Alamo's 'Happy Trails' kiosk

[sarahc]

Have heard about this 'elsewhere' and apparently it's open to anyone, not just US citizens which is good news. However, no-one I know has used this yet so I thought I'd ask if anyone on here has and how easy it is to use?
Here's some info from the alamo.com website:
How it works.

* Skip the rental counter.
* Check-in at the kiosk.
* Show rental agreement and driver's license at exit booth.
* Start vacation!


What you need.

* Valid driver's license.
* Major credit card.
* Advance reservation.


Other cool kiosk
stuff you can do.

* Review your rental info.
* Upgrade to a larger car.
* Add other drivers.
* Purchase other items like prepaid gas, car seats, Collision Damage Waiver and GPS units.

Begin your hassle-free vacation sooner!

Sounds pretty good to me! If it works that is!

 

[tor]

I tried to use it but the res name has to be identical to that on the credit card meaning if you have a ' in your name forget it or if you forgot to use your middle initial on the res but its on your credit card. The upgrade was cheaper on the kiosk than when dealing with the counter person and the best part about them is in orlando there was 15 open kiosks with no one using them and 50 people online not realizing they could use them.

 

[sarahc]

I like the sound of empty kiosks, just not sure about the name thing - will have to check this. Thanks!

 

[sarahc]

Well, the name on my card is Mrs S Croote and the name on my voucher is Mrs Sarah Croote. Do you think that'll be ok or does it have be exactly the same?

 

[tor]

Well, the name on my card is Mrs S Croote and the name on my voucher is Mrs Sarah Croote. Do you think that'll be ok or does it have be exactly the same?

When it wouldnt complete my rental the person told me it was either the ' or my middle initial that cause it to not except it and it had to be exactly like the credit card. I then got to jump the line to complete the transaction at the counter and the upgrade went from 9.99 for a suv to 15.99 at the counter

 

[sarahc]

Well I'll give it a go and if it doesn't work I'll be more than pleased to jump the line too! Thanks for the help!

 

[UKDEB]

You can jump the line with Alamo by using their "Direct to Road' service, even if you haven't booked directly - you just sign up online. In fact, all the rental firms have similar schemes.

I like the sound of the kiosks, though. Just wondering whether, once everyone cottons on, they'll get as busy as the counters are now.

Is the service available at all locations, or just MCO?

 

[sarahc]

I guess it depends how foolproof they are to use! Many people prefer to deal with a person rather than a computer but who knows?
I don't think they're available in every location, just selected ones at the moment.

 

[london75]

Sorry to bring back an old thread, has anyone had more experience with the kiosks now?

I only ask as I had to argue with the sales person when he suddenly tried to charge me over $200 more than my reservation said and I had to keep pointing to the print out of my reservation saying this is the price I booked and this is the price I'm paying blah blah.

It was grief I didn't need so I'd much rather talk to a computer if at all possible. Presumably it won't be able to make up imaginary costs due to having no imagination!

 

[Peters_Shadow]

I too have a question about the kiosks. I'll be going in Sept and will be needing a infant car seat. I'd like to skip the counter if I can and I know you can use the kiosk even if you need a car seat, but when and where do you pick the car seat up? Does anyone have experience getting a car seat using the kiosks? Also has anyone ever heard of Alamo ever running out of car seats or not having them available? Didn't know if this is something I should worry about.

Greg

 

[london75]

I too have a question about the kiosks. I'll be going in Sept and will be needing a infant car seat. I'd like to skip the counter if I can and I know you can use the kiosk even if you need a car seat, but when and where do you pick the car seat up? Does anyone have experience getting a car seat using the kiosks? Also has anyone ever heard of Alamo ever running out of car seats or not having them available? Didn't know if this is something I should worry about.

Greg

Can't comment on the kiosk part hence question above but the blur says you can order them there so I'd imagine you'll be fine.

Alamo at MCO last September, we went to the desk, got everything sorted eventually and left the building, crossed the road and we were at the car park. There is a booth in the car park and opposite it a mountain of car seats, I couldn't see any differences, they all looked like infant rather than child seats and best guess is there were well over 100 there. You just grab one and fit it yourself. I assume child seats are elsewhere. Saying that, my daughter is particularly tall but seemed small in this seat (not dangerously so) so maybe they have a 1 seat fit all configuration.

If your children are the impatient type, I'd leave them in the lobby while you get all the luggage loaded and the seats fitted. People were getting very impatient with me as I loaded the suitcases and fitted the car seat after a long flight. When I then started mucking about trying to get my Sat Nav working that was even more delay!

If you have any questions let me know. We're going on Tuesday!!!!!!

 

[Ruth B]

Hello all
you can ammend your name on your booking on the main US site( have just done it- so it matches my card!) also iut allows you to enter advance pasenger info.
If i used the kiosk, does anyone know where i would collect the sat nav sysetm from?
thanks

 

[TinkTatoo]

I read that anyone with a voucher can't use the kiosks. As most of us book our hire cars through a third party and get a voucher we won't be able to use them