? about Alamo

[cinmell]

I usually book National b/c of the ease of EA but their rates are way too high for my dates in August.

I was able to get a decent rate with Alamo and I also became an Alamo Insiders member. I've never used them before so here is my question. My reservation says: Take the elevator down to the first level, Alamo is located in the middle of the first floor in the airport terminal. Proceed to the counter obtain your rental agreement and vehicle keys. My Alamo Insiders id is on the reservation.

However, Mousesavers says this on their page: At Orlando airport (MCO), Alamo Insiders membership allows you to go straight out to the parking garage, pick your car from the row with the size you've reserved, and show your Insiders card, driver's license and credit card at the exit booth. You do not need to go to the counter or the rental kiosk first.

So I'm confused. If I provide my credit card info online, can I go to directly to the garage or do I have to stop at a counter or kiosk? Will the keys be in the vehicle like they are on EA? I'm guessing there are certain rows/sections for Alamo Insiders?

 

[MEF01]

I'm glad you asked this because I was wondering the very same thing. Ressie says to take elevator to Alamo and go to either the counter or kiosk. I read on msavers you can proceed directly to the aisle, choose your car from your reserved class and off to the exit booth you go.

Also, as an alamo insider, you are supposed to be able to add your spouse as a driver at no charge. Well at least that's what I read. But, when I added my dh to the ressie, my rate went up $120!!! My AI id number is attached to my ressie so I'm not sure why there was a added fee when I should not be charged for him. I took removed him and didn't update so I wouldn't be charged the much higher rate.

Oh how I wish National rates would come down! They are the only ones I've ever rented from and have never had any issues and my husband was able to be added to ressie with no issues, no addt'l charges. I'm not feeling too comfortable with Alamo with this conflicting info.

 

[rlduvall]

Just recently, within the last 60 days I think, Alamo changed the Insider program; they no longer keep your credit card information on file. Of course, this means you need to provide them this information on the day you pick up. You have approximately 4 options: 1) On-line check in, but you cannot do this if you have used any coupons at all . . . including the Alamo Insider e-coupon; 2) Go to the actual counter - which really defeats the whole joining the Alamo Insider program; 3) Go to the outside garage counter - which is usually less busy; 4) Check in at the kiosk right by the counter which is what I did this June. After you choose one of these forms of check in, it's just like it has always been; go out and pick any car which is in the row of what you have reserved.

At first, I was really irritated when Alamo removed the credit card information. I like things to be very simple and I didn't like the thought of having to stop at the Kiosk. BUT, checking in at the Kiosk was very painless and I wouldn't be reluctant to use it again. I was upset for nothing.

 

[corster]

Yeah, Alamo changed the program a while back to remove the counter-bypass, probably to distance the product from the $60 Emerald Club. (Alamo and National are both owned by Enterprise).

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

It's very easy to use the kiosk. They have 8 kiosk inside and it takes maybe 5 minutes from start to finish. I simple used my drivers license to start the checkin. Then got my car, showed my license and credit card to the agent in the booth and was on my way in less than 20 including a bathroom stop.

 

[StephMK]

We just used Alamo a few weeks ago & it was easy. I signed up for the Insider program too but read about problems adding another driver online. I needed to add DH and they did it at the garage counter, no charge & no problem. The kiosk told me my cc was not valid but at the garage, she was able to put it through no problem. It did not take very long & we had our choice of any vehicle in our class. They did not pressure us at the counter & I would not hesitate to use them again!

 

[cinmell]

Thank you for the info!

 

[Nermel9]

When you guys say garage counter, do you mean the person in the booth at the end when you're about to drive out? Or is there an actual counter out in the garage, like the one inside the airport?

 

[tkldisney]

There is a small building w/attendant in the garage. I prefer to use kiosk inside next to counter, then walk out and pick out my car. Anyway you choose (counter, kiosk or garage counter) you give everything to attendant in the booth as you drive out.

 

[cinmell]

: 1) On-line check in, but you cannot do this if you have used any coupons at all . . . including the Alamo Insider e-coupon;

Can you use the kiosk if you used coupons?

 

[rlduvall]

Can you use the kiosk if you used coupons?

Yes. I had used the $40. Insider e-coupon this June and was able to use the Kiosk.