Tell me about Enterprise!

[Nermel9]

Hi everyone,

I'm going to Disney in May and my DH and I always rent a car, and we always use Alamo, with a Costco discount. I've been checking for months, and Alamo hasn't dropped below $180. However, a couple of days ago, Enterprise had a good price, $107. I booked it, but I don't know anything about Enterprise and I have some questions...

1. Our flight arrives at MCO at 9:30 am and departs at 8:00 pm, so I booked the car from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm...if our flight is late arriving, or we drop the car off early when we are leaving, do they charge you for that? That's what we usually do with Alamo and it's never been a problem.

2. Do they put a hold on your credit card? And if so, how much? I never really understand credit card holds when booking a car, do they put a hold of a certain amount AND charge your card whatever your paying for the car, or do you pay when you return it? Again, I can't remember if Alamo does this, I feel like when we get the car and leave MCO, it's already paid for.

3. This isn't a big deal, but they don't let you pick out your car, do you?

Thanks in advance!

 

[gmeh1]

Hi everyone,

I'm going to Disney in May and my DH and I always rent a car, and we always use Alamo, with a Costco discount. I've been checking for months, and Alamo hasn't dropped below $180. However, a couple of days ago, Enterprise had a good price, $107. I booked it, but I don't know anything about Enterprise and I have some questions...

1. Our flight arrives at MCO at 9:30 am and departs at 8:00 pm, so I booked the car from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm...if our flight is late arriving, or we drop the car off early when we are leaving, do they charge you for that? That's what we usually do with Alamo and it's never been a problem.

2. Do they put a hold on your credit card? And if so, how much? I never really understand credit card holds when booking a car, do they put a hold of a certain amount AND charge your card whatever your paying for the car, or do you pay when you return it? Again, I can't remember if Alamo does this, I feel like when we get the car and leave MCO, it's already paid for.

3. This isn't a big deal, but they don't let you pick out your car, do you?

Thanks in advance!

Enterprise owns Alamo and National. The three companies share cars. The clock starts ticking when you pick up the car. Dropping off early will not cause a problem, nor will being late.
From the Enterprise site: Most North American Airport locations will require a deposit in the amount of the rental plus 20%. This amount will be held as an authorization on your credit or debit card at the time of rental. The use of a debit card is allowed with proof of a return flight itinerary. If you are booking on-line, the deposit amount for the location of your rental will be given in the reservation details.

You don't pay when you book, you pay when you pick up. Alamo charges when you return the car with just the amount of the rental put on hold. National charges your card when you pick up the car.

 

[LaurenT]

i've used Enterprise many times, never had any problems. And, while they don't have an "emerald aisle", they did let me pick from the cars available in my category.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

The clock starts ticking when you pick up the car. Dropping off early will not cause a problem, nor will being late.

I think you're oversimplying the situation of early drop off or late pick-up. If your pick and/or drop off times change, it can impact your rate if it changes the number of days or requirements for the original rate (ie. Saturday keep). If you are renting for 5 days you most likely would have a weekly rate, if between a delayed pickup and early drop off you manage to only secure 4 days, your rate can and will most likely be adjusted to a higher daily rental rate as you no longer qualify for the original rate.

Now in most cases this is not an issue with weekly rentals as usually people keep vehicles 6 - 7 days, but if you're close to the cut-off of a weekly versus daily rate, be careful.