National Car Rental

- 5201 S Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73119

For residents and frequent travelers across Oklahoma City, reliable and efficient access to car rental services is often a critical component of their personal and professional lives. Whether you're a business traveler consistently on the go, a local navigating temporary vehicle needs, or an Oklahoman welcoming visitors, a dependable car rental solution is essential. National Car Rental, a brand highly regarded by business travelers for its speed and selection, has a significant presence at 5201 S Meridian Ave in Oklahoma City, located at the Will Rogers World Airport (OKC). This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of this particular National Car Rental location, drawing from available public information and insights from local customer experiences to help you, as an Oklahoman, make an informed decision about your car rental needs.

In Oklahoma, we value businesses that deliver on their promises and provide consistent, high-quality service. National Car Rental has historically been a strong contender in this regard, particularly for its Emerald Club program. We will delve into the convenient location and accessibility of this airport branch, outline the diverse range of services typically offered by National, and critically examine the features and highlights, as well as recent challenges, noted by actual customers. By presenting a balanced perspective, we hope to give you a comprehensive understanding of what to expect from this National Car Rental facility at OKC.

Understanding the nuances of an airport rental location, especially through the experiences of fellow Oklahomans, can provide invaluable foresight. This ensures that your choice for a car rental aligns perfectly with your expectations for efficiency, vehicle availability, and overall customer satisfaction.

The National Car Rental branch is conveniently located at 5201 S Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73119, USA. This address places it directly within the consolidated rental car facility at Will Rogers World Airport (OKC). Its location at the airport is a significant advantage for travelers flying into Oklahoma City, as well as for locals who might find it convenient to pick up or drop off a vehicle at this major transportation hub.

Accessibility to this location is generally excellent. Upon arrival at Will Rogers World Airport, customers can follow clear signage for Ground Transportation to the airport shuttle bus area. A dedicated shuttle service provides transportation from the terminal directly to the consolidated rental car facility, where the National counter is located. This shuttle service typically operates 24 hours a day, ensuring access regardless of flight times. For those arriving by personal vehicle for a local rental, S Meridian Avenue provides straightforward access to the airport entrance and the rental car facility. The integrated nature of the airport facility means that all major rental brands, including National, are housed in one convenient location, streamlining the pick-up and drop-off process for travelers and locals alike.

National Car Rental, being a prominent player in the industry, offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to cater to various customer needs, especially focusing on efficiency for frequent travelers. This Oklahoma City airport location typically provides:

• Extensive Vehicle Fleet: Customers can choose from a broad selection of vehicles, ranging from fuel-efficient economy and compact cars to mid-size and full-size sedans. The fleet also includes various sizes of SUVs, minivans for larger groups, and premium or luxury vehicles. This wide range ensures that specific needs, whether for business or leisure, can be met.
• Emerald Club Program: A key highlight of National is its Emerald Club loyalty program. This program is particularly beneficial for frequent renters, offering perks such as counter bypass, allowing members to go directly to the Emerald Aisle (or Executive Aisle for higher tiers) and choose their own vehicle from a selection of available cars. This significantly speeds up the rental process.
• Flexible Rental Durations: National accommodates various rental periods, from daily and weekend rentals to weekly and long-term monthly options, providing flexibility for diverse travel and personal requirements.
• One-Way Rentals: For customers planning to pick up a vehicle in Oklahoma City and return it to a different National location, either within Oklahoma or in another state, one-way rental services are generally available, offering convenience for varied itineraries.
• Optional Equipment and Protection: Customers can opt for additional amenities and coverage, including GPS navigation systems, child safety seats (infant, child, and booster seats are often available), and various protection plans such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP), Personal Accident Coverage (PEC), and Roadside Plus (RSP).
• Fuel Service Options: National typically offers multiple fuel options: Prepay Fuel (purchase a full tank upfront), We Refill (National refuels and charges you for the gas plus a service fee), or You Refill (return the car with a full tank).
• Corporate Account Services: For businesses and their employees, National offers specialized corporate accounts with negotiated rates and streamlined billing, making it a preferred choice for many companies.
• After-Hours Service: As an airport location, the facility typically offers convenient after-hours drop-off, where customers can park the vehicle and deposit keys in a designated drop box, with the understanding that they remain responsible for the vehicle until formal check-in on the next business day.

The customer reviews for National Car Rental at 5201 S Meridian Ave (Will Rogers World Airport) present a stark contrast, highlighting both exceptional strengths and recent concerning trends:

• Exceptional Managerial Customer Service: A major highlight is the praise for the on-site management. Earl Styles, a long-time National customer, enthusiastically states that the manager "demonstrated exceptional professionalism and a willingness to accommodate my needs. She was fantastic!" This indicates a high level of dedication and customer focus from leadership at this specific branch, especially for frequent travelers.
• Strong Recommendation for Frequent Travelers: Earl Styles, a "frequent traveler for work" with "over 21 years as a National customer," highly recommends this location, rating it "among the finest I've experienced." This speaks volumes for its ability to meet the demanding needs of business travel.
• Extensive Fleet Availability (Historically): The positive review mentions National's "extensive fleet of vehicles," which is a core feature of the brand and traditionally a strong point, particularly for Emerald Club members who value vehicle choice.
• Recent Decline in Service and Availability: Conversely, another long-term customer notes a "rapidly downhill" trend in the "last 2-3 months." This points to recent, significant operational issues.
• Empty Lots and Personnel Issues: The customer specifically mentions that "Most of the time the lots are almost empty" and "the constant re-shuffling of the personnel has left the Will Rogers location at a disappointing state." This suggests severe inventory management problems and potential staff instability impacting the customer experience, particularly the "choice" aspect of Emerald Aisle.
• Switching to Competitors: Due to the decline, the dissatisfied customer has "since moved to Avis next door and it was fantastic the way National used to be. For now I am staying with Avis." This is a critical indicator of customer dissatisfaction and a loss of loyalty due to recent service degradation.
• "Unparalleled Customer Service" (Historical vs. Recent): While Earl Styles praises "unparalleled customer service," the more recent review contradicts this, suggesting a decline in overall customer experience at the location, despite the potential for excellent individual interactions.

For direct communication with the National Car Rental branch at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, here is their contact information:

Address: 5201 S Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73119, USA

Phone: (405) 685-4193

Mobile Phone: +1 405-685-4193

It is always advisable to contact the branch directly to confirm their current hours of operation, specific vehicle availability, especially if you are an Emerald Club member expecting a choice, and any particular policies that may apply to your rental. While online reservations through the National website are convenient, a direct call can help clarify specific needs or address any recent concerns about service or fleet availability before your visit.

For locals in the Oklahoma region, particularly those who frequently travel or rely on car rentals from Will Rogers World Airport, the National Car Rental location at 5201 S Meridian Ave presents a nuanced picture of suitability. Historically, and for loyal customers like Earl Styles, this branch has been exemplary, showcasing "exceptional professionalism" from management and a commitment to customer accommodation. Its position within the airport's consolidated rental car facility offers unparalleled convenience for air travelers, with a dedicated 24-hour shuttle service. For frequent business travelers accustomed to the Emerald Club benefits of quick pick-up and vehicle choice, National has traditionally been a top-tier option.

However, more recent feedback indicates a concerning shift. Reports of "almost empty" lots and a "disappointing state" due to "constant re-shuffling of the personnel" suggest significant challenges in vehicle availability and consistent service quality. The fact that a long-standing customer has switched to a competitor ("Avis next door") due to these recent declines is a strong indicator that the branch may currently be struggling to maintain its historically high standards.

Therefore, while the core value proposition of National, especially for Emerald Club members, remains strong, prospective Oklahoman renters should approach this specific location with a degree of caution and perhaps adjust their expectations based on recent trends. For those prioritizing efficiency and premium service, it might still be worth trying, especially if you can confirm vehicle availability beforehand. However, for those seeking guaranteed choice or a consistently smooth experience as highlighted in older reviews, being aware of the recent downturns and perhaps having a backup plan with a neighboring rental company could be prudent for ensuring a stress-free car rental experience in Oklahoma City.

National Car Rental

5201 S Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73119, USA