First time renting a car after 9pm arrival Southwest

[MegMoves]

We usually drive down from Cheeseheadville, but are flying this time! Southwest flight gets in around 9pm and would like to rent a car AT MCO. I would like advice! We're staying on-property for an event at OCCC with a bonus of a park and the pools, so really do want the convenience of our own rental.

I'm thinking easiest is Hertz direct to car. What has your experience been? Should I consider something else? Those with experience, thank you for your advice!

 

[sam_gordon]

A number of companies offer "Direct To Car" if you join their rewards program. Some though require you to stop at the counter the first time you rent.

There's really nothing special about getting in at 9p or flying SW that makes a difference in renting cars.

 

[Leigh L]

We rented a car last week from MCO (Alamo via Costco and linking to Alamo to skip the counter and go right to the aisle). We were scheduled to arrive at 10:15, but came in after 11. No problem coming in late!

Also we flew SW, but as @sam_gordon said, the airline doesn't matter.

 

[EACarlson]

I've skipped the counter at MCO with Hertz, Thrifty, National, Enterprise and Avis. No issues with anything other than Thrifty, and that was only a couple minutes. Both sides of the main terminal are open 24 hours. I can be from baggage claim to out of the garage in 8 minutes. My next flight to MCO later this month I'm landing at 10 and don't have any concerns, other than a little lesser choice availability.

 

[Akck]

We’ve gotten in at midnight and had no problems with Alamo and Budget/Avis. The only thing I can add is that Enterprise closes at midnight, so we can’t rent from them.

 

[_19disnA]

I would check the website for any rental company you plan to use to see what their hours are at the airport where you plan to rent. Many will have 24 hr a day operations, typically at larger airports where flights are always arriving/departing, however some may not.

 

[mmouse50]

Rented from Alamo and Budget. Member of both of their reward programs. Order cars from their websites and thru Costco. Just link your member number to your reservation and walk straight to the garage. For some reason I normally have to check in at the garage window but it is better than the line inside the airport. The last time I rented from Budget (thru Costco) they had my rental agreement in a rack, I grabbed it went to my car and went out the Budget express exit. It was the fastest time I had ever experience with renting a car and getting out of the airport.