Alamo kiosk check-in for Canadians (and other World travellers)

[rewok]

Last September, I couldn't check-in online because I had used a coupon. I thought I'd just use the kiosk, as we did in the past (really painless), but ran into an issue. The kiosk were changed from the previous year, and the only way to complete the process was to scan our drivers licenses. Being Canadians, it did not seem to work. I tried everything I could think off, and spoke to the manager who hovered around the kiosk. He told us it was impossible to check-in at the kiosk, we needed to use the counter. Even after explaining we did it quite often, he was not really helpful. Stood in line, and finally managed to complete our check-in (I did the "Save Time", so all the info was there). Lost about 30 minutes there, and really was not worth it for the 20$ coupon. I have a reservation next month, and unsure bout using a coupon.

Now, anyone has recent feedback on that? Were you (Canadian or International traveller) able to use a kiosk at any Alamo US location since September 2012? gmeh1, any input on that? If nobody can report anything, I won't risk it again, but I'd like to know.

P.S. we're not actually going to Orlando, but Las Vegas. Here assuming Alamo has the same system everywhere...

 

[gmeh1]

Last September, I couldn't check-in online because I had used a coupon. I thought I'd just use the kiosk, as we did in the past (really painless), but ran into an issue. The kiosk were changed from the previous year, and the only way to complete the process was to scan our drivers licenses. Being Canadians, it did not seem to work. I tried everything I could think off, and spoke to the manager who hovered around the kiosk. He told us it was impossible to check-in at the kiosk, we needed to use the counter. Even after explaining we did it quite often, he was not really helpful. Stood in line, and finally managed to complete our check-in (I did the "Save Time", so all the info was there). Lost about 30 minutes there, and really was not worth it for the 20$ coupon. I have a reservation next month, and unsure bout using a coupon.

Now, anyone has recent feedback on that? Were you (Canadian or International traveller) able to use a kiosk at any Alamo US location since September 2012? gmeh1, any input on that? If nobody can report anything, I won't risk it again, but I'd like to know.

P.S. we're not actually going to Orlando, but Las Vegas. Here assuming Alamo has the same system everywhere...

Wish I could help more, but, all I can say is I have had Canadian drivers check out after using the kiosk. Not all licenses scan and I believe there is a way to input the license number manually. The system is the same for all locations in the US. I am just not sure if Las Vegas has kiosks, but, I bet the counter is not as busy as MCO's.

 

[sympatico]

I used it last Oct and everything work except it ran out of paper when it was ready to do the print out. So ended up going to the counter anyway.

 

[rewok]

I used it last Oct and everything work except it ran out of paper when it was ready to do the print out. So ended up going to the counter anyway.

Thanks! Would you remember if you scanned your driver's license successfully or entered it manually? I don't know if the province would change anything. I think I'll forfeit the 20$ coupon this time...

 

[sympatico]

Thanks! Would you remember if you scanned your driver's license successfully or entered it manually? I don't know if the province would change anything. I think I'll forfeit the 20$ coupon this time...

I think I scanned it because I was wondering if it would work.

 

[amw]

Thanks! Would you remember if you scanned your driver's license successfully or entered it manually? I don't know if the province would change anything. I think I'll forfeit the 20$ coupon this time...

When there was all that talk last winter of Canadians needing an international licence in Florida (which was overturned) ... The reason Florida gave is that they couldn't understand different languages on our driver licences. I see you are from La Belle Province, perhaps the machines don't recognize Quebec licences.

 

[3pletprincesses]

I'm from Quebec and was able to use the kiosk in August 2011 and 2012. I intend to use it again this year. that's very strange that you couldn't use it. I remember scanning it last year. No idea about the previous year.

 

[rewok]

I think I scanned it because I was wondering if it would work.

Thanks!

When there was all that talk last winter of Canadians needing an international licence in Florida (which was overturned) ... The reason Florida gave is that they couldn't understand different languages on our driver licences. I see you are from La Belle Province, perhaps the machines don't recognize Quebec licences.

Yes, I remember that IDP talk... Really, there are about 3 French words on the front part of the licence, one which is "Date"... There Germans had no issue with it (the IDP is not required in Germany, only "recommended" if your License is hard to comprehend for a German police officer)

But from what I've gathered on other discussion forum, that was a widespread issue that affected all international travellers at that point, in all Alamo kiosks. That's what the on-site manager told us as well, at least for Florida.

I'm from Quebec and was able to use the kiosk in August 2011 and 2012. I intend to use it again this year. that's very strange that you couldn't use it. I remember scanning it last year. No idea about the previous year.

I think the kiosk were changed last September, so you might just have "made it" last year. In 2011, I had no issues using the kiosk either. Hope it works for you this year!

 

[3pletprincesses]

I think the kiosk were changed last September, so you might just have "made it" last year. In 2011, I had no issues using the kiosk either. Hope it works for you this year!

Now that would make more sense as to why I was able to and not you LOL When are you travelling? we are going at the end of October. I can report back if you are travelling after us

 

[rewok]

Now that would make more sense as to why I was able to and not you LOL When are you travelling? we are going at the end of October. I can report back if you are travelling after us

We're leaving during (Canadian) Thanksgiving week-end, so before you. Still, if you could report with an update, it would be great, as I'm always planning new trips!

 

[kamanda]

Last year the kiosks did not scan the license so we had to get back in line to go to the counters.

This year it worked great! Make sure if you have an additional driver and they're waiting for luggage while you get the rental car, take their driver's license too.

When I said yes to the additional driver (free if it's spouse) they required that license to be scanned too.

The entire process was very smooth.

We had Ontario license.

 

[gmeh1]

Last year the kiosks did not scan the license so we had to get back in line to go to the counters.

This year it worked great! Make sure if you have an additional driver and they're waiting for luggage while you get the rental car, take their driver's license too.

When I said yes to the additional driver (free if it's spouse) they required that license to be scanned too.

The entire process was very smooth.

We had Ontario license.

It is only free if you are a: an Insider member or b: using a code that allows for a free add. driver. In FL. spouse are not fee add. drivers.