Differnce Between Alamo & National

[TyRy]

Hi all,

We have always used Nation (and the Emerald Club) for all our rentals in the past as we always have two drivers...which is included. This time around we are getting better rates from Alamo. I've used a Costco code which includes the additional driver so that worked out. But any other big differences? If Alamo is more a pain or something I'd rather pay a little more and stay with National. Just looking for any advice.

If it helps it looks like we'll be renting in Chicago and driving it to Florida. Already checked that unlimited miles are still included and it does not say you have to keep it in bordering states (like Enterprise..which is odd since they are all the same company!)

Thanks so much!

Ty

 

[francie57]

Alamo and National are the same company basically. They are owned by the same company. In the past when we have rented from Alamo and they didn't have the type car we rented we were told to just go take one from the National row in the same catagory. Alamo is really easy to rent from, we have used them from years. To save time, put your information in ahead of time. Just clike on the "save time" area of your confirmation and you can register the drivers ahead of time and then you just take your confirmation to the kiosk and finish the rental and then go get your car and hand all your information to the person at the gate. We did this for our trip a few weeks ago and we were in and out of the rental area in 10 min.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

National and Alamo are exactly the same in most locations. As cars are returned by renters, cleaned cars end up on either lot depending on need. (In smaller locations where there are franchisees, they may be different.) Go with whoever is cheaper as it makes zero sense to pick the one that costs more.

BobK/Orlando

 

[TyRy]

Alamo and National are the same company basically. They are owned by the same company. In the past when we have rented from Alamo and they didn't have the type car we rented we were told to just go take one from the National row in the same catagory. Alamo is really easy to rent from, we have used them from years. To save time, put your information in ahead of time. Just clike on the "save time" area of your confirmation and you can register the drivers ahead of time and then you just take your confirmation to the kiosk and finish the rental and then go get your car and hand all your information to the person at the gate. We did this for our trip a few weeks ago and we were in and out of the rental area in 10 min.

Thanks for this, but I think we'll still have to go to the counter. We are picking up at O'Hare in Chicago and I'm meeting DH up there after work, so he'll be driving out in his own car. Since we'll both be on the agreement, but not both in the car, I'm guessing it's counter service for us...is that right?

National and Alamo are exactly the same in most locations. As cars are returned by renters, cleaned cars end up on either lot depending on need. (In smaller locations where there are franchisees, they may be different.) Go with whoever is cheaper as it makes zero sense to pick the one that costs more.

BobK/Orlando

Thanks BobK - I wasn't sure if they used the same fleets or if Alamo assigned a car to you, whereas with National you can pick yours.

Ty

 

[TyRy]

Just wanted to say thanks again. The Alamo/National aisles were the EXACT same...not even separate, you picked from the same places. So we picked up the car last night from Alamo, they had almost NO cars at the O'Hare location. I’d never seen it so empty. And the couple they did have on the full size, had the worst stench!!!! A porter came by and told us to tell them at the gate that they had no full sizes so we were forced to take a premium. So that’s what we did. Told them at the gate, they said no problem, saw the upgrade in the computer, and off we went in the GIANT car. I’m hoping this does not bite us in the butt when we return it, but I will fight it big time. As we did wait for almost 30 minutes for a full size that didn’t smell gross.

We also stood in line as we were using a Costco discount for the extra driver so I thought I’d have to sign for it. Erich, who was helping us, wanted to know why we stood in line…when I told him why, he said we didn’t have to. That when you rent in Illinois the spouse is automatically covered. Who knew!

 

[DebbieB]

One advantage with National is if you book Emerald Aisle you have a possible upgrade. I've used it several times and can only think of 1 time that I didn't get a full size (booked intermediate). You have to weigh that in the price difference decision.

 

[betterlatethannever]

I have never rented from Alamo.

I like the fact that with National, I could just walk from baggage claim to pick out a car.

Am reading that I could do this with Alamo? or do I first have to go to a kiosk, then go to the garage and pick out a car?



Ed

 

[MrsMud]

I have never rented from Alamo.

I like the fact that with National, I could just walk from baggage claim to pick out a car.

Am reading that I could do this with Alamo? or do I first have to go to a kiosk, then go to the garage and pick out a car?



Ed

I just read this thread and have the same question. National's prices are insane right now, I'd love to have another option but still have the ease of Emerald Aisle.

 

[sympatico]

You can check-in online with Alamo but you can't use a coupon when you do this. So if you don't mind losing the coupon then you can print off your paperwork home and walk to your car, then pass in the paperwork at the exit booth. We've done this before and it was worth not using the coupon to be able to skip the counter and the kiosk. (We had 4 kids with us who were weary of traveling.)

 

[MrsMud]

Oh, that's great to know! My 5 day rental for 10/30 -11/03 is at $300 with National! I'm sure the rates will go down between now and then but that's crazy! Now at least I can check/book with Alamo and switch to whoever has the lowest price when we are aobut 1 week out. Thanks!

 

[MrsMud]

Ha! Just checked the Alamo website and WITH the $25 off coupon the same rental is $327! WTH is going on?

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Thought I would share this
Use the Contract ID 6600422 which is a code from Airtran frequent flyer
Coupon ND1881JDK which I got from National it should save you $40 off of a weekly rental.

 

[MrsMud]

Thank you!