Advice needed: Alamo vs National

[Magical JenK]

I need help/advice...normally book through National & love the ease of the Emerald Aisle. I did get a good rate for MCO Sept 5th-12th, but found that Alamo is even cheaper.

I know they're sister companies & I think Alamo has a kiosk, but not sure if that's a real selling point for me as I feel like I"ll still be waiting in line for the kiosk...is that how it works?

I think I saw something about online check-in for Alamo?? If that's true, can someone tell me how it works?? We leave on Monday so I'm looking for advice ASAP please!

Thanks!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I posted this a few days ago...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2789877

I have used the kiosks there a number of times, never a wait. Always very quick, literally a few minutes, maybe 3. Alamo works almost the same as National. In fact, in May, I forgot to go to the kiosk, went directly to car like National, drove to the gate, no problem.

 

[Magical JenK]

Thanks Dan! Couple questions...are the kiosks in the garage or near baggage claim? Someone else in that thread said they can do the paperwork at home & go straight to the car?? Is there some paperwork related to the kiosk? Sorry to be so dense with this would just love to save the $$ but also want the same ease as National.

 

[Dan Murphy]

The kiosks are off to the side by the Alamo car rental area, down, if I recall, one floor from baggage claim. I think baggage is on 2, rentals on 1. Again, if I recall, you just take your confirm printout, which has a bar code on it, and scan it at the kiosk. It then goes through a half dozen questions....is this you, address correct, etc. It verifies your defaults you have in your account, in case you want to change them, for insurance, extras and all that. It takes a couple minutes, tops. If you do at home check in, I think you can skip the kiosks. If you are using a coupon, (upgrade coupon only maybe), you can not do online. I always have an upgrade coupon and always do kiosk for Alamo. I have done National countless times, at MCO and elsewhere, Alamo a lot of times, MCO and elsewhere, never a problem, or what I would consider a hassle. If the rates are the same, I do National, if I save with Alamo, I do them.

 

[dudspizza]

The kiosks are off to the side by the Alamo car rental area, down, if I recall, one floor from baggage claim. I think baggage is on 2, rentals on 1. Again, if I recall, you just take your confirm printout, which has a bar code on it, and scan it at the kiosk. It then goes through a half dozen questions....is this you, address correct, etc. It verifies your defaults you have in your account, in case you want to change them, for insurance, extras and all that. It takes a couple minutes, tops. If you do at home check in, I think you can skip the kiosks. If you are using a coupon, (upgrade coupon only maybe), you can not do online. I always have an upgrade coupon and always do kiosk for Alamo. I have done National countless times, at MCO and elsewhere, Alamo a lot of times, MCO and elsewhere, never a problem, or what I would consider a hassle. If the rates are the same, I do National, if I save with Alamo, I do them.

I will second the opinions here..... I use my EC membership with National whenever I can, but if Alamo is cheaper, I use them. I have used the Kiosk and I have used online check in. Online check in is the same as using EC, except you print the paperwork out at home before you go.........

Duds