Any probelms with the Alamo code being rejected?

[ash-n-brensmom]

I don't really want to start a debate regarding the usage of discount codes, we all have our opinions, and rightfully so. I am just wondering if anyone has recently been rejected at the time of pick-up. I have read that one or two of these codes may be getting too much usage and may be putting out a red flag to the rental companies. I am wondering specifically about the current Alamo codes. I used one at the time of reserving, but I guess now I am feeling a little gunshy...don't want to have to rethink at the time of pick-up and standing at the counter...hope this makes sense and I appreciate any info that might help. Once again, I am not trying to open up a debate....just looking for constructive info!!! Thanks guys, this is the best place to get info...I am loving all the ways to save money!!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

There have been a few posts from people who were not able to use the 'code' they used when reserving. Because there are several codes out there that are 'dubious', I can't say for sure which one it is that you are trying to use.

 

[Darcy03231]

If you're close to your trip try Priceline (I leave in two weeks). I booked with Alamo using one of the "questionable" codes for my upcoming trip. I've been trying priceline without any luck for the last month. Yesterday I was able to get a compact through Avis for $10 more than the Alamo reservation Now I don't have to worry about being denied when I get to the counter. Another legitimate code that has been giving some pretty good rates is Dollar's OOAG.

 

[Lewisc]

A couple of posters found at least one Alamo rep went so far as to disallow a legit (Walmart) code.

You don't want a debate. Fine. The fact that most people are getting away with using a discount program they're not eligible to use won't help you if you get a CSR that enforces the rules. At a minimum I'd have a backup reservation with a completely different company (don't use National as a backup for Alamo). Rental agencies aren't doing very well. The agency would do better letting the car go unrented rather then let it go out at some of the code rates that are being used.

 

[mzlee]

A couple of posters found at least one Alamo rep went so far as to disallow a legit (Walmart) code.

You don't want a debate. Fine. The fact that most people are getting away with using a discount program they're not eligible to use won't help you if you get a CSR that enforces the rules. At a minimum I'd have a backup reservation with a completely different company (don't use National as a backup for Alamo). Rental agencies aren't doing very well. The agency would do better letting the car go unrented rather then let it go out at some of the code rates that are being used.

Just wondering why would the agencies be doing better by not renting out a car. I would think making something off a rental would be better than getting nothing by letting cars sit on the lot.

 

[richmo]

Personally, I'd rather not take the chance on having to scramble for a car in MCO because I used a code that I can't justify. Nor would I want to explain to my family that we have to find another car because I used a code for which I had no authorization.

That being said, if you do sign up for a rental with a code that might cause you to be challenged at the counter, I'd recommend setting up an alternate rental with a different company, just in case.

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[Lewisc]

Just wondering why would the agencies be doing better by not renting out a car. I would think making something off a rental would be better than getting nothing by letting cars sit on the lot.

The car mfg are no longer giving the agencies great deals on cars. Great deals used to include favorable short term leases and guaranteed buy back. Total miles on the odometer dramatically affects the re-sale value of the car. Rental agencies are learning keeping the on the lot may be preferable to renting it out at a very low rate. Remember many of the "illegal codes" being used are intended for travel agents. A promotion so the TA suggests the rental agency to their customers.

I would think taking a paper printout of your reservation would work. The reservation is a contract and I don't see how any company can refuse to honor a contract. .......With all the trouble companies are having making ends meet these days I find it surprising that 'customer service' doesn't leap out as a way to add value without spending a dime.

That works if you're using a discount you're entitled to use. I book a rental car using a COSTCO or AAA discount and I'm prepared to show my AAA or COSTCO card. Posters are talking about using a code they're not entitled to use. Many of the codes are for employees of one or more TAs. The rental company is certainly entitled to refuse to honor the reservation if the renter doesn't qualify for the discount program they improperly claimed when they made their reservation.

Currently most renters are able to get away with it but that doesn't change the fact that the rental agencies have the right to require documentation.

 

[redrosesix]

We used the Walmart code for our rental in Feb 09 and I actually called Alamo to confirm that the price would be honoured -- was told that I should be prepared to tell them that I do shop at Walmart. That was no problem for me.

BTW, I always call to confirm my reservation a few days before we arrive -- we do this with every type of reservation we have.

I personally haven't seen the threads where people posted that they weren't allowed to use this code. However, there are several Alamo codes that I would not use, but these are not included in the list on Mousesavers.com.

 

[Brian Noble]

I am just wondering if anyone has recently been rejected at the time of pick-up.

Unfortunately, even if lots of other people have been able to use it, you might not be, and there's no way to know for sure until you get there. So, have a Plan B.

 

[goofy4tink]

I would think taking a paper printout of your reservation would work. The reservation is a contract and I don't see how any company can refuse to honor a contract. If they refuse to honor a contract that business just went from be reputable to a con and I would avoid them 100% - but this is the internet so I'm not sure I'd accept another person's account 100%, maybe there were other circumstance, maybe he/she just crossed paths with a wacky counter agent???

Still, just to be safe I would probably make 2 sets of backup reservations. One would be a set using an alternate code at the same place for a pickup 1/2 hour later than the original one. My second backup would be with an altogether different car rental company.

I am going to WDW in a month and am definitely going to have alternate rental contracts just in case this is all true. The good thing here is that if you don't agree to pay ahead you can walk away at any time and you can make different reservations that will simply dissolve when they rent to walk ups if you don't pick up the vehicle.

With all the trouble companies are having making ends meet these days I find it surprising that 'customer service' doesn't leap out as a way to add value without spending a dime.

Sure, bring a print out of your reservation. It is sort of a contract. BUT....within that contract is a code. If you are asked for documentation or ID to prove you are entitled to use that code, and you can't, then all bets are off. And therein lies the problem...car rental companies put out codes as perks for certain groups. And yes, they are hurting right now. They need to rent x number of cars at a certain rate in order to break even. If everyone who rents tries to use those codes, then the rental companies are not breaking even now.

And, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see car rental companies start asking for a credit card deposit to hold your reservation. Way too many people are reserving cars, as a backup just in case something goes wrong with the first one, and then not using it. That ties up cars, that are now not being used. You make a reservation but don't show up? Fiine, but your credit card will have been charged x amount as a deposit, that you will now lose. Maybe that would help bring rates down again.

 

[Lewisc]

Alamo in PHX not only asked to see my COSTCO card but swiped it to capture my membership number.

Customers planning on taking advantage of a discount program they're not entitled to use should have a plan "B" ready.

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[ExPirateShopGirl]

It is a contract subject to eligibility verification. No verification, no contract. Renters are allowed to place reservations over the internet for the sake of convenience ONLY and any coupons used are subject to eligibility. If she were a member of the target group for any particular code, she wouldn't have to worry about having back-up reservations. And, for the record, the OP is specifically referring to discount codes found outside of normal advertising venues. That's why she stated she didn't want to debate the issue.

Its not 'sort of' a contract, it is a contract.

I don't think anyone here said anything about using codes they are not entitled to use, so that entire slant is unwarranted. Why was the issue even brought up in the first place? There is no request on the site to provide 'proof of purchase' but if they want it I could easily shell out dozens of receipts... but that sort of thing really needs to be put out there ahead of time, not at the rental counter.

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Okay, guys..getting off track but I appreciate the input for sure...the reason for the inquiry is definitely due to the fact that the code I used is not one I am entitled to...please no flames...totally understand some people's opinions regarding this and I am being honest and just looking for some facts. I used the code 211220 in conjunction with my valid Southwest discount. So if anyone has had any luck with this code, bad or good, let me know..thanks again.

 

[goofy4tink]

It is a contract subject to eligibility verification. No verification, no contract. Renters are allowed to place reservations over the internet for the sake of convenience ONLY and any coupons used are subject to eligibility. If she were a member of the target group for any particular code, she wouldn't have to worry about having back-up reservations. And, for the record, the OP is specifically referring to discount codes found outside of normal advertising venues. That's why she stated she didn't want to debate the issue.

Thanks for putting that so succinctly!!! Much better than I could have.

As for the credit card issue...if you are renting from a spot that has limited cars...the Dophin for instance...you may plug in your dates, asking for a particular size car, and be told that no cars in that group are available at that rental area. Why? Because all those cars have been reserved. This has happened to me several times. I have to assume that there are a finite number of cars there. SO, if someone has reserved a car there, and made it impossible for me to rent one at the same time, then they don't take that car because it was their 'backup' car, I have been denied wrongly. If someone has to put a deposit down on each reservation, which is kept if the car is not picked up, then perhaps the cost would come down because that car is not just sitting there....rather than being rented to me (or someone else).
Is this skewed thinking? Perhaps. But it does make some sense to me. Not a debate, just an observation.

ash-n-brensmom....just as long as you realize, and you seem to, that you may not be able to use the code you originally applied. It's actually kind of nice to see somone admit that they aren't 'entitled' to the code but are going to give it a shot. So much better than those that say, 'well, it doesn't tell me I can't use it, so I'm going to and then I'll argue with them because they never told me I couldn't use it..it was allowed when I made the reservation.'

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Upon further reflection, and of course further DIS investigation, I have canceled my reservation with Alamo and reserved through uscarhire. They offer a great rate and it includes 2 drivers, all the insurance you could need, unlimited mileage, all the airport fees, and I am not worried about any codes that won't work while I am standing at the counter freaking out and just wanting to go see Mickey!!! I feel better now!! I live in Canada and I have to add the exchange to any cost. Once I got the totals in Canadian the British company was only $30 more for the whole week. And like I said, included all the insurance. I appreciate all the feedback. I have a feeling that this thread may continue for a little while, this is such a hot topic right now. Hope everyone has a great vacation no matter what you decide to do!!!

 

[MScott1851]

Upon further reflection, and of course further DIS investigation, I have canceled my reservation with Alamo and reserved through uscarhire. They offer a great rate and it includes 2 drivers, all the insurance you could need, unlimited mileage, all the airport fees, and I am not worried about any codes that won't work while I am standing at the counter freaking out and just wanting to go see Mickey!!! I feel better now!! I live in Canada and I have to add the exchange to any cost. Once I got the totals in Canadian the British company was only $30 more for the whole week. And like I said, included all the insurance. I appreciate all the feedback. I have a feeling that this thread may continue for a little while, this is such a hot topic right now. Hope everyone has a great vacation no matter what you decide to do!!!

Good for you! I did see a post earlier on the big "Alamo 212200" thread that a poster stated that they were refused the discount. She had to pay a lot more!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Thanks!! My husband used to make fun of me for being obsessive about this web site, but now that we are in a Photopass share and a stroller swap, plus the money I saved with the car rental!!! He loves it, in fact he just called me from work to ask if I was on the Dis and could I check on some unreliable info his co-worker just passed on to him!!LOL!!!
Thanks again to everyone for their input!!!

 

[robinb]

Its not 'sort of' a contract, it is a contract.

Hmmm ... I don't think it's officially a contract. It's more of an agreement or reservation. But in any case, the contract/agreement/reservation has been made in "good faith" by both parties. Alamo says that they will have a car in the size that you reserved and you say that you are qualified to use the discount code you are using. If Alamo does not have the car size that you reserved when you arrive then you have the option of accepting a different car or renting from someone else. If you cannot prove that you are eligible for a discount code when asked, Alamo has the option to refuse to rent to you for that price.

I think it's exactly like booking a Disney resort with an Annual Pass rate when you don't have an AP. I have booked many rooms with my AP and I have not been asked to show the pass ONCE. If I didn't have an AP I would have "gotten away with it" each and every time.

Now, I personally don't care if someone uses one of the "questionable" Alamo codes. I am currently sitting on a reservation using the "212200" code for my annual December trip. I used the Magic Visa Typo code last year for twice. However, I was prepared with a back-up reservation in case I was questioned and I continued to try to book better rates all the way up to my vacation. In fact, I eneded up canceling one of those reservations when I got a better deal through Priceline a couple of weeks ahead of time.

ash-n-brensmom: I'm glad you found something even better! It can certainly pay to keep on digging .