Alamo...Online check in not available

[DIS-OH]

For the past two trips, we have rented a car from Alamo and did "online Check In". We were able to skip the counter, go straight to the garage, select our car and head to the exit booth.

We had such a good experience with Alamo that we joined the "Insiders" program and were able to score a great rate for this trip ($75.08, Fullsize car, June 4-10).

However, my reservation says that "online check in is not available for this reservation."

So...what do we do? The confirmation says to go to the counter. My Insiders car says skip the line and go to the kiosk. Does this mean the "self check in" kisok near the counter or the kiosk in the garage near the car pick up area?

Also, I'd like to add my spouse as a second driver (which is free for Insiders, right?). Do I have to go to the counter to do so?

 

[pigletto]

If you used a coupon it is likely why online check in is not available. However, even with the same wording on our reservation we were able to use the kiosk with no issues.
The additional driver is another matter all together. There were many reports earlier in the year that the kiosks were trying to charge for the additional driver even though it was supposed to be free with Insiders.
What I saw as a solution several times was that people were skipping the additional driver at the kiosk or adding it, but having it fixed by the attendant in the parking garage when driving out, rather than going and getting in line.

 

[mommy2jack]

We just got back from our trip and rented a car with Alamo. When we got the the retal car area of the airport I was SHOCKED to see the line for the counter, it was SO LONG. It was 8:30 at night and my kids were getting cranky I was not about to wait in that line. I walked right over the the kiosk and checked in. Then we walked right out to the garage, picked our car and carseats and we were off. I was actually amazed at how easy it was and wondered why people were standing in the lines at the counter instead of checking in at the kiosks. If I were you I would just try the kiosk, you shouldn't have any problems. As for the additional drive. If you are a Sam's Club member the additional driver is also free. I'm an insider member but also used the Sam's Club code when I booked our car. I was able to add my DH as the additional driver online prior to check in free of charge.

 

[soxfan11901]

In the email you received from Alamo there is a link which says "Save Time". If you click there, then you can add your additional driver information and it will show no charge for the extra driver.
Then at the airport just go straight to the kiosk to get your rental agreement.

 

[DIS-OH]

In the email you received from Alamo there is a link which says "Save Time". If you click there, then you can add your additional driver information and it will show no charge for the extra driver.
Then at the airport just go straight to the kiosk to get your rental agreement.

OK...I did the "Save Time" to add extra driver. However, it shows a fee. Can the exit booth agent remove this fee or will I have to use the counter?

 

[gmeh1]

OK...I did the "Save Time" to add extra driver. However, it shows a fee. Can the exit booth agent remove this fee or will I have to use the counter?

Does the fee carry over to the contract? Yes, the exit booth agent can remove the fee.

 

[gmeh1]

If you used a coupon it is likely why online check in is not available. However, even with the same wording on our reservation we were able to use the kiosk with no issues.
The additional driver is another matter all together. There were many reports earlier in the year that the kiosks were trying to charge for the additional driver even though it was supposed to be free with Insiders.
What I saw as a solution several times was that people were skipping the additional driver at the kiosk or adding it, but having it fixed by the attendant in the parking garage when driving out, rather than going and getting in line.

Easy solution for sure, but, keep in mind, it does slow up the exit line and really annoys the customers waiting to check out, who have, no doubt, spent a lot of time in line at the counter. It is easier to take the charge off at the exit booth, than to add a driver. And, not that anyone really cares, it saves the exit booth agent a lot of flack for the drivers being held up.

 

[pigletto]

Easy solution for sure, but, keep in mind, it does slow up the exit line and really annoys the customers waiting to check out, who have, no doubt, spent a lot of time in line at the counter. It is easier to take the charge off at the exit booth, than to add a driver. And, not that anyone really cares, it saves the exit booth agent a lot of flack for the drivers being held up.

I was just reporting what I had seen, not that it was ideal. I've never done either. My sentence was a little confusing but I was suggesting to have the charge adjusted at the booth. I mean no offence to you personally but if this is such a concern, perhaps Alamo should look into actually fixing it at the Kiosk, since it annoys both the customers and the employees.

 

[DIS-OH]

Easy solution for sure, but, keep in mind, it does slow up the exit line and really annoys the customers waiting to check out, who have, no doubt, spent a lot of time in line at the counter. It is easier to take the charge off at the exit booth, than to add a driver. And, not that anyone really cares, it saves the exit booth agent a lot of flack for the drivers being held up.

Is there a Customer Service number I can call to fix this before my trip? I'd prefer to not hold up the line and inconvenience other travelers and the exit agent.

 

[gmeh1]

I was just reporting what I had seen, not that it was ideal. I've never done either. My sentence was a little confusing but I was suggesting to have the charge adjusted at the booth. I mean no offence to you personally but if this is such a concern, perhaps Alamo should look into actually fixing it at the Kiosk, since it annoys both the customers and the employees.

No, your sentence was fine, but, I think you misunderstood my response, it was not aimed at you and, as a general rule, it may show as a charge at the kiosk, but, it is not carried to the right hand side as a charge.

It does not annoy the employees, it is our job to cater to the needs of our customers, but, it sure can be an annoyance to our customers.

 

[gmeh1]

Is there a Customer Service number I can call to fix this before my trip? I'd prefer to not hold up the line and inconvenience other travelers and the exit agent.

there is a general reservation number on the web site. Not sure what they can or cannot do, I have never called them. I appreciate your being considerate to others, but, please, don't think service a customer is looked upon as an inconvenience, it most definitely is not.