Alamo Car Rental Rookie ????

[poochie]

First time ever renting a car. Never needed to rent before. What does everyone mean by aisle? I mean I rented a minivan, yet everyone says you go pickout your car from the aisle.

I'm so confused. Got a decent rate but don't they just reserve a vehicle and have the key ready for you.

Please everyone help me understand.

 

[LWQuestie]

In my experience, the rental cars on the lot have the keys inside. Sometimes the agent at the desk will prepare the paperwork, assign a car and tell you to go to a specific spot and take the car in that spot. Sometimes they'll tell you to go to a specific aisle and pick any vehicle in the aisle. I've had different experiences at the same agency/same airport, so maybe the difference depends on time of year/season/qty of cars present/qty of active reservations.

 

[iluveeyore]

If you're renting from Alamo, you can just go to a kiosk and check-in at the airport, or check in at the Alamo desk, then you just go out to your designated aisle (your paperwork will tell you - you'll be the minivan aisle by the sounds of it), and every vehicle in that aisle is yours for the choosing -each one has the keys in the driver door - you choose your vehicle, load it up, drive to the exit for Alamo where they will go over the vehicle for any damage, check your ID, then you are on your way! Enjoy - my husband hates being handed keys and told what car he has - he loves going up and down the aisle and choosing the car he wants to have!

 

[gmeh1]

If you're renting from Alamo, you can just go to a kiosk and check-in at the airport, or check in at the Alamo desk, then you just go out to your designated aisle (your paperwork will tell you - you'll be the minivan aisle by the sounds of it), and every vehicle in that aisle is yours for the choosing -each one has the keys in the driver door - you choose your vehicle, load it up, drive to the exit for Alamo where they will go over the vehicle for any damage, check your ID, then you are on your way! Enjoy - my husband hates being handed keys and told what car he has - he loves going up and down the aisle and choosing the car he wants to have!

The agent does NOT go over the car, you do that and report anything you might see. The key will either be in the door or on the dash, some keys have no way of being in the door. In some cases you can check in on line.

 

[gmeh1]

First time ever renting a car. Never needed to rent before. What does everyone mean by aisle? I mean I rented a minivan, yet everyone says you go pickout your car from the aisle.

I'm so confused. Got a decent rate but don't they just reserve a vehicle and have the key ready for you.

Please everyone help me understand.

aisle= row. The aisle is usually meant for the Emerald Aisle program at National.

They key will be in the vehicle, either on the door or on the dash. You select your own vehicle. The greeters are there to help you and answer any questions you might have. They will also direct you to the correct row.

 

[iluveeyore]

The agent does NOT go over the car, you do that and report anything you might see. The key will either be in the door or on the dash, some keys have no way of being in the door. In some cases you can check in on line.

We haven't rented from the airport in over a year, but usually as you exit, they give you the paperwork, which includes an outline of the car. Last time, the person at the gate went around the car with the outline, marked on it that there was a small dent on the rear bumper, we initialled it and went on our way. Maybe it's changed?? Sorry, didn't mean to give improper info

 

[gmeh1]

We haven't rented from the airport in over a year, but usually as you exit, they give you the paperwork, which includes an outline of the car. Last time, the person at the gate went around the car with the outline, marked on it that there was a small dent on the rear bumper, we initialled it and went on our way. Maybe it's changed?? Sorry, didn't mean to give improper info

We don't have anything like that at Alamo or National. If there is something you notice, we will note it in the computer. Perhaps you were thinking of a different company. I cannot imagine how doing that for each and every car would hold up the line. Renters get mad when they have to wait when people have an online checkin and they have to wait that extra 2 - 3 minutes to process it.

 

[iluveeyore]

We don't have anything like that at Alamo or National. If there is something you notice, we will note it in the computer. Perhaps you were thinking of a different company. I cannot imagine how doing that for each and every car would hold up the line. Renters get mad when they have to wait when people have an online checkin and they have to wait that extra 2 - 3 minutes to process it.

Okay, jeesh, like I said, sorry if I gave the wrong info - yes, it could have been a different car company, but we usually rent from Alamo. I'll keep my advice or past experiences to myself from now on since I obviously have no clue what I'm talking about. Sorry if I wasn't any help to the OP - we are renting from the CCC this trip from ALAMO according to my reservation, and I KNOW they give you the keys to the car and tell you which spot it is in, so that is correct info.
OP - if you rent at the airport, you WILL be able to choose your car from a ROW of vehicles, you will find the keys SOMEWHERE, and be able to drive it to your resort. Have a wonderful, safe and happy trip!

 

[gmeh1]

Okay, jeesh, like I said, sorry if I gave the wrong info - yes, it could have been a different car company, but we usually rent from Alamo. I'll keep my advice or past experiences to myself from now on since I obviously have no clue what I'm talking about. Sorry if I wasn't any help to the OP - we are renting from the CCC this trip from ALAMO according to my reservation, and I KNOW they give you the keys to the car and tell you which spot it is in, so that is correct info.
OP - if you rent at the airport, you WILL be able to choose your car from a ROW of vehicles, you will find the keys SOMEWHERE, and be able to drive it to your resort. Have a wonderful, safe and happy trip!

Chill, not sure what got your knickers in a twist, but, nothing was said or implied that your opinions or experiences were not appreciated.

 

[DMRick]

We did notice some damage to our car as we got into it at Alamo. I told her at the kiosk as we were getting ready to leave, and she gave me a flyer with a car outline and she told me to mark down the damage (I put a line for a scratch, and an x for a dent). I did, and handed it back into her. It did slow it up a bit, but I didn't care, I didn't want to be charged for damage. I also took a picture of it while in the garage. I only rent from Alamo or National at MCO.

We don't have anything like that at Alamo or National. If there is something you notice, we will note it in the computer. Perhaps you were thinking of a different company. I cannot imagine how doing that for each and every car would hold up the line. Renters get mad when they have to wait when people have an online checkin and they have to wait that extra 2 - 3 minutes to process it.

 

[gmeh1]

We did notice some damage to our car as we got into it at Alamo. I told her at the kiosk as we were getting ready to leave, and she gave me a flyer with a car outline and she told me to mark down the damage (I put a line for a scratch, and an x for a dent). I did, and handed it back into her. It did slow it up a bit, but I didn't care, I didn't want to be charged for damage. I also took a picture of it while in the garage. I only rent from Alamo or National at MCO.

DMRick, In all the time I was an exit booth agent I NEVER had a flyer to mark damages, we put it in the computer. Unless something has changed in the last month, we were never given said flyers and we still tell customers to tell the exit agent so they can note it in the computer. Perhaps this was something that was done before Enterprise bought Alamo/National (late 2007 I believe). I have had people hand me a their contract with damages listed on it and asked to sign it, which we are NOT allowed to do. About 4 months ago, we were given a guage to measure dents and scratches. If any dent or scratch met or exceeded that guage, we note it in the comment area of the reservation, otherwise, we don't worry about it.
I would think that these forms would be available at the counter or at the booths in the garage if this was a policy so it would not slow the exit line down and in truth, people should inspect the car before they even leave the garage. I do get customers every day asking about a scratch or ding and I (and my fellow associates and managers)tell them to notify the exit booth. I speak only for MCO.

 

[DMRick]

It is the exit booth kiosk that I am talking about. That's who has given me the flyer. I mark it and give it back to them. I look at the car before we get in it, take pics if needed and tell the exit person. They have always given me a form (about a third of a page) to mark it on. We go down a couple times a year, except for last year. If it changed, it would be since a year ago January.
I rent on line..I never go to the area inside the airport...but straight to the garage.

DMRick, In all the time I was an exit booth agent I NEVER had a flyer to mark damages, we put it in the computer. Unless something has changed in the last month, we were never given said flyers and we still tell customers to tell the exit agent so they can note it in the computer. Perhaps this was something that was done before Enterprise bought Alamo/National (late 2007 I believe). I have had people hand me a their contract with damages listed on it and asked to sign it, which we are NOT allowed to do. About 4 months ago, we were given a guage to measure dents and scratches. If any dent or scratch met or exceeded that guage, we note it in the comment area of the reservation, otherwise, we don't worry about it.
I would think that these forms would be available at the counter or at the booths in the garage if this was a policy so it would not slow the exit line down and in truth, people should inspect the car before they even leave the garage. I do get customers every day asking about a scratch or ding and I (and my fellow associates and managers)tell them to notify the exit booth. I speak only for MCO.

 

[poochie]

Thank you everyone for your information. This is very helpful. I now know to check for all damages prior to leaving the garage. LOL

I always know I can count on fellow DIS'ers when I need help.

 

[gmeh1]

It is the exit booth kiosk that I am talking about. That's who has given me the flyer. I mark it and give it back to them. I look at the car before we get in it, take pics if needed and tell the exit person. They have always given me a form (about a third of a page) to mark it on. We go down a couple times a year, except for last year. If it changed, it would be since a year ago January.
I rent on line..I never go to the area inside the airport...but straight to the garage.

It must have changed before I started in the exit which was last October(2011). At any rate, we do not do it, have no forms to do it and will mark any damages on the computer under your reservations if they meet or exceed the guidelines we now have in place. We cannot sign anything that a customer presents.

 

[mommyrosa2]

First time ever renting a car. Never needed to rent before. What does everyone mean by aisle? I mean I rented a minivan, yet everyone says you go pickout your car from the aisle.

I'm so confused. Got a decent rate but don't they just reserve a vehicle and have the key ready for you.

Please everyone help me understand.

We've rented from Alamo the last 4 years... Three times at the car care center in WDW and once at the Dolphin. No matter which way we checked in (kiosk or at the desk) we've never been able to just go out to the lot and choose a car..an agent has always handed us keys and told us which vehicle we were getting. We always go out and inspect the exterior before leaving the lot and if we notice damage, we get an agent and they note our agreement in writing
not by computer. Last October, we rented an SUV from Alamo at the Dolphin and there was so much noticeable damage that we requested an entirely new SUV. As another pp mentioned, we too take pictures of any minor scratches before leaving the lot and we also take pictures now before returning the vehicle - one bad experience has taught us that you can never be overly cautious.

 

[gmeh1]

We've rented from Alamo the last 4 years... Three times at the car care center in WDW and once at the Dolphin. No matter which way we checked in (kiosk or at the desk) we've never been able to just go out to the lot and choose a car..an agent has always handed us keys and told us which vehicle we were getting. We always go out and inspect the exterior before leaving the lot and if we notice damage, we get an agent and they note our agreement in writing
not by computer. Last October, we rented an SUV from Alamo at the Dolphin and there was so much noticeable damage that we requested an entirely new SUV. As another pp mentioned, we too take pictures of any minor scratches before leaving the lot and we also take pictures now before returning the vehicle - one bad experience has taught us that you can never be overly cautious.

They assign cars at the smaller stations. At MCO and most large airports you select the car, inspect it and take it to the exit booth where you tell the exit agent about the damage and they note it in the computer. We are expressly forbidden to sign anything the customer hands us or note anything on the contract. (We are expressly forbidden to install or select car seats for kids, but, some agents do do that, stupid on the agents as the liability to the company can be huge, not to mention you can get fired for it.) It is wise to take pictures, no argument about that. All agents should have the guide to measure scratches and dents. That is the company guideline. Of course, if the customer insists on having every teeny tiny ding or scratch listed, we will do that. We want the customer 100% satisfied, but most of the time they accept the guide.

 

[mommyrosa2]

They assign cars at the smaller stations. At MCO and most large airports you select the car, inspect it and take it to the exit booth where you tell the exit agent about the damage and they note it in the computer. We are expressly forbidden to sign anything the customer hands us or note anything on the contract. (We are expressly forbidden to install or select car seats for kids, but, some agents do do that, stupid on the agents as the liability to the company can be huge, not to mention you can get fired for it.) It is wise to take pictures, no argument about that. All agents should have the guide to measure scratches and dents. That is the company guideline. Of course, if the customer insists on having every teeny tiny ding or scratch listed, we will do that. We want the customer 100% satisfied, but most of the time they accept the guide.

Now, that's funny...we expect the rental car will have minor scratches and wouldn't ask to change to another vehicle because of that alone BUT when an agent tries to hand us a vehicle that has a HUGE dent and a broken sidelight - no way are we taken that vehicle - that's what happened to us last year at the Dolphin. My DH had to bring a manager outside to look at the vehicle and ask him if he was serious about renting that vehicle in the condition it was in - he agreed and was very apologetic. Things happen and we get it. Overall, in MHO, Alamo is the best rental company for overall service and vehicle selection. We've rented from other companies in the past and to us, there is no comparison, however, you can't be overly cautious like I mentioned earlier as things do happen.

 

[gmeh1]

Now, that's funny...we expect the rental car will have minor scratches and wouldn't ask to change to another vehicle because of that alone BUT when an agent tries to hand us a vehicle that has a HUGE dent and a broken sidelight - no way are we taken that vehicle - that's what happened to us last year at the Dolphin. My DH had to bring a manager outside to look at the vehicle and ask him if he was serious about renting that vehicle in the condition it was in - he agreed and was very apologetic. Things happen and we get it. Overall, in MHO, Alamo is the best rental company for overall service and vehicle selection. We've rented from other companies in the past and to us, there is no comparison, however, you can't be overly cautious like I mentioned earlier as things do happen.

I cannot imagine you would. Of course you should never accept a badly damaged vehicle, who would expect that. I am surprised to hear it was even on the lot. Where I am right now, we do inspections of the cars. Randomly. We are expected to inspect at least ten cars per shift. I am exceptionally picky and will send them back for a dirty cupholder. I want the cars to go out clean and if it is something I would not drive, it goes back for to be done over.

 

[antmaril]

I just rented a car from Alamo last week. I noticed a couple of scratches on the rear bumper and a dent on the passenger side door. When I handed my paperwork to the woman at the exit booth, i told her about the damage and she noted these items into the computer. She didn't hand me anything to fill out.

The whole process was very easy. There was no line at Alamo when we arrived and the check-in went smoothly. We walked across the street, entered the garage and chose our car. I paid $144 for a nine day rental of a mid-size. No problems whatsoever.

 

[gmeh1]

I just rented a car from Alamo last week. I noticed a couple of scratches on the rear bumper and a dent on the passenger side door. When I handed my paperwork to the woman at the exit booth, i told her about the damage and she noted these items into the computer. She didn't hand me anything to fill out.

The whole process was very easy. There was no line at Alamo when we arrived and the check-in went smoothly. We walked across the street, entered the garage and chose our car. I paid $144 for a nine day rental of a mid-size. No problems whatsoever.

Thank you for posting this. I was beginning to think I was living in a parallel universe. Hope you vacation was GREAT!!