I won my bid on Priceline and got Alamo, how are they ?

[lilasmom]

I posted this on the May rental thread, but I'd like more insight...

I won my bid on Alamo, now what ?
I placed a bid on Priceline for a minivan, we need it 9 days and 3 hours. We are picking up in Orlando and dropping off at Tampa. I got it for $35.00 a day, plus tax it came to $494.90. Is this the best deal you think I could get ? I used Budget last fall and it was pleasant, how's Alamo ? I've never used them. Do they have a program similar to Fastbreak ?

Last question, any chance on finding a coupon and getting them to upgrade us at the counter to a SUV ( like Budget did last year !) ? Thanks !

 

[disneymarie]

I have used Alamo nearly every trip. The web site insider club codes and ressies I had no issue with.
But, the hotwire price they would not add a code or use my insiders for the free second driver.
Exiting booth, I did ask for a courtesy added second driver for 37 yr old adult son, as I did preferred a driver to driving. They gave courtesy for it which the counter check in did not.

I did not think their personalities were anything out going, helpful, or more the to the point....guess that is anywhere anymore.

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

We always prefer to use Alamo when we rent a car. We love them and have never had any issues. I've always had great luck getting upgrades at the counter. However, I've never used Priceline to book so I'm not sure if that would change anything or not.

 

[webworm]

I posted this on the May rental thread, but I'd like more insight...

I won my bid on Alamo, now what ?
I placed a bid on Priceline for a minivan, we need it 9 days and 3 hours. We are picking up in Orlando and dropping off at Tampa. I got it for $35.00 a day, plus tax it came to $494.90. Is this the best deal you think I could get ? I used Budget last fall and it was pleasant, how's Alamo ? I've never used them. Do they have a program similar to Fastbreak ?

Last question, any chance on finding a coupon and getting them to upgrade us at the counter to a SUV ( like Budget did last year !) ? Thanks !

I just checked Budget picking up MCO and dropping TPA for minivan using BCD x474200 (travelocity code) and E-Coupon MUGZ029 for $30 off and total for 9 days 3hrs in May is $442.11 inc taxes after coupon is applied when return vehicle.

 

[gmeh1]

I posted this on the May rental thread, but I'd like more insight...

I won my bid on Alamo, now what ?
I placed a bid on Priceline for a minivan, we need it 9 days and 3 hours. We are picking up in Orlando and dropping off at Tampa. I got it for $35.00 a day, plus tax it came to $494.90. Is this the best deal you think I could get ? I used Budget last fall and it was pleasant, how's Alamo ? I've never used them. Do they have a program similar to Fastbreak ?

Last question, any chance on finding a coupon and getting them to upgrade us at the counter to a SUV ( like Budget did last year !) ? Thanks !

Yes, they have the Insiders. You can join online,but, I don't think it will be applicable to your current reservation. As to a coupon for an upgrade to a SUV, not likely. I am sure you can upgrade, but, you will probably pay for the upgrade.

 

[Lewisc]

The only way you'll get a free upgrade is if they run out of minivans or if they have an upgraded vehicle they want to get over to Tampa. Coupons aren't applicable to a Priceline NYOP booking. I don't think you can use their "quick rent" program. You can try doing online check in.

 

[gmeh1]

The only way you'll get a free upgrade is if they run out of minivans or if they have an upgraded vehicle they want to get over to Tampa. Coupons aren't applicable to a Priceline NYOP booking. I don't think you can use their "quick rent" program. You can try doing online check in.

Right now the one way rentals on a bunch of vehciles are being limited.
You are correct, coupons or upgrades are not applicable to Priceline NYOP bookings. You can try to check in online, but, failing that YOU NEED TO GO TO THE COUNTER (not yellng at you Lewis, just stressing the point) or try the kiosk. Priceline and Hotwire do not provide us with any information about the renter, it has to be done before you hit the garage. This applies on Insiders and Emerald Club as well.

 

[lilasmom]

So, since the one way supply is limited, my best bet of an SUV upgrade is that they are out of minivans?

By the way, I'll never use Priceline for car rental again. They have been anything but helpful. On my contract page, next to taxes and fees, there was a blue "details" button. After agreeing to the contract, I went back and hit the "details" button, expecting well to see details on the taxes and fees I paid for. No, what popped up was a couple of paragraphs on what kind of taxes and fees were involved. I expected a break, so I called Priceline immediately and requested the taxes and fees details. They don't have them and couldn't provide them. I find this very disturbing, I'd like to know where my $145.00 goes. Anyway, after numerous calls and no further information available, I now hate Priceline and wil never use them again.

 

[gmeh1]

So, since the one way supply is limited, my best bet of an SUV upgrade is that they are out of minivans?

By the way, I'll never use Priceline for car rental again. They have been anything but helpful. On my contract page, next to taxes and fees, there was a blue "details" button. After agreeing to the contract, I went back and hit the "details" button, expecting well to see details on the taxes and fees I paid for. No, what popped up was a couple of paragraphs on what kind of taxes and fees were involved. I expected a break, so I called Priceline immediately and requested the taxes and fees details. They don't have them and couldn't provide them. I find this very disturbing, I'd like to know where my $145.00 goes. Anyway, after numerous calls and no further information available, I now hate Priceline and wil never use them again.

You should be able to type your contract number into the Alamo site and view your reservation. That will give you the breakdown. It is doubtful that they will be out of minivans, so, please, don't get your hopes up for a SUV unless you are willing to pay the upgrade charge for one.

 

[lilasmom]

Do I get to pick out my minivan ? What makes and years do they carry ?

 

[eeyoregon]

Alamo is my #1 pick when we go to WDW. I absolutely LOVE their do it yourself kiosks and for the life of me don't understand why anyone would stand in line for an hour at the counter?? I average 6 minutes from the time I step up to the kiosk to having all paperwork in hand and heading for my car. SUPER EASY!

They also have a location at the car center on property should you have any issues with the vehicle.

 

[Lewisc]

So, since the one way supply is limited, my best bet of an SUV upgrade is that they are out of minivans?

By the way, I'll never use Priceline for car rental again. They have been anything but helpful. On my contract page, next to taxes and fees, there was a blue "details" button. After agreeing to the contract, I went back and hit the "details" button, expecting well to see details on the taxes and fees I paid for. No, what popped up was a couple of paragraphs on what kind of taxes and fees were involved. I expected a break, so I called Priceline immediately and requested the taxes and fees details. They don't have them and couldn't provide them. I find this very disturbing, I'd like to know where my $145.00 goes. Anyway, after numerous calls and no further information available, I now hate Priceline and wil never use them again.

Priceline has their own "issues" but you really didn't do your homework. You want an SUV but you bid on a minivan. You were hoping to use an upgrade coupon but it's clear from PLs website coupons aren't applicable.

Priceline gives you the exact amount of the taxes and fees before you submitted your bid. Priceline is clear that they keep the excess above the actual taxes and fees charged by others as an additional Priceline fee. Why would you expect a "break". They're not going to give you a breakdown. The exact amount of the Priceline fee is probably considered a "trade secret".

 

[gmeh1]

Do I get to pick out my minivan ? What makes and years do they carry ?

The offer Chrysler Towne and Country, Dodge Caravans and Kia Sadonas.
They are all current models and with some 2011's here and there.

The "Premium" mini van (which you did not bid on) is a Toyota Sienna. Current model year. They are in limited supply and usually booked solid. Doubtful they would upgrade on a Priceline rental.

Yes, you get to select your vehicle, just like you can select your vehicle with any reservation at MCO. Exceptions would be for Specialty vehicles or the BIG suv's like Suburbans, where only available in limited supply.

 

[gmeh1]

Alamo is my #1 pick when we go to WDW. I absolutely LOVE their do it yourself kiosks and for the life of me don't understand why anyone would stand in line for an hour at the counter?? I average 6 minutes from the time I step up to the kiosk to having all paperwork in hand and heading for my car. SUPER EASY!

They also have a location at the car center on property should you have any issues with the vehicle.

LOL, I definitely agree with you on this. I have watched the line stretch out one door and in the other. It isn't like the kiosks are invisible. I can understand the out of country renters being in line and perhaps some with coupons that cannot be used in the kiosk, but, the everyday US renter could use the kiosk or online checkin and be on their way in no time.

 

[katallo]

Does anyone know if we can use the Kiosk with a BJ discount and a coupon? Hoping we can avoid waiting in line.

 

[gmeh1]

Does anyone know if we can use the Kiosk with a BJ discount and a coupon? Hoping we can avoid waiting in line.

I believe you can. Just in case, have someone stand in the line and you try the kiosk. However, if it is a paper coupon, you will have to use the counter.

 

[katallo]

I believe you can. Just in case, have someone stand in the line and you try the kiosk. However, if it is a paper coupon, you will have to use the counter.

Thank you! Great idea. What is the difference between a fullsize and premium cars at Alamo? I think I read the standard and fullsize are essentially the same.

 

[gmeh1]

Thank you! Great idea. What is the difference between a fullsize and premium cars at Alamo? I think I read the standard and fullsize are essentially the same.

There is a description of the cars on the Alamo site. In reality, all cars are essentially the same.

 

[lilasmom]

Priceline has their own "issues" but you really didn't do your homework. You want an SUV but you bid on a minivan. You were hoping to use an upgrade coupon but it's clear from PLs website coupons aren't applicable.

Priceline gives you the exact amount of the taxes and fees before you submitted your bid. Priceline is clear that they keep the excess above the actual taxes and fees charged by others as an additional Priceline fee. Why would you expect a "break". They're not going to give you a breakdown. The exact amount of the Priceline fee is probably considered a "trade secret".

Lewis, you are correct I did not do my homework on Priceline, this is the first time I've ever used them. The amount of the taxes and fees were shown to me before I accepted, what I didn't know then and what I know now is I'm unable to see a breakdown of what makes up this amount. When I see a link that says details, I expect to see details...every car rental place shows the breakdown.

Where was it made clear to me that Priceline keeps the excess amount ? I assumed they made their money from the supplier, not the booker, my mistake, they won't ever get my money again.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Does anyone know if we can use the Kiosk with a BJ discount and a coupon? Hoping we can avoid waiting in line.

If you use the Alamo coupon code from the BJ website there is no coupon to print. YES you can use the Kiosk. We have done it many times with no issues.