Alamo - Returning car 1/2 hr early

[bbwhos]

This maybe be minor/petty but just don't want any surprises. I know you are not supposed to return rental cars early, but do you think Alamo will have a problem if we return 1/2 hr early?

May 8-15:

Our flight arrives 8:25 am (usually arrives early since 1st flight of the day) so I reserved to pu 8:30 am.

Our return flight leaves at 11:00 am (I thought it was 11:15 am) so I reserved to return at 9:30 am. We actually will need to return it at 9:00 am (at the time I was not thinking about the 29 min grace period at all).

By adding the extra hour to the weekly rental saved us alot of money vs just the weekly rate. At this point I can't re-book for the same low base rate.

Any experiences? Thanks for your thoughts ...

 

[andrews_dad]

No problems on that short of a difference. You will be 100% fine.

 

[robinb]

Yes, you may have a problem. Alamo has some weird pricing and 8-day rentals are often cheaper than 7-day rentals (as you found out). If you only keep the car for 7 days you will no longer qualify for the 8-day rental. It's like trying to pay for a 5-day "weekly" rate when you're only keeping the car for 4 1/2 days. You will run into even more issues because there is NO WAY you will be able to pick up the car by 8:30 when your plane lands at 8:25. I would be shocked if you would be able to drive away any sooner than 9:00 am, so you would really have to keep the car until 10:00 to qualify for that rate. Sorry, but I would be prepared for them to charge you more than your current rate.

 

[bbwhos]

Hm ... Our reservation says 7 days 1 hour - from your experience that is considered 8 day? I didn't think the pu time would be a big issue since you feasibly could stand in line for a hour during peak times or plane delayed.

Thanks for your help!!! I'll keep checking to see if I can find at least close to the rate I have to re-book just to make sure.

 

[gmeh1]

Hm ... Our reservation says 7 days 1 hour - from your experience that is considered 8 day? I didn't think the pu time would be a big issue since you feasibly could stand in line for a hour during peak times or plane delayed.

Thanks for your help!!! I'll keep checking to see if I can find at least close to the rate I have to re-book just to make sure.

7 days one hour is 7 days one hour. If it was considered an 8 day rental, it would have stated. one week and one day or something similar.

They do understand pickup times can vary because of long lines and flight delays. Did you put in your flight information? They do track that. Returning a car 30 mins. early should not be a problem.

 

[bbwhos]

7 days one hour is 7 days one hour. If it was considered an 8 day rental, it would have stated. one week and one day or something similar.

They do understand pickup times can vary because of long lines and flight delays. Did you put in your flight information? They do track that. Returning a car 30 mins. early should not be a problem.

Yes, I did put flight info in. So you think we might be okay with the times I have it reserved?

Update:
Gmeh1, I'm so confused now! I called Alamo (general #) to see if they could tchange the 1/2 hr to 9:00 am return. Rep suggested leaving as it so not to lose the rate and that it would be fine.

Now my confusion - I also confirmed the free add'l driver. I booked using AARP code and AARP coupon. On Alamo's website which was redirected from AARP website it states free additional driver. Rep told me add'l driver was not included using AARP code. I did enter my Insider # also but since booked using AARP, add'l driver not free. She suggested calling MCO directly to confirm what she told me. (Well, I left a message. Don't know if they will actually return call.)

So I called general # again, and different rep told me that yes, AARP included add'l driver and since I entered my Alamo Insider's I would definitely get the free add'l driver.

Sorry to trouble you, but I know you have the insider scoop with Alamo. I think I am entering panic mode since we are a week away.

 

[gmeh1]

Yes, I did put flight info in. So you think we might be okay with the times I have it reserved?

Update:
Gmeh1, I'm so confused now! I called Alamo (general #) to see if they could tchange the 1/2 hr to 9:00 am return. Rep suggested leaving as it so not to lose the rate and that it would be fine.

Now my confusion - I also confirmed the free add'l driver. I booked using AARP code and AARP coupon. On Alamo's website which was redirected from AARP website it states free additional driver. Rep told me add'l driver was not included using AARP code. I did enter my Insider # also but since booked using AARP, add'l driver not free. She suggested calling MCO directly to confirm what she told me. (Well, I left a message. Don't know if they will actually return call.)

So I called general # again, and different rep told me that yes, AARP included add'l driver and since I entered my Alamo Insider's I would definitely get the free add'l driver.

Sorry to trouble you, but I know you have the insider scoop with Alamo. I think I am entering panic mode since we are a week away.

Ok, deep breath, in and out!! Yes, you will be fine with the return time. All Insiders are entitled to a free additional driver regardless of the code or coupon they use. The second rep. was totally correct.
You are not any trouble at all, you have a legit concern and I hope I have helped. Now, relax and enjoy your planning.

BTW, use the kiosk to check in. You can add the additional driver info there. Then go to the garage and select your vehicle. You will both need to be in the car when you exit the garage and you will have to show both licenses and credit card (the one you used for the reservation).

 

[aubriee]

Ok, deep breath, in and out!! Yes, you will be fine with the return time. All Insiders are entitled to a free additional driver regardless of the code or coupon they use. The second rep. was totally correct.
You are not any trouble at all, you have a legit concern and I hope I have helped. Now, relax and enjoy your planning.

BTW, use the kiosk to check in. You can add the additional driver info there. Then go to the garage and select your vehicle. You will both need to be in the car when you exit the garage and you will have to show both licenses and credit card (the one you used for the reservation).

Uh oh, now you have me in a panic. My purse was stolen a couple of months ago and I had to replace my ID and credit cards. Consequently I no longer have the exact same cc number that I booked my car rental with. The first six numbers are the same, but the last six numbers and the little 3 digit number on the back are different. Will I have a problem?

 

[bbwhos]

Ok, deep breath, in and out!! Yes, you will be fine with the return time. All Insiders are entitled to a free additional driver regardless of the code or coupon they use. The second rep. was totally correct.
You are not any trouble at all, you have a legit concern and I hope I have helped. Now, relax and enjoy your planning.

BTW, use the kiosk to check in. You can add the additional driver info there. Then go to the garage and select your vehicle. You will both need to be in the car when you exit the garage and you will have to show both licenses and credit card (the one you used for the reservation).

Big Wheeeewwww!! I do feel better this morning and much much more so with your expertise. Gosh I was really wrapped so tight over this last night.

I really do appreciate your time and expertise to help me (and everyone else that you so generously offer your help). You are an angel!!

 

[gmeh1]

Uh oh, now you have me in a panic. My purse was stolen a couple of months ago and I had to replace my ID and credit cards. Consequently I no longer have the exact same cc number that I booked my car rental with. The first six numbers are the same, but the last six numbers and the little 3 digit number on the back are different. Will I have a problem?

On this one, I would call and have it changed on the reservation. They can do that very quickly for you. Just explain what happened.

 

[gmeh1]

Big Wheeeewwww!! I do feel better this morning and much much more so with your expertise. Gosh I was really wrapped so tight over this last night.

I really do appreciate your time and expertise to help me (and everyone else that you so generously offer your help). You are an angel!!

I am glad I could help. Thank you for the kind words. Have a GREAT day.