How is Alamo?

[Pumbaa_]

I usually use National Emerald Aisle but the Alamo prices are fantastic! How is the checkout process?

I heard about the kiosk, is it almost as simple as National's process? How about the return process? Wuick and painless?

thanks!

 

[BigTigger]

Just used them at MCO last week. They have four kiosks to the left of the counter. Call up your reservation, scan in your license and ones for any additional drivers, decide on insurance options and head for the garage to pick a car. The line had about ten people in it, but no one was using the kiosks. The kiosks don't try to hard sell the insurance. The garage was full of choices. Toyota is the new fleet vendor it seems replacing Chevrolet (although many Chevy models are still there, just not in bulk like before) - tons of Toyotas in the rental fleet from Corolla's to Camry's to Highlander's to Sienna's. The minivan aisle had Siennas for 8 seat option and Caravans (new style) and Uplanders for 7 seat options. Convertibles were Beetles and Volvos with one lonely Sebring. Midsize sedans were mostly Galants with a few Camry's and old style Malibus in the lane. Small cars were very varied from HHR's to Corollas to Cobalts. Bottom line was lots of choice at 10:30 pm on a Wednesday.

 

[MRussell]

We just used Alamo last week. Very easy check-in and drop off. The prices are unbelievable. We originally booked an intermediate car for $190 including all taxes and kept checking the Alamo web site. We ended up with a price of $135 for the week including all taxes. Can't beat that!

 

[peel]

So you still have your choice of cars like National? Are there ever any 'upgrades' in the Alamo aisles? (Sometimes in the Emerald Aisle there will be SUVs or minivans even though you're paying for a midsize.)

 

[My WDW Happy Place]

So you still have your choice of cars like National? Are there ever any 'upgrades' in the Alamo aisles? (Sometimes in the Emerald Aisle there will be SUVs or minivans even though you're paying for a midsize.)

Yes, with Alamo at MCO you pick your own cars from the aisle by category. The last time I rented there I saw midsize cars in the compact aisle and full size cars in the midsize aisle. Also, at this location the same cars are used for both Alamo and National. So with the same inventory being used for both companies I would just go with the cheaper price. The only difference is that the National aisles are a little closer to the entrance.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Jody



Agreeing with the above. I have used, almost exclusively, National, ever since finding the DIS and National back in '99. A year or so ago, when Alamo and National combined, and National rats seemed to be skyhigh, I have done Alamo. Always as good as National. MCO checkout kiosks are 2 minutes, walk across to lot, pick out car and drive out. Return is identical to National.

 

[peel]

That's great news. I loved using National last year and was kind of bummed that I would have to stop at a kiosk with Alamo but for a $100 price difference I suppose I can deal.

 

[jennib5426]

If you are comfortable using self check in on airlines the Alamo self check in at MCO is pretty easy. That being said, read each screen carefully or you may be tricked into buying extra insurance.
I used it for the first time in September and it was easly but there is a lot of info on each screen.
There was a couple using the one next to me and they could not fiqure it out and I had to help them.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Just posted my experience with Alamo...not terrible, but things to keep in mind...http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22251324#post22251324. Had a great price with them, too, but I think I'll pay more for better service. The car I ended up with was fine, by the way.

 

[CarolA]

Bascially the deal with Alamo is....

The reason they charge less, they provide less service. So if things go well you will be fine. If there is an issue you will get the "shrug" As a general rule they just don't seem to care and sadly National is adopting this "shrug" method of dealing with customer issues.