Car hire

[mickeyforpresident]

I'm thinking of booking an Toyota Corolla or similar
Midsize 4-Door/Automatic/Air

This is through Alamo

It's clearly going to be fine for me, DW and 2 kids (13, 6) but will it fit 4 suitcases in for the journey to the hotel? The logos on the website suggest not, but in reality will it?

Also, the Alamo website offers car seats only upto 5 YO, my son will turn 7 whilst there, so does that mean he doesn't need a seat (even though he does here?) I'm a little confused!


Thanks...

[OldKeyWelsh]

If you go for a midsize car, then you will have a choice of makes and models to choose from and you can try your cases in any of them before you finally choose. Be aware that the Alamo rep who serves you will try to convince you that there is no way on earth that you will fit all your luggage into your chosen category of vehicle. Ignore him and check for yourself.

[wayneg]

How long you going for? Just checked 2 weeks from 29th July
Intermediate £246
SUV £267
Full Size £277

Taking cashback into account its less than £20 to upgrade to SUV or £30 for a Full size.
Is it worth the risk to be ripped off locally if you have to upgrade, they will be looking to charge you those figures per day not for the whole 2 weeks.

Easter 2008 we were 2 adults and 2 teens for a 2 week trip, we hired full size and got a Dodge Charger, we only just managed with luggage, it really was a struggle. Maybe you would be lucky and get an intermediate with big trunk but I wouldn't want to try.

Florida Laws for Child seats:
Florida law requires children under 5 years of age to be properly restrained no matter where they are seated in the vehicle. Children through age 3 must be secured in a separate carrier (child safety seat) or in a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child safety seat. For children ages 4 - 5, a separate carrier, an integrated child safety seat, or a safety belt may be used. If a safety belt does not fit the child correctly, a booster set should be used to correctly position the lap and shoulder belts once they outgrow forward facing child safety seats (generally at about 40 pounds and 4 years old). Children from approximately 40-80 pounds and under 4'9" in height should ride in a booster seat.

Infants must ride rear-facing until they are at least one year old and weigh 20 pounds or more. Rear-facing, the infant should be semi-upright at an angle or no more than 45 degrees. A forward-facing older child should ride sitting upright.

Never place a child in a child safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger air bag. Always use the back seat.

Violation of the child restraint law carries a fine of $60 and 3 points on the driving record.

[mickeyforpresident]

Wayne,

Where are you looking? We fly 30th July, fly back 17th August.
Thanks,

[wayneg]

Originally Posted by mickeyforpresident

Wayne,

Where are you looking? We fly 30th July, fly back 17th August.
Thanks,

Best prices I see seem to be thru this link giving 15% discount http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other...worldwide.html

You follow the instructions in post #3 and get cashback(Not sure what rate it will track at, anywhere between 5-10%, depends if they class the discount as a code)

Without cashback the rates are:
Intermediate (4dr) £285.60
SUV £321.30
Full Size £323.00

I am waiting until the 21st May to book, they are having a 25% sale on Florida Bookings http://www.holidayautos.co.uk/sale/
No idea if it will work in conjunction with the 15% link(and cashback) but I am going to give it a go.

[dixonsontour]

Car seat laws are alot laxer in US.

Personally I take a booster for DD as she needs one here.

If you don't want to take one in the case they do a trunki backpack that acts as a booster or an inflatable one called a bubble bum.

Or pick one up in walmart for about $15 and leave it behind.

[mickeyforpresident]

Thanks Wayne - the 21st May thing sounds a good deal!

Does anyone know how much they'll hold on a Debit Card if you can't provide a credit card...

[rex008]

The holiday autos thing looks good on the 21st. Good suggestion that, thanks Wayne. Might wait to see what they do then. I've got to find something for 20/10 to 3/11 (probably Premium/Luxury saloon, with me+wife driving).

Any idea which company they usually use for Orlando MCO?

[wayneg]

Originally Posted by rex008

Any idea which company they usually use for Orlando MCO?

Rented thru them a couple of times, both were with Alamo. Not sure they use anyone else.