Alamo Help Please, Picking up Sunday@7pm

[yxe dad]

Any insight into how long the Alamo lines are at 7pm on a Sunday(March 4th if it matters), would be a great help. I searched the transportation forums only to find horror stories of long lines and messed up ressies. I've used Alamo before BUT only picking up either at Swan/Dolphin or the TCC. I'm getting nervous of wasting time at an airport instead of getting to DTD for some cold beverages(and dinner). I need the car early Monday or I'd be picking it up at the Swan/Dolphin or the TCC locations.

Next question,
Has anyone used the online check-in with any success? Do you totally bypass the lines and head out to the garage, pick out a car, and off you go?
OR
Do you still have to check-in, find you pre-selected car, and wait to find somebody to check you out?

TIA,
Shayne

 

[rie'smom]

Go to the parking garage where the cars are located on the second level. You might want to sign up for *********** just in case -you won't have your card but you will have your number. Anyway,there's a glassed in office for Alamo/National. You might be the only person there. It's not very well known. Have a great trip!!!!!!!

 

[wee-haggis]

Any insight into how long the Alamo lines are at 7pm on a Sunday(March 4th if it matters), would be a great help. I searched the transportation forums only to find horror stories of long lines and messed up ressies. I've used Alamo before BUT only picking up either at Swan/Dolphin or the TCC. I'm getting nervous of wasting time at an airport instead of getting to DTD for some cold beverages(and dinner). I need the car early Monday or I'd be picking it up at the Swan/Dolphin or the TCC locations.

Next question,
Has anyone used the online check-in with any success? Do you totally bypass the lines and head out to the garage, pick out a car, and off you go?
OR
Do you still have to check-in, find you pre-selected car, and wait to find somebody to check you out?

TIA,
Shayne

The online check-in is very simple.
It is definitely better than lining up in the terminal.
The line up is normally non existent.
When you get your keys at the booth,you head off to pick your car and then you drive off and show your basic documentation at the gate when you leave (again its usually quite brief). Even if there are no cars left in your class,they will allow you to wander over to National and pick one of theirs.

 

[InstImpres]

Alamo has added self checkin computers (like many of the airlines have) it is wonderful and CAN BE USED with coupons (which the prepayment program does not allow). I believe there are 4 or 5 of the terminals to the left of the regular check in. We were in and out in no time.

 

[CarolA]

Here's a hint with Alamo... Expect the worst. That way you are prepared for their normal level of service and happy if they don't screw up LOL!

 

[kjs1976]

Thanks,Istimpress, for letting us know of check-in kiosks! This is handy even when using QS!!!!

OP-Sign up for QS and this will help you eliminate the wait. A good hint is to have you or another member of your party (whoever the reservation is under and whom will be driving) go and check-in with Alamo while the rest of your party waits for luggage. DH always does this for us and is usually done before I get the luggage. QS also allows you to just go to choose your vehicle too, which helps save times and there are no lines.

 

[2002Disneybride]

I saw that alamo has kiosks to check in now...what is the difference between doing that and checking in online?

How far in advance can I check in online?