National Emerald Club Executive Elite is the highest tier of National Car Rental's loyalty programme — and it operates on a fundamentally different model from every other car rental elite tier: instead of receiving an assigned or upgraded vehicle, you walk into the Executive Aisle and choose any car in the section at the Midsize rate. Full-size sedans, premium SUVs, luxury models — all at the price of a Midsize booking. This service applies Executive Elite directly for $119, valid through 1 March 2029.
The Executive Aisle: Choose Your Own Vehicle
The Executive Aisle is National's reserved section for Emerald Club Executive and Executive Elite members. The row contains premium and luxury vehicles — typically full-size sedans, premium SUVs, and minivans — all rentable at the Midsize rate regardless of the vehicle's standard rate category. At a busy location like LAX, JFK, or ORD, the Executive Aisle might contain a mix of Toyota Camrys, Chevrolet Blazers, Ford Explorers, and luxury sedans. You walk the row, open any door with your Emerald Club app, and drive away.
There is no counter visit. There is no assigned vehicle. There is no upgrade request. You arrive, scan your app or key card, enter the Executive Aisle, and pick the car you want.
Executive Elite Benefits Beyond Vehicle Choice
- Guaranteed upgrade on full-size and above reservations — on any rental above Midsize, Executive Elite provides a guaranteed one-class upgrade at no charge.
- Free additional driver — waived on every rental. Standard fee is $13–$15/day.
- Fast keyless return — return the vehicle to the lot, leave the keys inside, and go. Email receipt follows automatically. No counter stop needed.
- Emerald Club Premier Selection discounts — enhanced pricing on National's specialty and luxury vehicles beyond the Executive Aisle.
- One free rental day for every 5 rentals — earned faster than lower-tier Emerald Club members.
- Car delivery to select private airports — Executive Elite members at qualifying locations can have a vehicle delivered directly to private FBO terminals.
National vs Enterprise vs Hertz
National's Executive Aisle model is unique. Hertz President's Circle guarantees an upgrade but assigns the vehicle. Enterprise Platinum gives a two-class upgrade at the counter. Only National lets you walk the lot and choose your own car from the upgraded inventory. For frequent renters who value vehicle selection flexibility and consistent skip-counter pickup, Executive Elite is the most distinctive car rental status product available.
Key Benefits
- ✓ Choose any car in the Executive Area — pay Midsize rate
- ✓ Guaranteed upgrade on full-size rentals and above
- ✓ Free rental day after every 5 rentals
- ✓ Complimentary additional driver
- ✓ Special discounts on Premier Selection vehicles
- ✓ Free one-class upgrade on most European rentals
- ✓ Guaranteed car availability with 24-hour notice
- ✓ Car delivery to select private airports
How It Works
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1
Purchase and provide Emerald Club number Complete checkout. Send us your National Emerald Club account number (free to create at nationalcar.com if needed).
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2
Executive Elite applied within 5–10 days National Executive Elite is applied to your account. Status is visible in your Emerald Club profile and app.
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3
Pick any car in the Executive Aisle At any National airport location, proceed directly to the Executive Aisle. Open the app, unlock any car you like, and drive. No counter, no queue, no assigned vehicle.
What You Get
- National Emerald Club Executive Elite — top tier — valid through 1 March 2029
- Choose any car from the Executive Aisle at the Midsize rate — full-size, premium, SUV, luxury all at Midsize pricing
- Skip the counter at every National airport location — no desk queue, no assigned vehicle process
- Guaranteed one-class upgrade on Full-size and above reservations
- Free additional driver on every rental (saves $13–$15/day)
- Fast keyless return — leave keys in the car, receive email receipt automatically
- One free rental day for every 5 rentals (faster than standard Emerald Club)
Requirements
- Existing National Emerald Club account
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really pick any car in the Executive Aisle?
Yes. The Executive Aisle contains all available premium and upgraded vehicles at that location. You walk the row, open the doors with your Emerald Club app or key card, choose the vehicle you want, and drive it to the exit gate. The Midsize rate you booked applies regardless of which car you choose from the aisle.
What kinds of cars are typically in the Executive Aisle?
Executive Aisle inventory varies by location but typically includes full-size sedans (Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry), premium SUVs (Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Explorer), and occasionally luxury sedans. High-demand locations (JFK, LAX, ORD, MIA) generally have more variety; smaller locations may have more limited selection.
Do I need to check in at the counter at all?
No counter visit is required for Executive Elite members at most major airport National locations. You proceed directly to the Executive Aisle, select your vehicle, and pass through the exit gate where your reservation is confirmed electronically with your Emerald Club number.
Does the free rental day accumulate faster at Executive Elite?
Yes. National Emerald Club free rental days are earned after every 5 qualifying rentals for Executive Elite members, versus every 6 for standard Emerald Club. Points also credit at a higher multiplier for Executive Elite.
Is a refund available if status cannot be applied?
Full refund guaranteed if National Executive Elite cannot be processed. Contact us within the 5–10 business day window if you have not received confirmation.
Requires an existing National Emerald Club account (free to create at nationalcar.com). Executive Aisle selection subject to vehicle availability at specific rental location. Valid through 1 March 2029.