Air Mile GC Redemption

[CanadianPaco]

We're looking at cashing in Airmiles for Alamo $50 gift certificates. I guess it's no probelm ordering the certificates but how do you use them?

Do you present them at the office when you're picking up you car?
Do you have to tell them ahead of time that you are using certificates?
Are they coded so I enter that info in when I book the reservation?

Help

 

[mc'smommy]

Make a reservation with Alamo and when you arrive to pick up the car you present the Gift certificates... Very easy to do.... Just book the Alamo yourself, better rates....

 

[Lalaboops]

Hi.. we just got back from a trip to Florida. This was our experience with Alamo.

We booked a van for our trip with Alamo. Later, we came across the Airmiles offer, and redeemed enough miles for 2 x $100 Alamo certificates. You are allowed to redeem up to 2 coupons per rental.

When we arrived at Alamo to pick up our van, we gave the agent our coupons. She read it and told us to hold onto them until we returned the van. She said to make sure we didn't "cash out" at that time, but to bring the rental agreement in and they'd apply the coupons, with a balance of $21. So that's what we did.

When we returned, the agent applied the payment to our CC in error. He told us to bring it to the desk, and they'd apply a credit. But when we gave them our agreement and coupons, the agent said there was nothing they could do for us. She took everything to her manager, and came back with the same story. The coupons needed to be applied at the time of booking. She also said we could not apply two discounts on the same booking. (We had applied a $25 Entertainment book coupon) If we had known that, do you think we'd take the $25 discount over $200?

We were so upset. But we did not get angry, but again explained what direction we had been given by the Alamo agent when we picked up the van. They directed us to their manager. Their manager immediately went on the defensive and was very rude and ignorant. She said that she did not expect her employees to know the "thousands" of coupons and their restrictions. Again, we explained that the agent read the coupon and said that nothing was needed until we returned the van. The managers wanted nothing to do with us, and repeatedly stated that we should have known how the coupons worked. She made us feel like idiots. We're not confrontational people. So we asked for a business card and left with a sick feeling in our stomachs.

It was an upsetting way to end our trip. The price of the rental went onto our CC, and we are out the cost of the certificates.

It was the first time we had tried to use Airmiles certificates, and we did not fully understand how to use them. I guess you could say... lesson learned?

Thanks for reading my story.... I don't want anyone else to lose out on great savings.

Angela

 

[mc'smommy]

HI Angela
Sounds like maybe the original agent didnt know how to redeem the certificates... I had a code entered in my reservation, and when I arrived at Orlando I used the certificates to pay for the van.... The rental came to $ 240 and I used $ 200 in certificates and paid the remaining balance on my credit card...

Very sorry to hear of your experience.... Did you contact airmiles regarding this situation ?

 

[natmurr]

Hi.. we just got back from a trip to Florida. This was our experience with Alamo.

We booked a van for our trip with Alamo. Later, we came across the Airmiles offer, and redeemed enough miles for 2 x $100 Alamo certificates. You are allowed to redeem up to 2 coupons per rental.

When we arrived at Alamo to pick up our van, we gave the agent our coupons. She read it and told us to hold onto them until we returned the van. She said to make sure we didn't "cash out" at that time, but to bring the rental agreement in and they'd apply the coupons, with a balance of $21. So that's what we did.

When we returned, the agent applied the payment to our CC in error. He told us to bring it to the desk, and they'd apply a credit. But when we gave them our agreement and coupons, the agent said there was nothing they could do for us. She took everything to her manager, and came back with the same story. The coupons needed to be applied at the time of booking. She also said we could not apply two discounts on the same booking. (We had applied a $25 Entertainment book coupon) If we had known that, do you think we'd take the $25 discount over $200?

We were so upset. But we did not get angry, but again explained what direction we had been given by the Alamo agent when we picked up the van. They directed us to their manager. Their manager immediately went on the defensive and was very rude and ignorant. She said that she did not expect her employees to know the "thousands" of coupons and their restrictions. Again, we explained that the agent read the coupon and said that nothing was needed until we returned the van. The managers wanted nothing to do with us, and repeatedly stated that we should have known how the coupons worked. She made us feel like idiots. We're not confrontational people. So we asked for a business card and left with a sick feeling in our stomachs.

It was an upsetting way to end our trip. The price of the rental went onto our CC, and we are out the cost of the certificates.

It was the first time we had tried to use Airmiles certificates, and we did not fully understand how to use them. I guess you could say... lesson learned?

Thanks for reading my story.... I don't want anyone else to lose out on great savings.

Angela

I'd be calling Alamo. After returning from Disney and going through the receipts I discovered that we had been over-charged through National. I called and explained the situation and they corrected the charges straight away.

Don't take no for an answer - keep your cool and be very clear with what you want to rectify the situation. I would be asking for a free week's rental to be used in the future given the mis-information and mis-treatment on their part.

Good luck and be persistant!

 

[CanadianPaco]

This is such great info! I am learning a great deal! Thanks for sharing Angela!

 

[mc'smommy]

I'd be calling Alamo. After returning from Disney and going through the receipts I discovered that we had been over-charged through National. I called and explained the situation and they corrected the charges straight away.

Don't take no for an answer - keep your cool and be very clear with what you want to rectify the situation. I would be asking for a free week's rental to be used in the future given the mis-information and mis-treatment on their part.

Good luck and be persistant!

very good advice...

 

[grover]

We used the National GC's..but they share the same desk here at the CCC. We entered our GC's on the reservation before we came, that way our rate was already adjusted on my confirmation. Upon picking up the car they asked for the GC's and I paid for the remaining balance with my credit card.

 

[CdnKayDee]

Hi.. we just got back from a trip to Florida. This was our experience with Alamo.

We booked a van for our trip with Alamo. Later, we came across the Airmiles offer, and redeemed enough miles for 2 x $100 Alamo certificates. You are allowed to redeem up to 2 coupons per rental.

When we arrived at Alamo to pick up our van, we gave the agent our coupons. She read it and told us to hold onto them until we returned the van. She said to make sure we didn't "cash out" at that time, but to bring the rental agreement in and they'd apply the coupons, with a balance of $21. So that's what we did.

When we returned, the agent applied the payment to our CC in error. He told us to bring it to the desk, and they'd apply a credit. But when we gave them our agreement and coupons, the agent said there was nothing they could do for us. She took everything to her manager, and came back with the same story. The coupons needed to be applied at the time of booking. She also said we could not apply two discounts on the same booking. (We had applied a $25 Entertainment book coupon) If we had known that, do you think we'd take the $25 discount over $200¢

We were so upset. But we did not get angry, but again explained what direction we had been given by the Alamo agent when we picked up the van. They directed us to their manager. Their manager immediately went on the defensive and was very rude and ignorant. She said that she did not expect her employees to know the "thousands" of coupons and their restrictions. Again, we explained that the agent read the coupon and said that nothing was needed until we returned the van. The managers wanted nothing to do with us, and repeatedly stated that we should have known how the coupons worked. She made us feel like idiots. We're not confrontational people. So we asked for a business card and left with a sick feeling in our stomachs.

It was an upsetting way to end our trip. The price of the rental went onto our CC, and we are out the cost of the certificates.

It was the first time we had tried to use Airmiles certificates, and we did not fully understand how to use them. I guess you could say... lesson learned?

Thanks for reading my story.... I don't want anyone else to lose out on great savings.

Angela

So sorry for your experience. It is so frustrating when people get so defensive about something and make you feel like you did something wrong when all you did was listen to their own employees. I think that it is strange that the gift certificates would be considered coupons. Should they not be same as cash? We are actually planning on renting a van with a code and using the GC from Airmiles. Which Car Care Centre did you have this problem at?

 

[Jo-Anne]

I made sure I read the terms and conditions on the Airmiles website before choosing the GC to ensure I used them properly as I'm also afraid that something will go wrong and then be out that money. Here's what Alamo US GC terms say..#

#Certificates have a coupon code on the front, which must be applied to the reservation at least 24 hours prior to picking up the vehicle. Coupon codes can be applied to any non-prepaid reservation.
# Discount applies to base rate only, which does not include taxes, other governmentally-authorized or imposed surcharges, license recoupment/air tax recovery and concession recoupment fees, airport facility fees, fuel, additional driver fee, one-way rental charge or optional items.
# Certificates are not valid on rentals of moving trucks or pick up trucks
# Valid at participating Alamo locations in USA only
# Original certificate must be presented at counter upon arrival
# Not redeemable for cash - Certificate VOID if bought, sold or bartered for cash.
# Advance reservations required. Offer subject to standard rental conditions.
# Use is subject to usual requirements for reservation and availability of vehicles for the requested time and location
# Certificate cannot be combined with any other coupon
# Can be used in conjunction with corporate discount numbers
# Limit of 3 $50 certificates or 2 $100 certificates per reservation
# Change will not be tendered on any unused portion of a certificate

 

[Lalaboops]

Thank you to everyone for the encouraging words.

When it comes right down to it, I'm just going to see it as a lesson learned. Mistakes were made by both Alamo and us. Although, I may send an email to them and suggest they better inform their employees in Tampa. In the past 2 years, I have booked at this location 4 times and never encountered a problem with the company. I will use the GCs on my next trip in September.... but will apply them at the time of booking!

The whole situation was so embarrassing, and I just wanted to let you all know so that you received the deals you were expecting.

Thanks again!
Angela

 

[CdnKayDee]

I am confused. Does this mean that the rate (used a code and got a deal) I got on our mini-van for Oct is not going to be available if I use the Airmiles Gift Card?

 

[Lalaboops]

I am confused. Does this mean that the rate (used a code and got a deal) I got on our mini-van for Oct is not going to be available if I use the Airmiles Gift Card?

It is my understanding that you need to apply the GC coupon codes to your reservation before picking it up. I believe they can be found on the front of the GC (I'm at work and unable to see mine).

Where we went wrong, was in not attaching the coupon codes to our reservation before arriving, and following the direction of the misinformed Alamo agent when picking up our van.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[CDN Prince Charming]

It is my understanding that you need to apply the GC coupon codes to your reservation before picking it up. I believe they can be found on the front of the GC (I'm at work and unable to see mine).

Where we went wrong, was in not attaching the coupon codes to our reservation before arriving, and following the direction of the misinformed Alamo agent when picking up our van.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

For anyone, if you have multple Airmiles GC's to redeem, how are you supposed to enter them on the website when there is only room for 1 one coupon code?

I have entered my $100 GC coupon code toward my booking and the price is reflected, but I still have another $50 GC to redeem and don't know how to go about making sure I can use it without any hassle from an agent.
(BTW, my base rate is over $200, so I am eligible to redeem another GC)

Any help would be appreciated,
CPC

 

[grover]

For anyone, if you have multple Airmiles GC's to redeem, how are you supposed to enter them on the website when there is only room for 1 one coupon code?

I have entered my $100 GC coupon code toward my booking and the price is reflected, but I still have another $50 GC to redeem and don't know how to go about making sure I can use it without any hassle from an agent.
(BTW, my base rate is over $200, so I am eligible to redeem another GC)

Any help would be appreciated,
CPC

there was more than one spot when I did it a couple months ago..2 or 3 spots....however I did have a question and I called the 1-800 number to the car rental company and they said they could have added it for me..so maybe try calling and having them add it!

 

[mousy_in_canada]

Does these GC have an expiry date? I am thinking of grabbing one before they raise the amount of miles needed for them.
TIA
Mousy

 

[CDN Prince Charming]

there was more than one spot when I did it a couple months ago..2 or 3 spots....however I did have a question and I called the 1-800 number to the car rental company and they said they could have added it for me..so maybe try calling and having them add it!

Would you be able to provide the link where you were able to add more than 1 coupon code.

Thanks,
CPC

 

[grover]

Would you be able to provide the link where you were able to add more than 1 coupon code.

Thanks,
CPC

No because it has my private information-sorry!..if you go into modify your reservation it is on that page where you enter all your info..there are boxes where you can enter the coupon codes about half way down the page..and then at the bottom it asks you to confirm.

If you can't find then you can just call and they will add it for you