National Car Rental — Local services in Kansas City

Another great rental experience was had at a National facility!

Two weeks ago I was at this same airport (MCI) and was ‘forced’ to use Avis, as National didn’t have anything available and that was a horrible experience! I’ll not use them again, even tho I have status via my American Airlines Executive Platinum status. I even gave them a poor review and they did the obligatory response, which I replied to but they didn’t answer. But not with National! I used to solely use Avis for many years, but 3 years ago I switched to National and it’s been AMAZING ever since!!!

This recent rental was as expected when I arrived at the MCI car rental facility… I was able to grab what I wanted from the Executive Emerald Isle (which I love!). Getting out was efficient and quick and the vehicle I chose had barely 1,000 miles on it!!

Coming back was the only issue/concern I had…. The nearby gas station (as MCI) wasn’t open yet and the pumps weren’t working that early (even tho it was a little before 5:30AM)… So, I brought the vehicle back needing gas. I know this isn’t National’s problem, but they need to force the local gas station to either be open or have their pumps operational via credit card on a 24x7 basis. The other issue – When I brought the truck back, the guy checking me in was friendly, but he was inspecting it like he was buying it, even checked the depth on the front tire tread – something I’ve never seen before. I just felt like he was looking for a problem to report – this concerns me! I had an issue once, years ago with a Thrifty who did this and made an issue of existing damage (which I fought and won).

Overall, I do love National and will continue to use them! But the check-in and gas (even tho it's not Nat'l, I feel they can indirectly "control" this) are the reason for...

I use National Rental Car quite regularly, but had the worst experience I've ever had with NRC at the KC Airport. Rented a car over the 4th of July Holiday (which I get is a busy time) for a family trip.

First, there was no one working on behalf of National rental car at the desk or outside (at least while I was walking around for 30 min). I had to go to Alamo to get assistance (as I eventually saw from a small sign on the NRC desk). Naturally there was long lines and the Alamo folks seemed to be ill prepared for NRC standard procedure questions.

The car selection was mostly terrible. Again, I get that it's a busy time, but I've traveled with NRC on previous holidays and never had such a bad selection -- especially with an Executive level status.

The last and most troubling item: Was traveling for the first time with our 9 month old and opted to rent a car seat instead of bring our own. This turned out to be a regrettable decision, as they didn't have the car seat size I rented/reserved. After much back and forth, I had to settle for a car seat that was too small for my kid -- not exactly safe. The car seat I got also seemed dated and low quality, IMO.

After all this, I called NRC to complain and ended up speaking to someone who mostly appeared car less about my experience and the concern with the incorrect car seat size.

Ultimately, this was a horrible experience and I hope it was just one time thing. If I was choosing a rental car company in the future solely based on this experience, I'd never use NRC again.

Update Emailed the indicated email address in the "Response from the owner" with the requested information, but never got a response... impressive. Officially will never rent from this NRC...

The process of picking up the car was great. The rental location isn’t too far from the airport. Plenty of cars to choose from. Here is where it gets sketchy.

Upon making my reservation it stated if I need a specific car to pay more money. There were hundreds of cars to choose from. This was uncalled for.

The car on the inside was perfect. But the outside was never washed. Other cars were but this one was not. I picked it because it had four wheel drive and it had snowed the day before. I picked it so it’s on me.

Return process was great. Organized and easy. Alina was courteous and made me feel welcome and like she was truly interested in me.

Then the biggest problem. I forgot prescription sunglasses in the car’s console. When I realized it I was at the terminal and we were starting to board. This is where the biggest problem is. There is no number to call the branch location and check the car immediately. You call a lost and found number and it’s all automated. It’s been three days and no one has called me back. $600 pair of prescription sunglasses gone. It sucks. My fault. But how can you not call the office. They obviously have a phone. Customer service says they don’t. Are you trying to tell me that the area manager the gm and the regional vice president can’t call the location? Are you serious? This was really frustrating as this was the first time I left something behind. They are ray ban gold rimmed sunglasses. But they are only going to be useful if you have my same prescription. And if they don’t they will spend $100-200 to get the lenses put in. Or, sadly l, throw them away. I am just blown away at the lack of help when you leave...