Alamo - check in now?? (M)

[joellyn23]

I used Alamo a few years ago and vowed to never use them again after waiting more than an hour in line. Last year, we used Budget's skip the counter service (can't remember the name for the life of me). I found a good rate at Alamo and noticed this check in now option stating that we can by-pass the counter & go directly to the cars.

Is this a new service being offered at MCO? Has anyone used it? Any reviews?

Thanks!
Joellyn

 

[sandy5764]

I used Alamo's check-in now service online for my late October/early November 2005 vacation. It was wonderful. You bypassed the lines, went directly to the garage, picked out a car that you wanted, and then when you get to the booth at the exit of the garage, that's where they input the remainder of the information. The whole process took no more than 30 minutes (from start to finish). Alamo is the only car rental company I use when I go to Orlando. I love that I can pick the exact car I want.

 

[joellyn23]

my trip begins Apr 28th, 2006. Is there a window to use on-line check in? Does my credit card get charged when I do in the check-in or when the rental occurs?

thanks again,
joellyn

 

[BAST]

National has had this service for years at MCO. It is really great - you bypass the lines, pick your car and give your credit card/ driver's license at the check out booth.

Just got a GREAT rate on Alamo - $350 for thirteen days in August for a standard SUV. Best rate I have ever received at WDW for a SUV or minivan.

 

[sandy5764]

my trip begins Apr 28th, 2006. Is there a window to use on-line check in? Does my credit card get charged when I do in the check-in or when the rental occurs?

thanks again,
joellyn

Joellyn,
When I did it I did the prepay option because there was an additional 15% if you prepaid, so my card was charged for the base rate right away. The remainder of the charge (I prepaid for gas also), was charged after I turned the car back in. As far as a window to use for on-line check in, I'm assuming you mean on the website??? If so, then you just go to www.alamo.com and in the upper right corner is the check-in link. You'll need your reservation number to do this.

 

[Hef4545]

How soon before you picked up the car can you check in? Can you do this from home prior to going to the airport? (4-6 hours prior to picking up the car)

 

[sandy5764]

How soon before you picked up the car can you check in? Can you do this from home prior to going to the airport? (4-6 hours prior to picking up the car)

If I remember correctly, I did the online check-in about a week before I was scheduled to pick up the car, but I'm sure you can do it the same day. Just print out the confirmation that you get after you do the online check-in and take it along.

 

[Hef4545]

Thanks. I am looking forward to this.
Have a great day.

 

[joellyn23]

Sad to admit....but I was like a kid in a candy store yesterday -- first finding the Alamo rate and then learning about this new program! I was giddy

16 weeks to go!

Joellyn

 

[Figment2]

Unless it has changed, if you use the prepay option, you cannot use the on line check in. A friend of mine had that happen to her in Oct (after I raved about the on line check in).

Your credit card (or at least mine) doesn't get charged until you return the car. You have to use the same card you used to make the reservation. It went very smoothly and I'd do it again in a heart beat.

Cyn

 

[Mickey_Maniac]

Unless it has changed, if you use the prepay option, you cannot use the on line check in. A friend of mine had that happen to her in Oct (after I raved about the on line check in).

Your credit card (or at least mine) doesn't get charged until you return the car. You have to use the same card you used to make the reservation. It went very smoothly and I'd do it again in a heart beat.

Cyn

So if you use the Prepay option, you still have to go to the counter to check in, is that correct?

 

[Cameo]

With Check-in Now, can you still you use coupons and codes or are those forbidden like with the Pre-Pay option?

 

[dcgrumpy]

With Check-in Now, can you still you use coupons and codes or are those forbidden like with the Pre-Pay option?

I used a code and was still able to do online check-in

 

[Figment2]

It's my understanding that, yes, if you prepay, you still need to go to the counter to check in.

Cyn

 

[sandy5764]

No you don't. I did the prepay option online when I booked, and was automatically checked-in. I did not go to the Alamo counter inside the airport - went right over to the garage, picked out the appropriate car, and then had to stop and show all paperwork to the guy in the booth at the exit of the garage.

 

[vellamint]

How did you get such a good rate....I thought I did well with a Minivan in August for a total of about $450.........

Thanks!

 

[BAST]

How did you get such a good rate....I thought I did well with a Minivan in August for a total of about $450.........

Thanks!

The standard SUV was much lower than any other vehicle. I added the coupon code (available on mousesavers.com) for Wal-Mart and my total amount is $348 (including all fees) for thirteen days.

 

[vellamint]

Thanks for your fast response...unfortunately for me the size SUV that will give me a great price does not fit my family. Thanks anyway!!

 

[Hef4545]

Just got this off the alamo web site to confirm what everyone said about pre pay and checking in. This is great.
____________________________________
Online Check-Insm can now be used with Pre-Pay. Make your reservation as you normally would. When you are ready to check-in, visit Online Check-Insm here at Alamo.com and go directly to your car instead of the rental counter.
_____________________________________

Have a great day!