Alamo Insiders go straight to garage??

[sympatico]

I got this from the AutoSlash site. Can anyone confirm this:
"And some locations, like Orlando (where Alamo serves as the official rental car agency for Disney World and Disney's package vacations), allow Insiders members to proceed directly to the aisle with their reserved car class and complete the necessary paperwork at the exit booth for even more time-savings. This makes the Insiders experience there very similar to the National Emerald Club experience, although most other locations will still require you to stop at the counter or a kiosk. "

 

[Ed J]

Yup, complete your info on the Alamo website, print it out, take it with you.

Deplane, take train to other side of MCO, get your bags, go down stairs, follow signs to car rentals, cross the street, find your class row in the garage, grab the car of your choice and proceed to the exit.

Have your license and credit card in hand for the booth attendant. Last few trips we were out of the garage in less than 10 minutes.

 

[Lilo&Stitch]

Is this something new ? I thought you had to at least check in at the kiosk that's what I did in May, I can't find anything on the Alamo site about going straight to the garage

 

[Ed J]

Go to Alamo .com.
> Reservations > follow that row to end.
Click on 3 easy steps and follow the directions.
I haven't used the counter or kiosk in a few trips.

 

[Ed J]

This is a c&p right from Alamo, let's see if it works.




Make your reservation online, by phone or through your travel agent. By answering a few simple questions now, you can print your rental documents and save valuable time later.

View Requirements
View Participating Locations

Head right to the lot. Find the size of the car that you reserved and pick the one you like.

Then simply show your Online Check-Insm documents, along with your driver's license and credit card, to the agent at the exit booth on your way out.

It's that easy.

Confirmation Number:

Last Name:




*

 

[dioxide45]

I would still prefer to use the kiosk. The reason is that I don't trust a human to get it right. I prefer to take care of the checkin process myself and only have the booth agent check us out of the garage. I don't want them asking if I want fuel, CDW, or any other junk. Using the kiosk is a three minute process, it probably takes longer for the agent at the booth to process the rental.

 

[Disney Ella]

If you are need to show the driver's license of the free additional driver, can you also do this in the garage? (I mean, I know it's physically possible to show the license, but is this some procedure that can only be done at the counter.)

 

[Ed J]

I would still prefer to use the kiosk. The reason is that I don't trust a human to get it right. I prefer to take care of the checkin process myself and only have the booth agent check us out of the garage. I don't want them asking if I want fuel, CDW, or any other junk. Using the kiosk is a three minute process, it probably takes longer for the agent at the booth to process the rental.

The info you enter at the kiosk is the same info you enter on your PC using on line check in, the only differnce is you have the luxury of doing it in the comfort of your home, not in the airport. The gate attendant will take the same time to process your transaction if you use the kiosk or online check in because when you reach him your paperwork should be the same.

 

[Ed J]

If you are need to show the driver's license of the free additional driver, can you also do this in the garage? (I mean, I know it's physically possible to show the license, but is this some procedure that can only be done at the counter.)

Yes, As long as you have the 2and drivers info on your paperwork. I don't know if they can add the second driver at that point in the process (in the garage) if their info is not on the paperwork.

We have done this (on line checkin ) our last few trips and is an easy process that is better than using the kiosk.

 

[HelenParr]

Kiosk also scans driver's license for the listed or added drivers. But the free Insider one still needs a human if you want the name on the rental agreement. (I use exit booth for that). Some folks have been told adding the name is not necessary - but I'm neurotic about insurance stuff.

I agree with the PP about using kiosk. I do not like the chance of discussing issues at the exit booth if anything goes off course. Kiosk has worked well for me. We've always been able to do the kiosk before our bags reach the carousel.

On the other hand -- since it seems to work to go right to exit booth for so many - I'd love to overcome my control issues and give it a try. Maybe next time.

 

[Lilo&Stitch]

Go to Alamo .com.
> Reservations > follow that row to end.
Click on 3 easy steps and follow the directions.
I haven't used the counter or kiosk in a few trips.

Thanks Ed, I didn't realize you were talking about the online check-in ! I thought you couldn't use that if you were using a coupon ? it says even an e coupon

 

[FourBees]

Just spoke to someone at Alamo who told me that your spouse does not need to be added as an additional driver as they are included in your contract if you are an Alamo insider. As long as the addresses on both your licenses are the same. They said you could check in online bring paper work to garage along with credit card you used when checking in online and you should be ready to go. This is my first time with them so we will see.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thanks Ed, I didn't realize you were talking about the online check-in ! I thought you couldn't use that if you were using a coupon ? it says even an e coupon

Here is from the Alamo site............

Online Check-Insm is not available with reservations that contain the following:

Reservation is more than 30 days in duration.
Reservation is "On Request".
Additional equipment such as child seat/toddler seat/infant seat or ski racks, etc. Rentals requiring additional
equipment must go to the rental counter.
Coupon (including ecoupons) used with reservation.
Voucher used with reservation.
Applicant Business Account Number used with reservation.
Central Bill Number used with reservation.

 

[Ed J]

I've never had any issues using Alamo discounts and the skip the line on the same resi.

I just spoke with Alamo on the phone and was told if their automated system (through your home PC or the Kiosk) accepts your coupon there is no reason to stop at the counter.
That has been my experience in the past.

If you feel more comfortable going to the counter with a coupon, then please do .

 

[sympatico]

Thanks for all the info everyone, we'll see how it goes in a couple of weeks.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I've never had any issues using Alamo discounts and the skip the line on the same resi.

I just spoke with Alamo on the phone and was told if their automated system (through your home PC or the Kiosk) accepts your coupon there is no reason to stop at the counter.
That has been my experience in the past.

If you feel more comfortable going to the counter with a coupon, then please do .

Hi Ed. I myself have never gone to the counter for Alamo, or National either. I always have a coupon of some sort, every trip. For Alamo, I have always used the kiosk, except once; I thought I was using National. I walked right out, picked put my car and drove to the check out. It was the same as National, credit card, license and out. So I think, in practice, what you are saying is correct. For whatever reason, the online driections say you can not, but I would say you can also.

 

[JandD Mom]

Actually I just called the Alamo Insider help desk right before I saw this thread. They told me the following:

1. In Orlando, Insider members MUST use the counter or the Kiosk UNLESS they check in online in advance. (as you know, if you are using a coupon, and most of us are, we cannot check in in advance).

2. My spouse is automatically authorized to drive my car so he does not have to be present when I pick it up (I know this wasn't really asked, but it was part of the reason I called).

 

[FourBees]

So I am a little confused on how the check in goes. If someone could explain it to me that would be wonderful. I booked using two codes - one for the $35 off for being an alamo insider and the other was the code for the 20% off. Both coupons say they do not require a physical coupon so if that is the case why can't you check in online and if you do it at the kiosk how does that work? I am so confused

 

[corster]

Alamo customers MUST check-in prior to heading to a car - if you do Online Check In, then you do not need to stop at the counter.

If you do Kiosk, then you obviously must stop at the kiosk before going to the car.

If you check in at the counter, then you obviously have to stop there first.


Prior to about 3 months ago, Alamo Insider members could go straight to the garage without checking in. This is no longer the case. If you go to the garage without first checking in somehow (be it Online, Kiosk, or In-Person), they will not let you out without first checking in.

 

[gmeh1]

Actually I just called the Alamo Insider help desk right before I saw this thread. They told me the following:

1. In Orlando, Insider members MUST use the counter or the Kiosk UNLESS they check in online in advance. (as you know, if you are using a coupon, and most of us are, we cannot check in in advance).

2. My spouse is automatically authorized to drive my car so he does not have to be present when I pick it up (I know this wasn't really asked, but it was part of the reason I called).

THey have to check your spouse's license. I am not totally sure you received the correct information.