National/ Alamo FAQs and Questions
#1171
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: 23,194
Does anyone know whether or not National at STL shares the fleet with Alamo? I have rented there before, but it was three years ago and I don't quit remember the setup (it was also late at night so I wasn't able to get a good look around). From the reports elsewhere on this forum it looks like selection can be spotty (I am executive), so I am considering a backup reservation with Alamo in case there isn't anything on the ES that I want. Thx
#1172
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: YQR
Posts: 2,741
They are collocated and a quick check of photos on Google shows the parking stall signs are co-branded, so I would assume that yes, they share a fleet.
#1173
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 53
Hi, i've read the FAQ but still have a quick newbie question -
I've signed up with National and have Executive Elite status via my credit card.
I will be doing either one long rental (say 3 weeks) or a series of shorter rentals in April next year from Orlando (MCO). I will need at least a full size or ideally mid size SUV to fit large 3 suitcases in without too much hassle - a couple of years back i hired a BMW X3 via SIXT for 28 days and that was great! (although it cost me as i bought one afterwards!)
My question is whether i should book a mid size SUV - if i do, can i still choose something better/different from the Executive aisle? if i book mid size am i guaranteed to at least get a full size?
Also, do National do one way drive out deals from Florida to north east states?
Many Thanks
I've signed up with National and have Executive Elite status via my credit card.
I will be doing either one long rental (say 3 weeks) or a series of shorter rentals in April next year from Orlando (MCO). I will need at least a full size or ideally mid size SUV to fit large 3 suitcases in without too much hassle - a couple of years back i hired a BMW X3 via SIXT for 28 days and that was great! (although it cost me as i bought one afterwards!)
My question is whether i should book a mid size SUV - if i do, can i still choose something better/different from the Executive aisle? if i book mid size am i guaranteed to at least get a full size?
Also, do National do one way drive out deals from Florida to north east states?
Many Thanks
#1174
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York suburbs
Posts: 4,207
In recent years, National has shunted the one-way specials to their Alamo and Enterprise affiliates. Same airport locations, same cars, same prices. But no National choose-your-free-upgrade benefits. The closest you can get is National rental credits earned through Enterprise, and lower taxes if picked up at a neighborhood store. Sometimes the special pricing does extend to National, but it tends to be added relatively late, and often only for returns to select regions.
#1175
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
That's a misread of the Exec upgrade benefit. Book full size and pay the rate for midsize. The upgrade doesn't work for specialty car classes like SUVs - only full size, premium, luxury.
If you're booking around the major holidays or school breaks you should book what you need, be prepared to wait, or make a double booking. Exec offerings can be slim. Everybody at MCO wants a family-friendly vehicle (minivan/SUV) without paying for it.
If you're booking around the major holidays or school breaks you should book what you need, be prepared to wait, or make a double booking. Exec offerings can be slim. Everybody at MCO wants a family-friendly vehicle (minivan/SUV) without paying for it.
#1176
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 53
That's a misread of the Exec upgrade benefit. Book full size and pay the rate for midsize. The upgrade doesn't work for specialty car classes like SUVs - only full size, premium, luxury.
If you're booking around the major holidays or school breaks you should book what you need, be prepared to wait, or make a double booking. Exec offerings can be slim. Everybody at MCO wants a family-friendly vehicle (minivan/SUV) without paying for it.
If you're booking around the major holidays or school breaks you should book what you need, be prepared to wait, or make a double booking. Exec offerings can be slim. Everybody at MCO wants a family-friendly vehicle (minivan/SUV) without paying for it.
#1177
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 24
A few months ago I booked a reservation for MCO over spring break next year. It was $221 and some change for a midsize. I'm an Emerald Executive member. Recently, when double checking my reservation I found that the new total is $0.00. Has anyone had expereince with this?
I need my husband (same last name, same address on our drivers' licenses) to be an authorized driver, which should be free, but it says it's $15 a day on their website. I'm assuming that it's free at the counter (which I was hoping to bypass). I'm curious about the $0.00 total though.
I need my husband (same last name, same address on our drivers' licenses) to be an authorized driver, which should be free, but it says it's $15 a day on their website. I'm assuming that it's free at the counter (which I was hoping to bypass). I'm curious about the $0.00 total though.
#1178
Company Representative - AutoSlash and HotelSlash
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: autoslash.com | hotelslash.com
Posts: 5,657
A few months ago I booked a reservation for MCO over spring break next year. It was $221 and some change for a midsize. I'm an Emerald Executive member. Recently, when double checking my reservation I found that the new total is $0.00. Has anyone had expereince with this?
I need my husband (same last name, same address on our drivers' licenses) to be an authorized driver, which should be free, but it says it's $15 a day on their website. I'm assuming that it's free at the counter (which I was hoping to bypass). I'm curious about the $0.00 total though.
I need my husband (same last name, same address on our drivers' licenses) to be an authorized driver, which should be free, but it says it's $15 a day on their website. I'm assuming that it's free at the counter (which I was hoping to bypass). I'm curious about the $0.00 total though.
With regard to the additional driver benefit, we can't say with certainty whether the fee will be waived on a prepaid reservation. While it's a standard feature for spouses to drive for free for Emerald members, the fact that it's a prepaid reservation could negate that. We've had experience with that in the past, but full disclosure, the renter was trying to add a non-spouse as the additional driver, so it may be different for a spouse.
#1179
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 24
Did you prepay for the reservation? If you prepaid then it would show as $0 on National's website. You should be able to bypass the counter regardless since your Emerald Exec benefits are tied to your driver's license number. The reservation will be associated with your Emerald account at the exit booth.
With regard to the additional driver benefit, we can't say with certainty whether the fee will be waived on a prepaid reservation. While it's a standard feature for spouses to drive for free for Emerald members, the fact that it's a prepaid reservation could negate that. We've had experience with that in the past, but full disclosure, the renter was trying to add a non-spouse as the additional driver, so it may be different for a spouse.
With regard to the additional driver benefit, we can't say with certainty whether the fee will be waived on a prepaid reservation. While it's a standard feature for spouses to drive for free for Emerald members, the fact that it's a prepaid reservation could negate that. We've had experience with that in the past, but full disclosure, the renter was trying to add a non-spouse as the additional driver, so it may be different for a spouse.
#1180
Company Representative - AutoSlash and HotelSlash
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: autoslash.com | hotelslash.com
Posts: 5,657
#1181
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: TUS
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 35
Question, I hit my 12th rental on 12/24, this is noted in my profile but my status has not changed. Is there generally a lag when moving up a tier or should I call and see if there is an issue? Thanks.
#1183
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 4
Wanted to provide an update. I called and spoke with the branch manager directly.
He advised that there are 4 available during my dates and he’d go ahead and secure one for me! Of course, my Executive elite status might have had a play.
He advised that there are 4 available during my dates and he’d go ahead and secure one for me! Of course, my Executive elite status might have had a play.