Alamo Code Problem

[Maxwell]

Has anyone used code #7014266 lately? My SIL used last night at MCO. She had a coupon so used the Kisok and it told her to go to the counter. The rep said no way you can use that code. It is for Latin America. I have the same code booked for next week but I have already checked in online and am to proceed directly to the aisle for Minivans. Do you think I will run into the same problem at the exit booth?

 

[seashoreCM]

Bring the literature (brochure, web page printout, Entertainment Book, etc.) that describes that code.

 

[mousey]

Personally I don't know if I would chance it with Alamo. They don't have to honor the price if your not entitled to the code. My friend had problems with a legitimate code and ended up paying $150 more for her rental. Try priceline or make a backup reservation just to be on the safe side.

 

[francie57]

We just used a Walmart code and BJs coupon at the kiosk and had no problems. We were out of the airport in no time. I did have all the necessary information with me in case they questions anything. Also had a back-up reservation with dollar but didn't need it.

 

[maddiesmom0116]

Has anyone used code #7014266 lately? My SIL used last night at MCO. She had a coupon so used the Kisok and it told her to go to the counter. The rep said no way you can use that code. It is for Latin America. I have the same code booked for next week but I have already checked in online and am to proceed directly to the aisle for Minivans. Do you think I will run into the same problem at the exit booth?

I would have a back up just in case so you are not stuck at the airport. Let us know if it worked when you get back. I have heard several others stating they could no longer use the code on a thread a couple of months ago.

Good Luck

 

[DisneyDevilz]

First..the code is for Latin Americans that travel to the US.Like the pp's I would back it up with another ressie with a different company just in case.In July my friend used it and the girl at the counter gave him a hard time but she still accepted it.In the begining of Aug. another friend used it with no problem but he is of south american decent and the person helping him was also of south american decent.Both friends got the code from me.I have used it in the past with no problems but I think because of the economy Alamo is cracking down on discounts we all use....

 

[bavaria]

For years here I have reported that Alamo and National at MCO (as well as elsewhere) are extremely diligent about checking my valid ID for 'passport rates' for EU citizens. This even when using Executive aisle service, and as long ago as 1997, and as recently as this year.

And for years I think that people assumed that I was exaggerating, or didn't think that my cautionary tales applied to them, or that I was making up a tale just to reinforce a point of view.

It would appear that Alamo/National is enforcing validity for discounts just as I reported, and it would make sense that they do so. Rental car companies are bleeding revenues and they are finally doing something to prevent their customers from taking advantage of them. I have absolutely no problem with this.

If you qualify for the rate, you have nothing to worry about. If you don't qualify for the rate, then book one for which you do qualify.

 

[dioxide45]

The OP indicated that they are already checked in online. So they wouldn't have to deal with the counter people. Do they even check coupons at the exit gate? Would those working the gate even know what they are looking for?

 

[Alexander]

The OP indicated that they are already checked in online. So they wouldn't have to deal with the counter people. Do they even check coupons at the exit gate? Would those working the gate even know what they are looking for?

The process at the gate is the same as inside the terminal. They'll bring up your reservation, contract id #s and coupon codes, etc. You still have to show your DL. I always hand in my DL, CC, and exect. card. If there is a question, they usually don't ask at the booth, they figure you've selected your car, so they adjust the rate. There is no signing of paperwork at the booth, so you don't know if they've changed your rate unless you unfold the papers and look at your paperwork before you drive out of the garage.

I don't understand people using codes they are not qualified for? Why would you subject yourself to that hassle and embarassment? As far as booking another reservation--why bother, just follow the rules.

 

[bavaria]

The OP indicated that they are already checked in online. So they wouldn't have to deal with the counter people. Do they even check coupons at the exit gate? Would those working the gate even know what they are looking for?

Absolutely. I have only used the Emerald option at MCO and every time have had to produce ID. The same holds true for other locations in America where I use the quick option.

In fact I have had times where they were unsure and sent me back inside to see the counter, as well as times when my rate was 'adjusted' by the gate without my knowledge and I had to prove my status on return.

I have found National/Alamo in general and MCO in particular to be quite diligent about checking ID for these sorts of targeted discounts.

 

[bavaria]

I also suspect that just as almost every major travel provider reads www.flyertalk.com, some may read here as well (we know that Disney does actively read and sometimes reacts based on posts here)

The increase of reports of ID checks at MCO may well be tied to these types of threads.

 

[Lewisc]

I imagine National/Alamo gets reports regarding how many customers book under various promotional codes. Too many internet saavy customers book codes they're not entitled to use and the code may get a "red flag".

National/Alamo should share some of the blame. The confirmation should state, in English, the promotional rate that was used. You booked a AAA rate, please have your membership card available. You booked a corporate rate. Please have your identification available. A hotel confirmation gives that information.

 

[bavaria]

I have found info on the National site stating that discounted rates will be adjusted if no valid ID is provided. Lewis and I have discussed this topic many times offline. Here is just one example re international rates

A passport is also required to be eligible for the "Passport Superdrive Rates" offered by National. If the renter does not have a passport, "Passport Superdrive Rates" cannot be honored but the rental can still be done on another rate/plan.

I suppose that times are changing, but it is a shame that companies have to remind their customers that in order to receive a discount, they must be eligible for the discount. I don't agree that all the blame lies with the company - the customer has to take some responsibility for booking rates for which they know they are not eligible.

And I know that Lewis said 'share' the blame. I don't understand why people blame the rental car companies though. I don't have a WDW AP this year, so I don't book an AP rate, even though I know that in my hundreds of stays over the years my AP was checked maybe once or twice at check in. If I do decide to take the risk, I really can't fault anyone if they deny me the rate.

 

[Husurdady]

Also ,take notice the midsize car cat. has went smaller in car size.Less trunk room, less body room.

 

[Lewisc]

And I know that Lewis said 'share' the blame. I don't understand why people blame the rental car companies though. I don't have a WDW AP this year, so I don't book an AP rate, even though I know that in my hundreds of stays over the years my AP was checked maybe once or twice at check in. If I do decide to take the risk, I really can't fault anyone if they deny me the rate.

I call Disney and book a 28% discount promotion. The CSR gets me a reservation with a 30% discount. My confirmation says I booked an AP rate and to have my AP available at check in. I'll call Disney and get my reservation adjusted. An "internet friend" tells me to book a room online using a "public code". My confirmation says I booked an AP rate and to have my AP available at check in. I know to change my reservation. I won't know what happened if my reservation said it was booked with 7XXXXA promotional program.

At least some of the "code cheaters" would have a different policy if their reservation said German promotional rate booked, have your passport ready when you pick up your car. A couple of posters had an issue using the publicly available WalMart rate. The Alamo employee said the code was for Latin American TAs. This issue wouldn't come up if the reservation specified the type of discount.

I'll grant you many of the "cheaters" know what they're doing but spelling out the discount program will eliminate "confusion" and will motivate those people who are basically honest to avoid using those codes.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I'll grant you many of the "cheaters" know what they're doing but spelling out the discount program will eliminate "confusion" and will motivate those people who are basically honest to avoid using those codes.

There is a billboard that I can see from my office and its from a law firm:

"Ignorance is bliss, but it won't stand up in court."

I hold customers completely on the hook, playing ignorant that you don't know what XYZ code is, or who is eligible doesn't work in my book. Sure the companies could make it easier but the customer has the responsbility to be ethical. If a customer has a question about the code, they can just call the 800 customer service number (but often they are blasted for doing so because the code is invalid, etc and the code gets shut down).

 

[eeyoregon]

After reading this thread I have decided to cancel my reservation that was with this code. Not willing to take the chance and end up paying a super high, last minute rate at the counter. Until now I didn't even realize it was a "naughty" code!

My rate with the "shady" code was $94.37. With my Costco code/coupon, which I am entitled to, the rate is $168.79. I suppose that's not bad for a 8 day rental.

 

[Lorikr65]

I tried to use the code, with the confirmation print out in hand, the 2nd week of August. I was told no way I could use it. A friend of ours went down the next week and ahead of time signed up for "***********" on Alamo. Using this he just went straight to the garage and had no problem. You may want to check into that on the Alamo website, bypassing the counter may be the only way to get it.

 

[Lorikr65]

By the way, I called the "800" number and was told the code was fine. To double check I called the Alamo counter at the Orlando airport and was told that if the computer let me book it then it was fine.

I didn't have to have a car so signed up for the magical express just in case. We ended up taking that and saving $215!

 

[seashoreCM]

By the way, I called the "800" number and was told the code was fine. To double check I called the Alamo counter at the Orlando airport and was told that if the computer let me book it then it was fine. 5!

But the counter agent taking your call didn't ask questions to find out if you were qualified to use the code whereas the counter agent serving you when you get there might.

Did the booking computer ask you enough questions to determine if you were qualified to use the code?