Beware if using Alamo: ADDITIONAL DRIVER FEE!

[MMA524]

In the end, here is what we learned:

1) Alamo Insiders are supposed to receive an additional driver at no additional cost.

2) Sometimes this may not be the case based on coupons used.

I want to bump this thread, as it just saved me $100, or at least an administrative headache haggling at the rental counter over additional driver fees.

Last week, I signed up as an Alamo Insider. I then made an Alamo reservation using the VISA cardholders contract id [ 7015504 ] and $30 off coupon [ AD2338FDF ] linked from Mousesavers.com

I was happy with my rate, but curious as to why I was being charged $9.99 / day to add my spouse as an additional driver, when it was supposed to be free for Insiders. My res clearly showed my name and Insiders ID.

After reading this thread, I experimented and rebooked my res with the Insiders Contract ID [ 7015135 ] and the same coupon. I ended up getting the same exact rate as before, but now the res clearly reads:

Contract I.D. Alamo Insiders Members
Guaranteed Base Rate Included
(1) Additional Driver Included

And I was able to use the "SaveTime" feature to add my spouse for free. As others have mentioned, it shows $9.99/Day, but doesn't actually add any cost to the bill.

Again, thanks for those contributing to this thread, especially gmeh1. I'm sure this is a relatively common scenario for those trying to rent through Alamo.


Now, if you don't mind, I have a question about Alamo coupon codes.

The VISA Discounts link I mentioned above included a $30 off a weekly rental coupon code. I have since discovered codes for $35 and $40 off from other sources, such as BJ's Wholesale Club, where I am NOT a member. Are the coupons strictly tied to the group to which they were originally advertised? Is it risky or poor form to try other coupons?

Thanks

 

[dudspizza]

Bumbershoot- yes she knew because we had BOTH membership cards laying right there for her inspection. I can only assume this was a very poor agent, and leave it at that... As far as learning how to get there- I am sure I probably could. However we live in the country of northern MN- about as far from a city as you can get. This was our first vacation as a family in our entire 9 years together, and I really have no reason to learn how to get around Orlando, since this was a once in a lifetime trip for us. My husband, however is a truck driver and has spent his lifetime driving not only in Florida but everywhere else. So which makes more sense? Sending an irrated Dad with 4 tired crabby young kids to ride the magical express(this was something very important to them, as well as making the whole luggage thing easier), while Mom proceeds to try to find Disney? Or having Dad drive the rental and cool down a little away from all of us, and Mom, (who is used to dealing with the kids every day whereas Dad isn't because he's a truck driver) bring the kids on the bus and cheer them up? A no-brainer as far as I was concerned.

<------- grew up in Northern MN (Grand Rapids)! Had grandparents in Embarrass, and still have relatives in Grand Rapids, Aurora, and Embarrass.

Nice to see you here on the DIS.

I do agree it isn't very hard to get to WDW, but I love driving and I bet my wife would struggle getting there since I always drive...

Duds

 

[dudspizza]

I totally agree that Gmeh1 is trying to be helpful and find TamraQT's comments uncalled for and attacking..... Gmeh1 has been very informative in this thread and at no time did she talk down to the OP.......

Surely you can do better than that!!

I find it hilarious that you are so defensive about your employers policies and procedures. When they work, GREAT. But sometimes they don't work and there needs to be an alternative. And we come here on the DIS and discuss these things with each other. Find out what happened to others and we share our experiences, advice and tips. And thats the main point here. The original poster made a bad decision in allowing an unauthorized person to drive. Ok, granted. We covered that. But in the meantime, as an alamo insider, it clearly states on the membership documents that an additional driver is allowed at no extra charge. Its one of the "PERKS" of the membership. END OF STORY. I would give you credit for trying to figure out WHY it didn't work. But instead, you want to point fingers at customers, and talk about what you are allowed and not allowed to do. Alamo Insider = Free Additional Driver. Lets leave it at that. I think the OP has already suffered enough insults with allowing the DH to drive unauthorized. No need to hash out employees roles and responsibilities. Lets just continue to help each other and try to get along. GEEZ.....its really NOT that serious!!!

I agree with vacationclub.

Gmeh1 is actually the person most qualified to make a statement, and I think the information provided was extremely helpful. It is interesting that the "End of Story" comment was presented in a way to try and trump an actual employee, who has been trained in the Alamo's policies and procedures, and who has access to the handbook outlining the true company policies on additional drivers.

It is also interesting that Gmeh1 repeatedly stated the counter agents receive a commission from the additional driver fee, which is likely the reason for the interaction (possibly financial or needed to fill a quota). As such, it is unlikely the exit agent would have been able to reverse the fee without approval (as Gmeh stated), anyway.

All in if the OP was a member of Alamo Insiders, why didn't they just pick a car and exit without visiting the counter agent? Is that no longer available in Orlando?


As for the cat fight

Tamara came out swinging pretty hard (which is why I the Transportation board; it is rough n' tumble here ). Gmeh1 was a little over-excited in the initial response, but was absolutely in the right, IMO. Tamara was over the line in this case.

People (and Americans especially) take their profession to heart, since it defines us in this society. As such, any insult on one is likely to be taken as an insult on all. In this case it was true, as your general statements about the entire population of Alamo was very negative. I also think employee roles is a key point for this discussion, as now we know what the Exit Agent can do if asked.


In the end, here is what we learned:

1) Alamo Insiders are supposed to receive an additional driver at no additional cost.

2) Sometimes this may not be the case based on coupons used.

3) Counter agents receive a commission on the fees gathered by adding an additional driver.

4) The Exit Agent has the ability to make changes to the fees, if they are notified of the request and receive the authority to do so from management.

5) It is very risky (financially and legally) to allow someone to drive a rental car under our name if that person is not added as an official driver.

6) Every thread on the transportation board will devolve into a throw down, and this one is no exception

This entire post, with its attacks and sarcasm, is entirely out of line.

The Transportation Board is fortunate to have, among its experienced travelers willing and ready to provide assistance and advice, a few knowledgeable members IN the travel industry who are more than willing to share information. gmeh1 is, obviously, one of them; were he the mindreader you so sarcastically attack him for not being (I think; it's hard to read a shrieking rant), he could probably be earning more money.

I've had two recent experiences with Alamo. Most recently, they were giving all customers $25 discounts because there was only one person checking in returned vehicles. I think I wait five minutes - no longer than usual .

The other time was a couple of years earlier. When I brought the car back, the checker asked how everything had been and I told him the truth (see 'no cars available when you rent' thread ). I was truthful, and he sent me to the office - where, again, my bill got reduced