Beware Alamo MCO!!!

[n2mm]

We just rented from Alamo last week and had great service from them. We used them in February and everything went well too. We had a great rate of $228 for a 2 week rental (mid-size SUV) on April 23rd and used QS for the first time. When dropping off the price was correct. I checked my cc statement and surprised to find that Alamo credited me .01 to my cc because they overcharged me a penny. My daugther also rented last week for a one week rental, $106 total mid-size SUV and her experience was good too. A short 15 minute wait in line and a great car.

I have rented enough from National to be an Executive Aisle member, but the prices have been too high, so I've been using Alamo and everything has gone well for us. However in December I used ExA/National and when dropping off my car, I was shocked to see the price they printed out was double my confirmation price. We had to spend 30 minutes at the counter trying to sort it out. The hangtag was correct, but the computer was charging me for a larger car (or maybe a car that was accidently parked in the Executive Aisle--Uplander). They credited some of the overcharged amount, but never did get the low rate I had planned to pay. I had to leave as I had a plane to catch.

Also, while in MCO last week, I agree that the security lines have been rather long--actually longer than my last several trips.

 

[troy mcclure]

I tend to avoid Alamo like the plague, especially in Orlando. I got tired of the hard sell on insurance and upsells as well as the seeming inevitable hassle upon return. Like some others, I use Hertz almost exclusively now. Sometimes Alamo will have a better rate and I took a chance a couple of years ago in Atlanta. That experience was not bad, but I still stick with Hertz. Like CarolA said, you get what you pay for.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

My bad experience was actually in Nashville but I have had issues with them at MCO and LAX as well. Hertz is always my first choice now - their customer service has always been top notch.

 

[keishashadow]

I'm not an Alamo fan (but have next trip booked thru them)...now that I think of it, not crazy about National either - but the sisters are always the cheapest.

In their defense will say that:

*if you include your flight information on the res. form when you book & the flight schedule time is changed by the airline - Alamo will honor your rate.

*AirTran has changed our flights by over 8 hours but, as long as the flight number hasn't changed you're set.

*just need to call them...don't alter the on-line res. yourself!!!!

*if your flight is earlier, they charge you @ the hourly rate you originally booked at.

I'd file a dispute w/CC company since you have documentation as to original terms of reservation & see what happens...good luck.

 

[CarolA]

As I indicated I am hesitant to post. I realize that MOST posters will have no problems with Alamo, but if you do it can be a nightmare.

My decision was just that I am willing to pay to avoid the RISK of Alamo's "customer service" (Plus I don't like the fact that to get Quick Silver you are forced to "lie" and make yourself into a business... I didn't have to do that for anyone else's "quick" program)

 

[cocoswife]

I have always been afraid of Alamo, but, I just made a reservation with them due to a lower price.. I guess is not worth it!! Thanks, for the warning !!

 

[Lewisc]

Part of the problem is with us. We "demand" rates that are too low and then are surprised when the company tries to "bait and switch" us into an upgrade, hard sells insurance or pushes the pre-paid gas rip off.

 

[LeslieG]

I think it's a crap shoot with Alamo. You might get lucky and have no problems. I'm just no longer willing to take the chance.

I've used Budget at MCO before without a problem. I'm thinking of going with them in the future since I'm already a member of their Fastbreak program. Anyone have a bad experience with Budget?

 

[troy mcclure]

In a previous job, I used Budget all the time (at least twice a month on business trips, sometimes more often). Never had a bad experience with them.

 

[luvdiz]

If you are using the alamo website, it will automatically attempt to change your rate if you make a change to your ressie. Just call alamo and give them your new arrival time. Your rate will most likely not change unless your length of rental changes +- a day.

Thanks for the advice. I called them this morning and my rate went from $189 all in to $289 all in b/c it changed from a 4 day rental to 5 (which I understand for rental car companies is a weekly rate). It's still much cheaper than the web site is quoting (by over $100).

Just to make some of you feel better - I've rented from Alamo in Orlando several times and have never had a problem - in fact, I've found it very convenient...

I'm still hoping the rate will come down before I leave which I've often found to be the case - even a day or two before...

 

[bavaria]

When I got to the exit, the lady asked for the little card that's hanging from the rear view mirror. I gave her my confirmation and coupon. She kept my coupon, gave me back my confirmation, and I received absolutely no paperwork. I did ask her to note somewhere there was a ding on the passenger side door. She noted it on the little card and gave it back to me. I thought it was odd I got no documentation at all. I was lucky I had printed off two coupons off my computer, because I was waiting for that to be the next thing. Oh, you don't have your coupon? I had another one that I gave the very unhelpful lady when I returned the car, or she probably wouldn't have given me the $25 coupon discount.

I've had issues with my last few National rentals at MCO which 'became' Alamo rentals because National was out of cars on the Emerald Aisle and sent customers to Alamo.

On more than one occassion the rate booked with National was not honoured, the coupon was not applied, etc etc.

I also don't like not receiving a contract showing my rate when I pick up the car - I do get this with Hertz even though I am a Pres Circle member. Having to dispute the rate at drop off is a hassle, and I am sure that a lot of ppl give up and leave without getting the issue settled, as they need to catch a flight.

I will give National customer service some credit for adjusting the rate after the fact, but it's just not worth the hassle anymore - I'll be heading back offsite for Hertz again in future.

 

[CarolA]

Part of the problem is with us. We "demand" rates that are too low and then are surprised when the company tries to "bait and switch" us into an upgrade, hard sells insurance or pushes the pre-paid gas rip off.

I agree. I do realize that Alamo is often cheaper. I have made the decision that for me I will pay a little more.. others may reach a different decision that is right for them. I don't even check the Alamo rates...

 

[troy mcclure]

Alamo was cheaper than Hertz in Atlanta a couple of years ago during Spring Break -- at least on minivans to the tune of nearly $350 less. I made an informed choice to go with Alamo remembering some of the nightmares I'd had with them in the past (but also some positive experiences, too). That trip turned out OK -- nothing outstanding but no nightmares either. The rate didn't change; no arguments at either end.

This was an unusual situation, but to save $350 I was willing to take the risk. Normally, the difference in rates is not that significant.

 

[seashoreCM]

Part of the problem is with us. We "demand" rates that are too low and then are surprised when the company tries to "bait and switch" us into an upgrade, hard sells insurance or pushes the pre-paid gas rip off.

Wrong. Companies are not obliged to offer the rates we "demand" but they are obligated to ultimately honor what rates they do offer.

Another suggestion. If you have problems at the rental counter, check in counter, customer service desk, etc. call the company's headquarters customer service number right from there.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I usually use alamo or national and we are emerald and qui**kSilvers memebers
i can bnever got a good rate on hertz dollar budget any of them even with a code they are usually 100 bucks more
am I doing something wrong
I have a car reserved for spet my paperwork
i am using QS but I am not gonna happy if when I pick itup the price is different

 

[Cinderpals]

I've used Alamo for most of our trips to WDW. On some occassions we arranged for pick-up at MCO and drop off at the Dolphin at WDW, or pick-up at Care Car wdw National and drop off at MCO. Alamo and National are affiliated. I was told that they are the same company essentially.

I usually do a check-in online or prepay so that I can bypass the counter and the hard sell to upgrade, insurance etc...I have to print out the contract terms though and give something to the booth operator before leaving the garage.

I've never had a problem with my rates changing upon return etc...once, I forgot to fill-up my car before turning it into the Dolphin. I know--Hess gas station nearby!!

I'm planning to use them again. I'm booking online, will do prepay to save some $$, but not use $15 off coupon code because I don't want to go to the counter first!