Alamo Insiders vs National Emerald Club

[Rash]

We've always use National's Emerald Club because there is always a minivan or SUV in the Emerald Aisle. We reserve a midsize, and grab a minivan.

Does Alamo Insiders work the same way, or do you have to take the size car you reserved? Alamo's rates are WAY lower for the week I need than National right now, but I need some reasonable assurance that I will be able to grab a minivan or SUV.

TIA

 

[kaytieeldr]

You take the car size you reserved. Still, you do get to go right out to the garage and pick a car - no waiting in line - and just check out at the booth.

 

[At World's End]

We rented from Alamo at MCO for the first time Jan. 22- Feb. 1. We rented a full size for $50 less than National wanted for a midsize. Since it was just 2 adults & 2 kids, a full size would have been fine, but we were hoping for a minivan.

At Alamo, you go to the aisle for the size you rented. But like at National, there seems to be a wide variety of vehicles within the aisle. We went to the fullsize aisle and found the following vehicles: Impalas, Chargers, crossovers, and a few minivans. We took a minivan (Grand Caravan). We picked up at 5:30 pm on a Saturday, but the airport was empty. I'm sure the selection varies based on when you pickup, regardless of what company you go with. I've read reports that people have found HHRs, PT Cruisers and crossovers on Alamo's midsize aisle, but no reports of minivans.

If you absolutely must have a minivan or SUV based on the number of people you have or the amount of luggage you are bringing, the only assurance you have of getting one is to rent that particular car class.

 

[Rash]

At Alamo, you go to the aisle for the size you rented. But like at National, there seems to be a wide variety of vehicles within the aisle. We went to the fullsize aisle and found the following vehicles: Impalas, Chargers, crossovers, and a few minivans.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

I'm wondering if your experience was the rule or the exception. The program description doesn't mention anything about taking an upgraded vehicle, so is this just an unpublished perk or were you just lucky?

With National Emerald Club, there is almost ALWAYS SUVs and minivans available in the Emerald Aisle. Is that the case with Alamo Insiders, or I am more likely going to get exactly what I reserved? Are there often SUVs/minivans in ALL the different car-size aisles (i.e fullsize. midsize, standard)?

Anyone else have a recent experience using Alamo Insiders?

 

[kaytieeldr]

The rule. With a midsize reservation a couple of months ago, I had a choice among a Hyundai (Sonata, I think), two SSRs - a car I loathe - and a Kia Soul. I took the Soul.

 

[Maxwell]

So how does Alamo Insiders actually work. We always use National Emerald club and just go straight to the garage and pick out our minivan from teh Reserve aisle. What about Alamo Insiders?