You know the feeling. You’ve just landed after a long flight, you’re tired and impatient, and now you have to deal with the hassle of renting a car before you can finally start your vacation or business trip. Not exactly the ideal welcome. But what if we told you that by following a few simple tips, you can breeze through the car rental counter and get on the road in no time? National Car Rental has designed its airport locations to make the experience as seamless as possible. When you reserve in advance and know the tricks to navigating the pick-up and drop-off, renting a car at the airport can actually be one of the smoothest parts of your trip. Read on for our insider guide to stress-free airport rentals with National. By the time you finish this article, you’ll be jumping into your rental car with a smile on your face, ready to hit the open road.
Booking Your National Car Rental Reservation Online for Faster Airport Pickup
When renting a car at the airport, the reservation process can make or break your experience. Follow these tips to breeze through National Car Rental pickup.
Book in Advance
Reserve your National rental car at least a week ahead of your trip. Booking ahead ensures the availability of your preferred vehicle class and saves money. It also speeds up the pickup process.
Provide details like your flight number so the agent can have your paperwork ready when you arrive. Double-check that the name, address, and payment info on your reservation match what’s on your license and credit card.
Use the Express Lane
Take advantage of the Emerald Club Express Lane at National to skip the rental counter. Go straight to your reserved car and you’re on your way in minutes. All you need is the confirmation number from your reservation.
Know Your Car Class Options
Choose between economy, compact, midsize, full-size, premium, luxury, minivans, SUVs, and more. Think about luggage space and seating needs for your group to pick the right size. Compare vehicle details on National’s website to find your perfect match.
Allow Time for Inspection and Fueling
Give yourself at least 30 minutes after landing to get your rental car. You’ll need time to take a quick walk around to note any dents or scratches before driving off. And don’t forget to fuel up—rental cars are usually delivered with less than a full tank.
Following these tips will get your National airport car rental experience off to a smooth start. Now you can relax and enjoy the journey to your destination! Let the adventures begin!
Navigating National Car Rental Shuttle Busses and Check-in Counters
When you arrive at the airport, head straight to the National Car Rental shuttle bus stop. The bright emerald green busses depart about every 10-15 minutes, so you won’t have long to wait.
Once on board, sit back and enjoy the short ride to the National Car Rental check-in counter. Have your reservation number, driver’s license, and payment card handy to speed up the process.
Check-in and Pick Up Your Keys
At the counter, a friendly agent will check you in, verify your details, and hand over the keys to your rental car. Be sure to double-check that the vehicle type, rental dates, and any additional options match what you booked.
Don’t forget to sign the rental agreement, which is a legally binding contract. Then you’re free to head out to the lot and locate your vehicle. Compare the license plate number on your rental agreement to the plates on the car to ensure it’s the right one before hopping in.
Locating Your Rental Car
National Car Rental color codes their lots to make finding your vehicle a breeze. Match the first letter of your last name to the corresponding lot section. For example, last names A would find their cars in the red lot, G-L in the blue lot, and so on.
Within each lot section, cars are organized numerically by the last three digits of your reservation number. So reservation 123 would be in spot 023, and 456 would be in spot 456. Follow the signs to easily navigate the lot and locate your National Car Rental vehicle. In no time, you’ll be on the road and enjoying your trip!
National Car Rental Return Procedures – Drop-Off Tips to Save Time
Returning your rental car at the airport is the final step in your journey. Follow these tips to make the drop-off process quick and painless:
Check if you need to refuel
Some rental companies require you to return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up. Double-check your rental agreement to avoid surprise refueling charges. If needed, fill up the tank within a few miles of the airport.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early
Give yourself plenty of time in case there are delays. Rush hour traffic and long check-in lines can throw off even the best-laid plans. Arriving early will ensure you make your flight and avoid late return fees.
Know where to go
Each rental company has its own drop-off area, so check which lot is specifically for returns. Some may have separate areas for different vehicle sizes or membership levels. Look for prominent signs to guide you to the correct place. If unsure, don’t hesitate to ask an attendant for directions.
Have your paperwork ready
Have your rental agreement, driver’s license, and payment method on hand before approaching the agent. This will speed up the finalizing of your rental charges and issuance of your receipt.
Do a final vehicle inspection
Do a quick once-over of the interior and exterior before meeting the agent. Check that there are no new dents, scratches or damage to report. Remove any trash or personal belongings as additional cleaning fees may apply.
Following these useful tips will ensure your National Car Rental drop-off at the airport goes smoothly. Safe travels!
Conclusion
So there you have it, everything you need to know to breeze through your next airport car rental experience with National. By following these simple hacks, you’ll save time, money, and avoid unnecessary stress. Make that reservation in advance, check-in online, use the Emerald Aisle for a quick vehicle selection, and return the car on time. The days of waiting in long lines and dealing with excessive paperwork are over if you go prepared. Next trip, you’ll be on the road before you know it thanks to streamlining the process. Traveling can be tiring enough, so take advantage of services that make airport adventures as simple as possible. With National by your side, it’s smooth sailing all the way.
