How do you beat the queues

[profolly]

What is the best way to beat all the Q's at car rental ?

 

[DISWolves]

What is the best way to beat all the Q's at car rental ?

Most of the big rental companies have some sort of 'Fast Track' system that you can join - usually for free.
A few weeks ago, I used Dollar 'Express' at MCO. I jumped about 20 people in the normal queue.

 

[wayneg]

Join the relevent scheme. Give them all details before you arrive instead of doing it at the desk.
Dollar Express for Dollar, others also have them. Used express for past 2 years saved hours of lines, never had more than 1 family in front of me, just the 1 time I had to wait 10 mins they appologised and upgraded me to a Premium car (Chrysler 300) from a Full size.
Just got back and used Budget for the 1st time. Booked it thru USrentacar. Link in this thread I posted with way to bypass the line and go direct to Kiosk to collect your keys, worked great for me and many others but some do haveproblems registering http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1899505

 

[profolly]

Thanks for that great help

Viv x

 

[profolly]

Can you automatically use kiosk if you book online and so do you pay upfront ?

You can see I've never done this before lol :0)

 

[wayneg]

Have you booked a car yet? which company?
If not USrentacar do good prices. Also rented thru Airnet for years with no problems but there are many other companies.
Never arrive at the airport without prepaying in UK. It can be about double the price we prepay here. My Brother did it in Vegas last year and cost him a fortune.
If its Dollar you are using then Dollar express is free to everyone, Budgets scheme is supposed to be available after you have rented 3 times but the link I posted lets you register on 1st rental, if it allows you, like I said some have problems with it.

 

[profolly]

Now looking at Budget thru usarentcar £182.00 2 wks 29/11-13/12 not bad (economy )

 

[wayneg]

Now looking at Budget thru usarentcar £182.00 2 wks 29/11-13/12 not bad (economy )

For £2 less you can get the 2dr compact but a free upgrade to 2dr Intermediate, Car rental companies stock very very few (If any) 2dr cars so you have a 99% chance of getting a 4dr Intermediate, I have rented over 20 2dr cars now and never had one, always got 4dr.
Personally I would upgrade to Gold, extra £24 but you will get a tank of gas included worth $50-60, then take it back empty as poss. I always add DW on rental for emergencies, gold also covers her free.

 

[profolly]

brilliant thanks so much

Viv x

 

[DisneyB2B]

Hi

Sorry quick question Wayneg I have just booked through USrentacar with Budget for the 2dr Compact with free upgrade to 4dr intermediate with the gold cover on it and just wanted to check that means I leave the tank as empty as possible? I thought like rental companies over hear you just fill up the tank again before you drop it back off?

Thanks in advance!

Nicci

 

[wayneg]

Hi Nicci
If you have paid the extra for Gold then you have paid for a tank of gas, If you fill up to take it back to them you are paying for another tank defeating the object of prepaying.
Half the fun fo getting a rental car in US is taking it back as empty as poss, many times I have gone back with warning lights flashing or a bleeping sound.

 

[DisneyB2B]

Thanks Wayne, I couldnt remember for the life of me what we did last year! lol. Its our first time flying to MCO and using Budget so it should be interesting! lol

On average how long are the queues for getting the cars at the kiosks?

thanks

Nicci

 

[wayneg]

This was our 1st time with Budget so don't know if it was normal but there was just 1 man infront of me, served within 3-4 mins. The Kiosk was split with 2 lines, right line for people who had been to the desks inside picking up their keys and the left lane which I used for fasttrack customers.

 

[DonnaMontana]

Is there anyway to bypass queues at Sanford? Havent booked car yet so can use any rental company if you have recommendations Thanks

 

[wayneg]

Sorry I can't help with Sanford, Only been there once, August 2003. Maybe someone that uses that airport will post info.