Alamo vs. Budget at MCO

[PSULion]

We're very new to the rental car world...

I'm getting similar rates for our minivan rental from Budget and Alamo. Any opinions on which is better? As I understand it, we can do online check in with Alamo and completely forgo the counter. Can you do that with Budget?

Only other real difference I could find is additional driver... Free with budget, right? But not Alamo? Probably not an issue as I won't likely drive, but still may tip the scale.

Thanks!

 

[ibob52]

I will not choose Budget again because of my past experiences (2-3 times at a different airport)

I chose them because they were the *Best* price (priceline bid)

I now choose Alamo/Enterprise/National ... even if they cost a little more.

Budget was barely ... ok ... YMMV

 

[dioxide45]

Alamo will also allow you to pick your car from the isle of the car class that you reserve. We have never rented with Budget out of MCO, alway end up with Alamo. I have heard some complaints about the lines at the Budget counter in MCO. Sometimes very long and slow.

 

[lync]

So, the online check in with Alamo means you skip the counter completely? That would be great!!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

So, the online check in with Alamo means you skip the counter completely? That would be great!!

Yes the online check in allows you to skip the counter. Just bring your printed documents with you. head to the garage pick out your car and present paperwork, CC and DL at the exit booth.

If you do not want to do online check in but you want to skip the counter. Alamo has several do-it your self kiosk which is what I always use. Would hate to do online check in and not arrive as planned since I am one who loves to take bumps from full flights in order to score free flight money. At the kiosk scan your DL and CC and answer a few question and in as little as 10 minutes you are on your way to the garage.

 

[kamanda]

Unless Budget is a lot cheaper we always book with Alamo.

Budget does not allow you to choose your own car. Alamo, you can choose your own car. With Alamo you can do online checkin if not, they have kiosks right in front of the rental counter that you can quickly checkin and print your documents.

 

[PSULion]

Thanks everyone for the input. I think I'll go with the Alamo reservation. That's what my gut was telling me... Just wanted to double check since I have zero experience with either.

 

[dioxide45]

I don't know if this is still true, but I don't think you can check in online if you have a coupon applied to your reservation. Though you can still use the kiosk and avoid the counter that way. I have never checked in online and always use the kiosk, coupons and all.

 

[sam_gordon]

We joined Budget's "fast break" program last year. At MCO, that mean skipping the counter, going to the kiosk in the garage and getting the keys to our assigned car.

I'm not saying Budget is better, just wanted to mention they have a "skip the counter" option also (at least at MCO).

 

[richmo]

I usually try to use Alamo, but last trip used Budget because the rates were so much better that time. Budget worked out fine for me and, although Alamo is still my choice, I would use Budget again. Same is true for Dollar.

A few observations:

- Alamo is probably the easiest as you can do your checkin online, skip the counter entirely and go right out to your car. Joining Alamo Insiders isn't a bad idea, but there are often better discounts with other organizations. If you don't completely do online checkin, but have a reservation, you can also use one of the Alamo kiosks, which are next to the rental counter in the airline terminal. There's rarely anyone waiting at the kiosks and it only takes a couple minutes.

- If you use Budget, I would also encourage you to join Fast Break and tie that to your reservation. That way you can bypass the counter in the terminal and go to a much quieter FastBreak counter in the garage.

- On the additional driver issue: that seems to be more related to the affinity program you have with your reservation. With no codes, I don't believe any of the agencies give you a free additional driver. I'm not aware that the additional driver comes automatically with Budget. But, for example, if you are a Costco member and use a Costco code with Alamo, the additional driver is included. I imagine there are similar situations with other organizations.

- One other thing with Budget to be aware of. They have a SunPass transponder attached to the windshield. If all you're doing is driving to WDW on the toll road one time, then back when returning to MCO, it isn't worth using. You have to be very sure you completely turn it off...there's a big switch on it. Better yet, remove it from the windshield, turn it off, put it in the console or glove compartment, but remember to put it back before returning. It is held on to the windshield with velcro tape...if you have an EZPass in the northeast, you know exactly what I mean.

 

[PSULion]

I usually try to use Alamo, but last trip used Budget because the rates were so much better that time. Budget worked out fine for me and, although Alamo is still my choice, I would use Budget again. Same is true for Dollar.

A few observations:

- Alamo is probably the easiest as you can do your checkin online, skip the counter entirely and go right out to your car. Joining Alamo Insiders isn't a bad idea, but there are often better discounts with other organizations. If you don't completely do online checkin, but have a reservation, you can also use one of the Alamo kiosks, which are next to the rental counter in the airline terminal. There's rarely anyone waiting at the kiosks and it only takes a couple minutes.

- If you use Budget, I would also encourage you to join Fast Break and tie that to your reservation. That way you can bypass the counter in the terminal and go to a much quieter FastBreak counter in the garage.

- On the additional driver issue: that seems to be more related to the affinity program you have with your reservation. With no codes, I don't believe any of the agencies give you a free additional driver. I'm not aware that the additional driver comes automatically with Budget. But, for example, if you are a Costco member and use a Costco code with Alamo, the additional driver is included. I imagine there are similar situations with other organizations.

- One other thing with Budget to be aware of. They have a SunPass transponder attached to the windshield. If all you're doing is driving to WDW on the toll road one time, then back when returning to MCO, it isn't worth using. You have to be very sure you completely turn it off...there's a big switch on it. Better yet, remove it from the windshield, turn it off, put it in the console or glove compartment, but remember to put it back before returning. It is held on to the windshield with velcro tape...if you have an EZPass in the northeast, you know exactly what I mean.

Thanks for all the great info! Since the price is just about even, I think we'll go with Alamo this time. I can't believe how many different factors there are when renting a car. This has been a learning experience for sure!

 

[richmo]

And since you're relatively new to renting, I'll give you my standard advice:

Rental rates can vary a lot. They can be more volatile than airline fares. But, unlike airline fares, they tend to hit their lowest anywhere from 3 weeks to a couple days before departure.

The above is not a hard rule, especially if you're looking for a non-standard car class (like minivans, SUV's, etc.)

So, you should book something non-binding as soon as you know your exact dates and times. By non-binding, I mean do not prepay. You will notice that most car rentals do not require a credit card to secure the reservation. Prepay should be used only if its a great rate very close to your departure day.

However, once you book, keep looking. Look occasionally, but once your trip is about 3 weeks out, start looking more frequently. When you're less than two weeks out, even look multiple times a day. The rates can change fast. After you book something new, go back and cancel your previous reservation. Technically you don't have to, but adding to the supply could help rates for everyone.