Alamo Kiosk Question

[bubba]

Have any of you used the Alamo kiosk to check in to avoid the counter ? Is there anything I need to do ahead of time, like pre-register on line or anything ? Thanks for the info !

 

[pamjb]

I used the kiosk in February. I did pre check in online. Although I don't think you have to. That kiosk was the best thing. When we got to the Alamo counter, there was about 10 people in the regular line, about 5 in the kiosk line. There are 4 (maybe 5) kiosks. I was at the front of the kiosk line in about 10 minutes, took me about 5 minutes to check in on the kiosk.

 

[1000th happy haunt]

I've used the Alamo kiosk twice, and both times I just walked up to the kiosk. No line at all.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Best is to be a member of their Quick Silver program.

 

[stevepete]

Do you have to use the kiosk if you check in online first? Which way do you think is easier?

Thanks

 

[pamjb]

It is definately easier to use the kiosk. Even the computer tries to get you to upgrade and buy insurance, but it is easier to just "press NO". Of course, it depends on the line at the kiosk vs the line at the counter.

 

[MommyBuzz909]

And you just swipe your card and you're good to go?

 

[madge]

And you just swipe your card and you're good to go?

Pretty much! But make SURE that the person whose name is on the reservation is the name on the credit card. We found out the hard way on Monday. The car was reserved in DH name, since he is the primary driver. I swiped my Amex & intended to use my Amex to pay for the reservation. (I do that EVERY time we use the Emerald Aisle. It's the default payment option on our account) When we got to the exit booth, a man named Mike was working ... and very grumpily sent us back (literally. we had to back up the van to the booth) to the customer service counter because the name on the card didn't match the name on the reservation.

Luckily, a wonderful customer service rep named Nilsa was in the booth and helped us out. I booked the reservation with the WalMart code, with the free driver, so she switched the booking to my name and added DH as the second driver. She also sent us to a different exit booth, where she called ahead and instructed Barbara to let us through. LOL.

Knowing what I know now - I wouldn't hesitate to use Alamo if the price was right. I'd just use DH credit card to pay for it

We had a rate of $86.xx for the week, mid-size car. When we got to the mid-size aisle, the only car choice was minivans. We got a great deal!

 

[Muffy]

We're using this for the first time in a few days. It sounds pretty easy (I think). We did register online with DH's info. I will use his CC and then what? Do you walk to the Alamo area and pick out a car? We're renting one for less than a towncar service!

 

[jekjones1558]

Yes. After you choose your car, give the paperwork from the kiosk, DH's drivers license, credit card and the paper hanging from the mirror to the exit gate attendant.
One point I am making to those who have a code for a free extra driver (e.g. Walmart): The kiosk will have one screen asking if you want an extra driver for $9.99/day. Choose "yes" but there will be no charge on the final bill. I also recommend entering the extra driver info online using the "Save Time" link so that you don't need to fuss with that at the kiosk.
I am a quick...... member but don't use it at airports where there is a kiosk available. Kiosk is faster.

 

[lidec]

you cant checkin online if you're using a coupon right? So we would have to wait until we got to the kiosk to enter info right?

 

[mmmgood]

You can use Save Time to pre enter your information rather than online check in. There should be a link on your confirmation email.

 

[tkldisney]

Where are the kiosks located? (by rental counter or garage) How come Alamo won't let you check in on-line using coupon even e-coupons? National does and it's the same company.

 

[wdwrunner]

I used the kiosk right next to the counter. There were about 6 terminals. It took me all of 5 minutes to do it AND I did have an ecoupon for $25 off the rental. (I did not have a paper back up)

So, I was able to use the kiosk WITH an ecoupon. No problems. No lines. This was on June 1st.

Kris

 

[neonurse]

The kiosks are at the rental counter. You can enter all your info on line you just can preregister. Don't know why?

 

[bubba]

Ditto ! We used the kiosks by the rental counter, sailed through in a couple minutes. We also used a couple ecoupons and had printed copies with us but were never asked to show them to anyone or anything. Will definitely use the kiosks again when renting through Alamo !

 

[Michael623]

I really liked the Emerald Aisle, to the point that I said I would never use any other agency at MCO. 18 months or so ago the rates at Alamo were about 40% of National so I figured I’d give them a go. I had used Alamo before but had frequently waited 60+ minutes in line. The kiosk is absolutely the best thing they ever did. My wife’s airport plan goes like this. Get off the plane and I wait with the stroller/carry on until she changes the baby. From there she goes to the luggage carousels and I head to the kiosk. I typically get to the luggage carousel as our luggage is getting out then we grab it and go across the street, pick out our car and drive away. The Emerald Aisle reservation would save no time at all. Keep in mind Alamo and National leave the garage through the same booths and it takes the same amount of time no matter where you rent from. Since the kiosks have been installed I’ve rented from Alamo exclusively due to the fact that they are always the cheapest and get progressively cheaper as my trip gets closer. Long story short, the kiosk is a winner (if for no other reason, you no longer have to deal with the counter people)

 

[BigDopeyMom]

I really liked the Emerald Aisle, to the point that I said I would never use any other agency at MCO. 18 months or so ago the rates at Alamo were about 40% of National so I figured I’d give them a go. I had used Alamo before but had frequently waited 60+ minutes in line. The kiosk is absolutely the best thing they ever did. My wife’s airport plan goes like this. Get off the plane and I wait with the stroller/carry on until she changes the baby. From there she goes to the luggage carousels and I head to the kiosk. I typically get to the luggage carousel as our luggage is getting out then we grab it and go across the street, pick out our car and drive away. The Emerald Aisle reservation would save no time at all. Keep in mind Alamo and National leave the garage through the same booths and it takes the same amount of time no matter where you rent from. Since the kiosks have been installed I’ve rented from Alamo exclusively due to the fact that they are always the cheapest and get progressively cheaper as my trip gets closer. Long story short, the kiosk is a winner (if for no other reason, you no longer have to deal with the counter people)

This is great to hear...I have used National Emerald Aisle but currently have a reservation with Alamo for our upcoming trip in August! Thanks for letting me know about your experience!!!