Beware of Wal-Mart Alamo code at MCO!

[kjs1976]

We've used the Wal-Mart code for Alamo at least three times in the last couple of years with great success in Orlando. Well, this time it screwed us over. We had booked two mid-sized SUVs with it for $235 (I also had a coupon) and $264. When we got there we were told it was for Latin American and Carribbeans only so we would be charged the full amount for each SUV, which would be over $600 for each. I almost threw up and we argued with the guy forever and he kept saying we had the wrong code. I was pretty sure it was the right code, but at the time - being up early, travelling with a toddler on a 3 hour flight, etc. - that maybe I did put something in wrong. So we took an Expedition that fit all six of us for over $1000. Needless to say I didn't sleep well that night. Got on my bro's lap top the next day and e-mailed Mary Waring of Mousesavers where I got ther code, and found out, yes, I had the right code and the Wal-Mart website to prove it. So at least I felt like we had a case and it was not my fault. Called Alamo customer service and although very friendly and helpful, teh rep said I needed to deal with this at the counter since it was still an active reservation. Took 2 1/2 hrs. of my vacation to go back to the Alamo counter and talk with a manager, who spent 20 min. on the phone with someone to try to verify the code, after which he said it was for Latin Americans and Carribbean residents only. Doesn't matter what Wal-Mart codes say, if it's in their system for who it says, then that's only who they can give it to. We argued that why would they let us use it if our address in teh computer is American then? He said the computer doesn't know that when you book it, only when you come in for the reservation. What??? The best he could do was to give us the price of one SUV that day, which was $769, -$250 off of our reservation. We couldn't argue any further, so we took it. After talking to some other people, they said to pursue this with the company and fax/send in all our proof. We'll see.

For all of you wondering, it was a Sat and we did check with a couple other car companies there and the best we could get was a dodge caravan for $800, which would not have fit us all and our luggage and stroller. Believe me, I wanted nothing to do with Alamo after that.

So moral of this story...please check your codes before you go!

Also, if you successfully used this code 430710 any time during 8/1-8/6 could you PM me? I could use your help in supporting my case!

Thanks!

 

[Lewisc]

Mary (mousesavers) says the rate is legit. She suggests printing this page from Walmart's website

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1818430

It's a shame actions being taken to prevent code "abuse"/fraud is affecting legit customers.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I wonder if kjs1976's experience is WHY Mousesavers advises printing and bringing that page. I never noticed the advice until yesterday, and it obviously fits perfectly with the OP's experience.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

The fact that Alamo made a pathetic attempt to fix things is enough for me after hearing that. I won't be using them, they're either cheaters or not interested in making things right with their customer, or both...

We typically use budget or enterprise when we rent a car

 

[Lewisc]

I sent Mary an email. I can't find the page she linked with a site search on Walmart.com. I wonder if the code expired and Wal Mart didn't pull the page.

I still blame Alamo. There isn't any reason Alamo has to "recycle" a code. Wal Mart rates are about the same as other rates including COSTCO. It should be obvious the customer isn't a "scammer".

OP, I'd print the page and send it to Alamo. I'd mention if Alamo bothered to identify the actual code, not just numbers, on the reservation the problem would have been addressed prior to arriving at MCO.

 

[kjs1976]

Mary (mousesavers) says the rate is legit. She suggests printing this page from Walmart's website

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1818430

It's a shame actions being taken to prevent code "abuse"/fraud is affecting legit customers.

It's because of me (I e-mailed back and forth with her while in FL) that she added this. Like I said, we have used the code three time in the past two years with no problems so I never thought there would be a problem now. And according to the manager, it wouldn't have mattered because their computers/system would not allow it to be used.

 

[Lewisc]

Another poster, or was it you?, had a problem with the Wal-Mart code a month or so ago.

 

[Dizneydaz]

We too have used the WM code #430710 for years at Alamo and hope we don't have an issue this Sept. I will print out the page to be safe and maybe make a backup ressie just in case without the code. It'll be a little more $ and no free driver (my DM doesn't usually drive anyway) but at least I won't be charged full pop when I get there.

Thanks for the post OP-I hope anyone else who has used the code lately can confirm whether they were given any trouble??

Update-I just used the same Entertainment coupon (one free day) without the WM code and I get the same price $363 for a full size for 11 days that I got with the WM code. I'm going to book that so I don't have to deal with any trouble with the WM code. As I said above, my DM doesn't really drive the car anyway.

 

[FoodLover]

The OP is the only person ever to complain to me about problems with the Wal-Mart code for Alamo. I honestly wonder if she might have mis-typed the number on her reservation. I know that other people have used the same code recently, with no problems.

In any case, I can only reiterate what I told her in private e-mail several days ago:

"If I were you, I would pursue it IN WRITING (either e-mail, fax or regular mail). Don't bother calling them, it's a waste of time.... Send them the link to the Wal-Mart site if e-mailing them, or print out the Wal-Mart page and send them a copy by fax or mail."

As far as I know, the OP has not followed this advice. I am pretty confident Alamo will fix the overcharge if she will take the time to do so.

Mary
MouseSavers.com

 

[Dizneydaz]

Thanks Mary for the reassuring words.

 

[kjs1976]

I did NOT mistype the code.

Had I done that, I would've taken full responsibility for that error and paid the difference myself instead of inconviencing my family with it. I have the two original reservations WITH THE 430710 code on them. We just got back from our trip LAST NIGHT. I have printed the Wal-Mart code from the site and plan to call the agent with whom I spoke to during our trip from customer service as I retained his name and extension and maybe he can tell me best who to send the documentaion to to pursue a refund.

I'm an avid Mousesavers and Disboards reader. I have planned yearly trips with all of their advice since 2001. I have also planned many trips for friends and family using their advice. This is the first time I've encountered an issue and just wanted other readers to be careful so the same thing doesn't happen to them and mess with theri vacation as it did ours.

 

[scammermom]

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience. I know I've would have been very angry also. Thanks for sharing as another example of poor customer relations.

Just my experience with Alamo at MCO - overly aggressive customer service agents who try to "make" people take their insurance by telling them their insurance wasn't good enough (when it was) or saying you have to pay extra for an upgrade since they were out of their reserved vehicle (and suddenly have the vehicle when pushed).

FYI - avoid the counter if at all possible. Good advice for any rental agency. Sign up for their programs and use the kiosk if at all possible.

 

[debknight]

Can you use 2 codes - for instance: $20 off the weekly rate, and the WalMart code? If you read the "terms & conditions" it says "may not be combined with other discounts"?

Just wondering, I thought people, in the past, had said you could.

 

[kjs1976]

Our reservation had the wal-mart code and a coupon with it. My brother's just had the wal-mart code and they wouldn't accept either. We have always used a coupon and the wal-mart code with no problems in the past.

 

[FoodLover]

FYI - avoid the counter if at all possible. Good advice for any rental agency. Sign up for their programs and use the kiosk if at all possible.

This is excellent advice and it's what I recommend on my site for ALL rental car companies. Always sign up for the frequent renter program. Always avoid going to the counter.

99% of the problems that get reported to me come from dealing with the counter agents. Unfortunately it is common for them to arbitrarily deny perfectly legitimate codes and coupons, try to "upsell" you to more expensive cars, and/or push insurance that you don't need.

Plus, why wait in line? I'm always amazed at how many people will wait in line for an hour at Alamo when all the kiosks are wide open.

Mary
MouseSavers.com

 

[FoodLover]

Nevermind - ignore post.

 

[scammermom]

Thanks Mary!

BTW, how do you think I got so wise??
Hint: your site!

Thanks for your great site!

 

[train]

One thing that I noticed on the Walmart page is that the instructions say to call the 800# and mention ID No. 43071; there's no other option stating that online reservations are allowed. Any thoughts on that?

Also, re: using the kiosk: I've read that sometimes when your reservation shows both a code and a coupon, the reservation won't be accepted at the kiosk and you must get in line at the counter, unfortunately. Anyone ever have that experience at MCO?

 

[kjs1976]

We usually go to the kiosks or the booth inside the garage. I don't know why DH didn't do that this time, as he is the one who usually gets the car and then I get the luggage and meet him in the garage. Could be part of the issue, as well. Who knows.

Again, my post is just to make people aware and be careful so it does not happen to them.

 

[TChrist05]

My DW and I usually use Alamo when we go down to the World, usually 3 times a year. I have a reservation with a code that I don't know who it was meant for...got it on the Disboards....called Alamo after I joined frequent renter program and wanted to know if I could add this number to the reservation. They could not, since it would change the reservation and the agent said it was a great deal and not mess with it. Wanted to make sure that the code would be honored and I was assured it was no problem. He said to bypass the counter and go directly to the garage for my car. Have seen many of the posts with the warnings from others that several codes have not been honored so I did book an emergency reservation for about $40.00 more than the origional one. Alamo does seem to try and sell you on larger cars or the insurance...but we simply politely decline and move on....Good luck with your situation with Alamo....maybe they will do the right thing for you.