Alamo Insider renter procedure at MCO

[Letsbgoofy]

I haven't rented from Alamo in years. Now that they have the "Insider" program, what is the rental procedure at the airport? Are you still able to check in right in the parking garage? Does the online check in really save time? Can you still pick your own car from your car size row? (or was that only with National?)

 

[CarolAnnB]

I checked in online the day before and went right to the garage and picked from the appropriate row then drove right to the gate and showed my paperwork and was on my way very quickly.

 

[Letsbgoofy]

So you didn't have to check in before picking out the car? (except online) Did the paperwork you had at the gate come from your online check in?

 

[CarolAnnB]

Correct, I grabbed my bags and headed to the garage. I must have looked a little confused because the Alamo agent walking around came over and when I flashed my paperwork and said I did online check in, she said just head to the full size row and pick a car. I had a printout of my reservation and the online check in confirmation and showed that at the exit.

 

[Letsbgoofy]

Thanks so much for the information, now I won't be walking around the garage looking confused!

 

[LisaS]

Online check in is definitely worth it! I checked in online the night before our trip and printed out the paperwork. When we got to MCO we went right to the garage and picked out a car. Handed the paperwork to the agent at the gate and we were on our way. It was so nice to not have to stand in any lines or spend time at the kiosk.

Plus, for the first time ever, when I added myself as the 2nd driver during online check in, the system did not add an extra charge. This has always happened in the past, causing us to have to go to the desk to have it removed (we're both Insiders members so the 2nd driver is supposed to be free).

 

[bumbershoot]

Bumping it up because there's good info in here, AND because I have a further question.

Does it work like this even if it's your first time renting with Alamo? I joined the Insider program, but wasn't sure if the very first rental means you have to go see a person before getting your car.

Thanks in advance!

 

[erikthewise]

Thanks everyone -- this was exactly what I needed!

Just made an Alamo reservation and was shocked that they didn't require a credit card at booking as National does. Do you present your card at the exit gate or what?

Bumbershoot, I find it very difficult to believe first timers would be treated differently, esp if you are an Insider member and have checked-in online. Pretty sure all they will care about is to see your paperwork and drivers license.

 

[gardener14]

I have never used Alamo's online check in before, but I'd like to try it this time to avoid the counter/kiosk. My concern is, is there any problem if I've checked in with Alamo and the plane is significantly delayed? I have the last flight of the night, and I'm concerned that if weather is a factor that I won't get there until the next morning. Will this impact my rental car reservation/price with Alamo if I check in and don't show up when they expect me? Will I be billed when I check in online?

 

[erikthewise]

I can't talk about overnight, but weather was a problem for me in January and my flight was delayed about 4 hours. No problem with Alamo.

And yes Insider/online checkin worked just fine on this, my first Alamo rental.

 

[wiigirl]

Online check in is definitely worth it! I checked in online the night before our trip and printed out the paperwork. When we got to MCO we went right to the garage and picked out a car. Handed the paperwork to the agent at the gate and we were on our way. It was so nice to not have to stand in any lines or spend time at the kiosk.

Plus, for the first time ever, when I added myself as the 2nd driver during online check in, the system did not add an extra charge. This has always happened in the past, causing us to have to go to the desk to have it removed (we're both Insiders members so the 2nd driver is supposed to be free).

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Yes Any first time renter can use online check in.

 

[motorcop7962]

We were delayed on a trip getting into MCO. Alamo rep told me the rental time doesn't start until you leave the garage. Actually saved me some money.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

Earlier in the thread a PP mentioned additional driver free if you are an Insider, does this count even if you aren't married to the other driver? My BF and I are just dating and I've been trying to research which car companies do additional driver for free but all the information I'm finding is pretty old.