Decisions, decisions -- Alamo mid size SUV or Dollar mini van -- same price -- WWYD?

[joellyn23]

We're going April 21-28 and I have a mini van rental at Dollar (signed up for express program) for $205. Last night, I booked a mid size SUV at Alamo using Costco's rates for $205 also. I elected *not* to use the $25 coupon so that we could check in on line and go straight to the kiosk in the garage.

I like the extra room in the mini van (2 adults, 2 children --tend to overpack, but trying to work on that this year! LOL) and I like that the doors are sliders so I dont' have to worry about the kids getting too excited and opening their door into another vehicle!

But, then again, NOT having to wait in line sounds priceless! We used Alamo's on line check in last year and it was pure heaven!

WWYD? Go with the better/bigger vehicle or go with the smaller vehicle so you can bypass counters altogether? I've never used Dollar before so I just don't know what to expect!

Thanks,
Joellyn

 

[elan]

Don't know if I can help much but...last april we had a midsize suv through alamo. 2 adults and 3 kids for a week. We had more than enough room and I am used to a minivan at home.

 

[PlutosFriend]

We're going April 21-28 and I have a mini van rental at Dollar (signed up for express program) for $205. Last night, I booked a mid size SUV at Alamo using Costco's rates for $205 also. I elected *not* to use the $25 coupon so that we could check in on line and go straight to the kiosk in the garage.

I like the extra room in the mini van (2 adults, 2 children --tend to overpack, but trying to work on that this year! LOL) and I like that the doors are sliders so I dont' have to worry about the kids getting too excited and opening their door into another vehicle!

But, then again, NOT having to wait in line sounds priceless! We used Alamo's on line check in last year and it was pure heaven!

WWYD? Go with the better/bigger vehicle or go with the smaller vehicle so you can bypass counters altogether? I've never used Dollar before so I just don't know what to expect!

Thanks,
Joellyn

Are you with the Dollar program that lets you skip the counter?

 

[joellyn23]

We signed up for Dollar Express -- I believe it's a seperate counter that tends to have shorter lines. They have all of our info (credit cards, DL#, etc), so it should be relatively quick, but having no experience with Dollar - I'm starting to second guess that reservation!

 

[DisneyConvert]

The Dollar Express goes pretty smoothly. My wife has picked up the car, while I stay with my son and retrieve the luggage. By the time we have all the pieces (she usually takes her carry-on's with her), she has pulled up to the door and we load. Very efficient; I would use again.
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On business, I have found Avis' service superior, but their rates aren't always competitive.
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I have tried Alamo a few times a long time ago. Last thing I need is to wait in line for an extra half hour when I am eager for my vacation to begin only to get the pressurized "up-sell" for insurance that I don't need.

 

[Maine-iac]

I have tried Alamo a few times a long time ago. Last thing I need is to wait in line for an extra half hour when I am eager for my vacation to begin only to get the pressurized "up-sell" for insurance that I don't need.

BIL and I were both at Alamo counter at the same time. I was asked about the insurance and I declined. Employee said ok and I was not pressured at all.
I finished and waited for BIL and waited and waited. Finally after he was done he told me it took so long because the employee was very adamant that they get the insurance (I think because they were using a Debit card?). The employee finally let them go.
Maybe it just depends on the person helping you.