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Birmingham, AL

North America

United States

# Overview
National Car Rental, a car rental service located at 5900 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL, offers a variety of vehicles for travelers. Known for its convenient location near the Birmingham Airport, it provides easy access for those arriving or departing. Customers appreciate the straightforward process of selecting vehicles directly from the lot, although experiences can vary widely. The service aims to cater to both business and leisure travelers, ensuring a range of options to meet diverse needs.

## History
National Car Rental has established itself as a prominent name in the car rental industry. Founded in 1947, it has evolved significantly over the decades. Key milestones include:
- 1947: Establishment of National Car Rental.
- 2007: Acquisition by Enterprise Holdings, expanding its reach.
- Continuous adaptation to customer needs and technological advancements in the rental process.

The brand has influenced car rental practices by introducing innovations such as the Emerald Aisle, allowing customers to choose their vehicles directly. Its commitment to customer service has shaped its reputation, making it a preferred choice for many travelers.

## Community
National Car Rental actively engages with the Birmingham community. It partners with local businesses and organizations to enhance its service offerings. Events such as travel expos and community fairs are often supported by the company, promoting local tourism and travel. Sustainability initiatives are also part of their strategy, focusing on reducing their carbon footprint through efficient fleet management and eco-friendly practices. Voices from the community highlight the importance of reliable transportation options for both residents and visitors.

## Offerings
National Car Rental provides a range of offerings tailored to meet the needs of its customers. Key features include:
- A diverse fleet of vehicles, including SUVs and sedans.
- The Emerald Aisle, allowing customers to select their preferred vehicle.
- Competitive pricing and various rental packages.
- Facilities that include easy vehicle return processes and customer service support.
- Customization options for long-term rentals and corporate accounts.

Travelers can explore various packages that cater to different needs, ensuring a seamless rental experience.

## Pros and Cons
Customer reviews of National Car Rental reveal a mix of strengths and weaknesses:
- **Strengths:**
  - Convenient location near the airport.
  - Friendly and helpful staff, with notable mentions of employees like Brooklyn and Aleiyah M.
  - Smooth check-in process for many customers.

- **Weaknesses:**
  - Inconsistent service experiences, with some customers reporting long wait times.
  - Issues with billing and vehicle condition checks.
  - Lack of an Emerald Aisle at some locations, leading to confusion.

Overall, while many customers praise the service, others express frustration over specific experiences, highlighting the need for consistent quality.

## Location & Nearby
Located in Birmingham, AL, National Car Rental is situated conveniently for travelers arriving at the Birmingham Airport. The surrounding area offers a mix of urban and suburban environments, providing easy access to local attractions and amenities. Visitors can explore nearby parks, dining options, and cultural sites, making it a strategic base for both leisure and business travel.

## Visit National Car Rental Today
If you're in need of a reliable car rental service in Birmingham, AL, National Car Rental is worth considering. With a focus on customer service and a variety of vehicle options, it aims to meet the needs of every traveler. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, the convenient location and friendly staff can enhance your travel experience. Check out their offerings and make your reservation today!

39516540-c860-45fb-be87-0430eecd8552

so slow, seems like the workers have no clue what they're doing. having 3 people work on 1 family's car while there's a line of 6 other families and not acknowledging them..

c76216c9-ea68-48cd-8f3e-778a7de7712b

This was a 5 star rating all around. First of all, I come here regularly and travel regularly so I'm comparing my experience to other experiences. I've always had better service with National in general. The check in process is so smooth and I never have an issue. Today was exceptional service. Brooklyn helped me get the car returned and she was a breath of fresh air even for this 5 star place. She was service oriented, friendly and helpful. I left my journal in the car and she RAN to make sure she gave it to me directly before I went into the terminal. Thank you National for hiring this young woman- she is going places. Thank you Brooklyn for going above and beyond! Because of my great experiences overall with National, I try my best to only give them my business when I have a choice.

cd9530b7-511a-49b3-a733-1b6aca1fc5f8

When I thought the service at the gem of the Nationa Rental chain couldn't get any better, along comes Aleiyah M. What a pleasant person to have to provide the excellent service that one would expect from customer service. She made a complicated issue for me very simple. When a person goes out of their way to accommodate me I feel someone if not everyone needs to know. Thanks again to the great Birmingham Airport National Car Rental Center crew. Kudos to Aleiyah M, Alicia F, and Ms. Gwen

e6e098a0-400c-4848-a4f0-2fddde450a1e

I am a National Car rental customer for life. I say that not tongue and cheek. I say that because you are treated like you are the only customer in the world. Kudos to the whole staff for making me feel that way. I have options, if I could I would us this location for all of my rental car needs. I wish all National, Enterprise locations could visit the Birmingham Airpot location and view how/what customer service should look like. Special shout out to Gwen and Kai (sic).

e689cf19-2d47-4527-9338-df6d6a7f2a7e

No executive isle but they do let you select your vehicle from the selection. One week it was decent, another week it was junk. Seems hit or miss but a smaller airport can't have high expectations. Overall customer service was decent. Had a brand new car one week, 4 miles on it. When a car isn't registered it just has a plate that says 'tags applied for'. I was skeptical but the week worked out fine. Threw me off as I am used to temporary paper plates. Just sharing as FYI.

9ea47609-0bfe-4d5d-ad3d-15a8c08afaf0

This location doesn't have an Emerald Aisle, so when you arrive you'll bypass the counter and go straight to the garage. When you get there, wait in a small queue at the booth. The gal there said that I could pick any car that I could see - I took a Dodge Charger. Be warned that there are several cars with "Tag applied for" and that to me is a blinking neon light that says "I'm not from around here". Returning the car was easy - pull into a space and get your receipt. It should always be this easy.

dd1d804e-0c9b-459e-8ea2-fd7c2c012eae

They did not properly check in my car when returned and charged me an additional 307.90 for an extra day that I didn't even use. When returning your car make sure you take pictures, record time stamps and make sure someone checks your car in as a return right then and there. When I went to return my vehicle there was a line of vehicles and nobody at the booth. I had to physically walk up and return my key. Worker which I messed up and didn't get his name said your all set you'll receive an email. I didn't receive an email at all instead I received an additional charge of $307!!! So me knowing my finances thinking I have a certain amount of money on my credit card I went to fill up my truck after work for my car to get declined. So now I'm stuck at a gas station with this charge and a bunch of embarrassment. Thanks National, really appreciate the last 4 days of penny pinching after purchasing gifts and paying bills for my family on Christmas.

7c68ea4f-49ea-4e6f-a82d-f1ea48b39bd0

I like how easy it is to get to the rental cars from the Birmingham airport - walk across the airport pickup/drop off road and tada! They had a mid-size SUV in the Emerald Aisle waiting for me. The only strange thing is they make you check over your own car for dents, dings and scrapes then sign off on it before you leave. All the other National locations I've dealt with do that for you. Oh well.

5607f0e1-030c-4193-a3ba-42aab633960e

I've been Executive Elite with National for several years. Three weeks ago I rented a one way from Birmingham to Atlanta. I asked about an Infiniti and they told me it would be an upgrade charge. I told them "no, my company won't pay for upgrades." I then asked about a mustang and they said "sure, we can do that for you." Once I got on the road and looked at the receipt, I saw they charged me for an upgrade. I immediately called customer service and was told, after being on hold for far to long, "no problem, we'll get that corrected". Of course, the bill remained the same and I never heard back from them. After 3 customer service emails from their website (which still haven't been responded to) and two more phone calls which i was on hold a total of 34 minutes, I was told that it was a local branch decision and they don't have a phone number so I couldn't call them to discuss. Basically "you're out of luck". Well turns out THEY were out of luck on their scam because I live in Birmingham. I drove an hour round trip back to the location and confronted them directly. Even after recounting the initial interaction the branch manage Matt Wallace (via telephone - turns out they do have a phone) advised he remembers me authorizing the charge but gave the poor guy onsite permission to remove it to get rid of me. Mr. Wallace either has a bad memory or is unscrupulous - refusing to every speak to me directly, hiding behind " no telephones" and his employee, tells me it's likely the latter. Anyhow, as soon as I got home, I signed up for Hertz Gold. Time to start building status again. Oh well. Bottom line, check your bill BEFORE you leave the location. Otherwise, they will jerk you around.

5b097faa-e700-4cd7-9890-1fb931860d5a

Average National outlet. They have a Emerald aisle in the parking garage across from the terminal. Upon returning your car they really inspect your car for any damages. They open at 5 a. m. They do not have Executive aisle. You have to be assigned a car from the booth in the garage.

Discover convenient car rental at National Car Rental in Birmingham, AL. Perfect for exploring the city and beyond. Reserve your ride today and hit the road!

National Car Rental Birmingham Airport - Convenient Vehicle Rentals

Birmingham

National Car Rental

Alabama

Rent a vehicle hassle-free at National Car Rental, Birmingham AL. Perfect for travelers! Close to Birmingham Airport, easy booking & great service.

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