Alamo Pre-paid now what???

[disneyfanz04]

OK, I just prepaid for my ressie for Alamo for next week. Now do I still have to go to the counter, or do I go right out to the counter at the garage??? Has anyone prepaid before?? The only reason I did it was because they offered a discount of 15% if you prepay. TIA!!!

 

[tkldisney]

From what I understand & have read, you go straight to your car. You've already paid for it so no need to go to counter. You will just check out as you leave garage. I'd make sure you take print out of prepay contract with you.

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

I prepaid for my trip last week and went right out to the garage with no problem. I recall reading something on the paperwork that instructed me to go to the garage, with the paperwork in hand. Check for that message somewhere on your papers to be sure.

 

[disneyfanz04]

GGGRRR...I just went to the web-site and checked itout and apparently I cannot go right to the garage because I used an e-coupon. You cannot check in on-line if you use a coupon!!! That really stinks...I thought by pre-paying that would qualify me to go right to the garage!!! Should I try calling them???

 

[Mickey_Maniac]

GGGRRR...I just went to the web-site and checked itout and apparently I cannot go right to the garage because I used an e-coupon. You cannot check in on-line if you use a coupon!!! That really stinks...I thought by pre-paying that would qualify me to go right to the garage!!! Should I try calling them???

I'm in the same situation. Using an EB coupon. I called Alamo customer service to ask why they cannot handle this and the answer was that thier system was not configured to process online coupons. IMHO, this is bunk. If the system can process the ressie using a coupon, why cant it process the online check-in?

 

[disneyfanz04]

I'm in the same situation. Using an EB coupon. I called Alamo customer service to ask why they cannot handle this and the answer was that thier system was not configured to process online coupons. IMHO, this is bunk. If the system can process the ressie using a coupon, why cant it process the online check-in?

I agree. Especially since you do not have to physically hand them a coupon since it is an e-coupon. This really sticks and now cuts into my valuable time. I was trying to make dinner ressies for Nine Dragons for 5:00pm, but now I do not think I am going to make it to the expo to check in fo rthe MINNIE, the resort to check-in so we can do EMH at Epcot, then to Epcot for dinner!!!

 

[LeslieG]

What about signing up for QS? Wouldn't that let you bypass the counter?

 

[Mickey_Maniac]

Signing up for QS (which I highly recommend) does allow you to bypass the in-terminal counter, but you still have to stop at the booth in the garage. It's certainly quicker, but not as quick as going straight to your car and driving to the exit booth.

National hs had this ability for years, cant Alamo take advantage of that now that they are one?

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

If you still need to stop at the booth in the garage, what is the advantage to QS? (Definitely not flaming, just genuinely curious).

 

[LeslieG]

I've waited over an hour before in the line in the terminal. I assume the lines for QS in the garage are much shorter, although next week will be my first time using QS. Anyone else?

 

[Mickey_Maniac]

LeslieGis correct. The line in the terminal can be outrageous (sp?). On our last trip in Feb, we arrived very, very late due to flight delays. We got to the in-terminal counter at about 1:00 am and there were about 30 people in line with 1 attendant working the counter. Thank god I had QS. We waited in the QS queue, got served next and were on our way within about 10 minutes. Left alot of very PO'd people in the regular line behind us. I have read though, that even the QS queue can get very long at the terminal counter.

 

[LeslieG]

So the QS line was in the terminal, not in the garage?

 

[Kycha]

So the QS line was in the terminal, not in the garage?

No, the QS is in a kiosk in the garage. When we were there in March, it took about 15 minutes, and it only took that long because I changed the credit card from the one they had on record.

One interesting thing, the attendant at the QS kiosk asked me why I did not use the online check in. I told him that since I was using a coupon, that the website wouldn't allow it. He said that was wrong and that I should have no problem using online check in even with a coupon. I never even tried online check in with my reservation because I had already read I wasn't allowed. So, I don't know if he is right.

And for anyone that is using an e-coupon with their reservation, I would recommend taking a copy of the coupon with you. I have read enough threads on this board to know that you should always bring all documentation with you. Just a little bit of advice.

 

[Mickey_Maniac]

So the QS line was in the terminal, not in the garage?

Yes, there was a huge line at the in-terminal counter, but absolutely no one at the booth in the garage. I had to go to the terminal counter due to some manual adjustments they had to make on my ressie.

 

[Mickey_Maniac]

When I read my last post back I realized it could be a little confusing. Just to clarify, there is a seperate line at the terminal counter for QS members. It is right next to the regular line, but I dont think too many people see it because there is just a very small sign for it.

There is also a booth in the garage that QS members can go straight to if they cannot do online check in for some reason (like us).

 

[ChrisAlli]

OK, I have a reservation for an SUV using a BJ's coupon, I thought I read I can't pre-pay and check in online because of the SUV, or maybe just the checking-in online, so I should sign up for QS, but don't you have to be associated with a company to use QS???

Or if I downgrade a level, I can pre-pay and check-in online and go right to garage???

Sorry, last time we had a very little line at Alamo, now you all have me worried and it would be nice to skip it all together

 

[Mickey_Maniac]

Chris, You got hit with a double whammy. For some reason, Alamo does not allow SUVs to checked in online.

You can very easily sign up for QS even if you dont own a company. Just come up with something to put on the company name line (mine was Mickey Inc!!!). they dont check and I have not had any problems with it.

If you join QS, you can go straight to the garage, stop at the booth, and go to your car. Unless there is a line, it shouldn't take more than about 10-15 mins.

 

[thelionqueen]

Chris, You got hit with a double whammy. For some reason, Alamo does not allow SUVs to checked in online.

You can very easily sign up for QS even if you dont own a company. Just come up with something to put on the company name line (mine was Mickey Inc!!!). they dont check and I have not had any problems with it.

If you join QS, you can go straight to the garage, stop at the booth, and go to your car. Unless there is a line, it shouldn't take more than about 10-15 mins.

Thanks for the great info., I'm off to try to establish a QS account. BTW, we always use Alamo and have never waited more than 10 minutes in line in the terminal...maybe just lucky I guess, knock on wood.
I hope we can get QS. We got 12 days rental of Trailblazer for $192.50!! Taxes included. So I don't want to do anthing to jeopardize that rate. Current rate for same time frame is over $350!

 

[Blueberry]

I have a question about joining QS...If I already have a reservation and it is a good one of $94 all fees included for a Equinox May 9-16th, and I join QS can I just go up to the QS counter with my current reservation and coupon or would I have to rebook to use the QS line??..thanks...

 

[Mickey_Maniac]

I have a question about joining QS...If I already have a reservation and it is a good one of $94 all fees included for a Equinox May 9-16th, and I join QS can I just go up to the QS counter with my current reservation and coupon or would I have to rebook to use the QS line??..thanks...

You should be able to call Alamo customer service and they can add your QS number to your reservation without affecting the price. Ask them to email you a new confirmation showing the QS is indeed attached so you dont have any issues when you get to the counter or booth.