend trip was supposed to be for only 3 people, but I just found out that there will be a total of 6 people. Rather than going around and changing reservation, etc, I figured with my status that I could get this, is this possible, if so, what car do you suggest for 6 at MCO lot.
Thanks kindly for your suggestions.
Thanks kindly for your suggestions.
Mar 17, 2010, 9:43 pm
#130
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
Otherwise you can be expected to pay the appropriate rate for the car class taken.
Mar 18, 2010, 6:37 am
#131
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: DL - Plat, Marriott - Plat, Hilton - Diamond, SPG- Plat, National- ES
Posts: 1,857
As a recent and new Emerald Elite, I have a reservation this weekend at MCO. I have fullsize car on hold, upon arrival Friday evening, around 11pm, with Emerald Elite status, can I just go over and grab an SUV or Minivan, if that is what I prefer and need? My weekend trip was supposed to be for only 3 people, but I just found out that there will be a total of 6 people. Rather than going around and changing reservation, etc, I figured with my status that I could get this, is this possible, if so, what car do you suggest for 6 at MCO lot.
Thanks kindly for your suggestions.
Thanks kindly for your suggestions.
If you read your package I don't think you get to upgrade to an SUV or Minivan.
If you made an EA reservation then you can takewhate ever is on the Executive Selection Aisle, but that does not allow you to go over to the other aisles.
And beware... they get 'pricey' at MCO. I had a screwup there a few weeks ago and when I drove out they were charging me $268 a DAY for my car. Returned to the airport IMMEDIATELY and got a manager to fix it, but don't go selecting anything and expecting the rate you were quoted.
Mar 18, 2010, 7:31 am
#132
Moderator: GLBT Travelers & Hyatt Gold Passport
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CVG
Posts: 15,300
No, you can't just grab an SUV or Mini-Van off their areas on an ES reservation - that would be self-upgrading. However, you may luck out and find one in the ES area or even if not if you ask a lot attendant they may allow you to do it. Most SUVs won't hold 6 passengers though. Some Fullsize / Premium will - like a Mercury Grand Marquis or even an Impala if it doesn't have a console.
What is acceptable on an ES reservation is to grab a car off Fullsize or less area if they are preferred over what is on ES / EA - that's self-downgrading.
What is acceptable on an ES reservation is to grab a car off Fullsize or less area if they are preferred over what is on ES / EA - that's self-downgrading.