Alamo rentals?

[Brander]

My sons and I will be arriving at MCO on July 10, and we have a fantastic rate for the 2 weeks we will be in Florida.
My question is, how efficient is Alamo's check-in counter. Would you recommend getting the car worked out first and then going to pick up the luggage at the turnstile, or vise versa.
Thanks from a Canadian friend!

 

[utahkennedys]

We used Alamo in April and I ran down to the counter while my DH gathered the luggage on the cart. I was glad I did because the line got a lot longer while I was getting my car. They were very efficient. You go across the street and pick whatever car is in the class you reserved, then check out at the gate. I think Alamo and National have merged now, so that was a little confusing because we only saw the National exit but they hadn't told us, now we know! Dropping the car off has always been super-quick too.

 

[keishashadow]

Used Alamo in Feb, the Sunday before Pres day weekend. Plane arrived @ 10:30 a.m., waited almost 1 hour in line (no express service since we used a coupon). When we went to garage across the street for our "Full Size" car, we were lucky to get one of the last vehicles available, a rather compact PT Cruiser, no less. When we complained about the smaller vehicle we were given a $40 refund and told that we should consider ourselves lucky...they were overbooked and many with confirmed reservations wouldn't get "any" vechicle. Tell that to my DS who was jammed into the small back seat with the luggage. Good thing my 2 older children decided not to come.

We booked via National this time (yes, I know they're affiliated) but at least we're getting a good rate and won't have to stand in line @ the terminal. Should give us a chance to beat the crowd to the garage to snag a vehicle. Good Luck.

 

[Miscoehill]

When we went last August, the line to get to the counter was going to be about 3 hrs! That is how many people were in front of us. I walked over to L&M rental and they rented to us for the same price...no line, no waiting, no hassle. Started our vacation a little earlier! We are going this summer and will not use Alamo!

 

[inkkognito]

We have gotten Alamo through Priceline many times. Only complaint has been the long lines (at times) and the fact that they tend to be very pushy on insurance (some agents are much worse than others). We've been upgraded when vehicles are not available, but never downgraded. It would be hard for them to refuse us a car, since Priceline is pre-paid. But if L & M will match, that might be an option. We've used them several times (direct ressie, not Priceline) with great results.
Barb