Alamo...A or B side

[dancin Disney style]

Does one side or the other have a better selection of vehicles? I have a midsize booked and am really hoping for something a touch bigger than a Corolla. I don't mind checking both sides before going to the counter but I'm not sure that my travelling companion will be game for that.

Thanks... I haven't rented from Alamo in a few years so I'm not totally up to speed with them.

 

[seashoreCM]

It varies day by day.

 

[dancin Disney style]

What's the best plan of attack....we will be there on March 15th. Should be a fairly busy time as our local spring break starts on the 12th. Flights from here are pretty full into MCO.

We are flying SW and will be on the A side...if I do paper work at that counter and there is little to chose from in that garage can I go over to the B side and take something from there or must I take from the side I did the paperwork?


One other question....is it legal in FL to tie your trunk down? We are a little concerned about the luggage fitting and thought about bringing a bungie cord just in case.

 

[Lewisc]

Probably varies hour by hour as customers return cars and other customers pick up cars.

Important enough use your cell phones and send family members to both sides. Not worth it to me.

How much more to just reserve a larger car?

 

[dudspizza]

Probably varies hour by hour as customers return cars and other customers pick up cars.

Important enough use your cell phones and send family members to both sides. Not worth it to me.

How much more to just reserve a larger car?

I did that once... sent the family to B side and I went to check A. It wasn't worth it at all.... we just go to the side we are on now and choose our car. The time I hoofed it across to the other side I was drenched in sweat by the end.. not the way I wanted to start my Florida vacation.

 

[Lewisc]

Does one side or the other have a better selection of vehicles? I have a midsize booked and am really hoping for something a touch bigger than a Corolla. I don't mind checking both sides before going to the counter but I'm not sure that my travelling companion will be game for that.

Thanks... I haven't rented from Alamo in a few years so I'm not totally up to speed with them.

I missed this. You may be able to do online checkin (I don't think it works if you use a coupon). Otherwise you can use a kiosk to check in. You'll show your paperwork to the guard at the booth just before you exit the garage. Probably no reason to go to the counter.

You probably need to reserve a larger car. More then once I've seen a family trying to sqeeeze more stuff then could possibly fit in the trunk.

How many in your group? Four (or less?) Stacking suitcases on the back seat can work. Put 3 people in the back and stack luggage on the front passenger seat.

I don't know if Alamo will let you leave their garage if the trunk isn't closed. No harm in bringing a bungee cord.

Last time I used Alamo the price difference between a midsized and full size was only a few dollars per day.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

General rule: Never rent a car class smaller then you want, as you can and may very well get exactly what you reserve and have little options except for paying for an upgrade, which is based on availability and the rate difference could be substantial.

 

[dancin Disney style]

I missed this. You may be able to do online checkin (I don't think it works if you use a coupon). Otherwise you can use a kiosk to check in. You'll show your paperwork to the guard at the booth just before you exit the garage. Probably no reason to go to the counter.

You probably need to reserve a larger car. More then once I've seen a family trying to sqeeeze more stuff then could possibly fit in the trunk.

How many in your group? Four (or less?) Stacking suitcases on the back seat can work. Put 3 people in the back and stack luggage on the front passenger seat.

I don't know if Alamo will let you leave their garage if the trunk isn't closed. No harm in bringing a bungee cord.

Last time I used Alamo the price difference between a midsized and full size was only a few dollars per day.

So I always go to the counter....I've seen the kiosks but thought that you had to sign up ahead of time. Yes/no??? I don't like the idea of them having any of my info on file.....I'm a serial cancel and rebooker.

I don't think I would have thought to put luggage in the front seat. That is an excellent idea. We are 2 adults and two kids (12 & 5). I just called my friend that I'm travelling with and she laughed...she said many times she has had a suitcase sitting in her lap for the drive from the airport. So she is totally fine with doing whatever is required to make it work. She also said she is only bringing one bag to check approx 26", one roller carry on and one large tote bag. I can easily bring the same.

I hit it REALLY lucky on Friday night and got a freakishly low deal. The midsize was $93 including everything. To go up to the next size was about $140 plus tax more.