How to do you go "to the Aisle" and drive away???

[TZMOM]

OK - so here comes the dumb question. . .

I've never rented a car EVER - so, if I choose EA, I plan on becoming a member of whatever "club", etc. to rent for our August trip But - how do you just walk up & pick out a car & drive away? Does an employee go with you to write down damages or dings on the car, etc.?

Can I make reservations under one of my parents' names to maybe get an AARP discount but use my credit card? My parents will be with us when we rent.

I am so sorry - but I'm just totally ignorant of how this whole thing works.

Thanks for any help -
Jane

 

[Mickey_Maniac]

Not sure about the others, but for National, it works this way. Once you get to National's area in the garage. you pick from whatever cars are available for your class size. On the way out of the parking garage, you stop at a check out booth where the attendent takes your license, ressie #, club id, and any coupons you may have. Thats about it.

I believe the name on the ressie has to match the license of the person checking out, so I dont think you can reserver under your parents name. Of course they could check the car out, but you would have to pay for an additional driver if you are going to be doing most of the driving. If you dont, you will be liable in the vent of an accident or damage to the car.

 

[seashoreCM]

Generally you have to rent in your own name with your own credit card.

Wity a few agencies (e.g. Alamo, National at MCO) you can choose your own car in the lot or garage. Other agencies give you the location of the assigned car. Regardless of whether you choose the car itself you should make out a report of existing dings, dents, scratches, scuffs, etc. A form for that purpose is sometimes in the car.

Usually you have to pass a booth at the lot exit, where you can discuss existing damge if any. The attendant will check your rental papers too.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[TZMOM]

Thank you for your quick responses!!!

Jane

 

[CarolA]

The name on the reservation needs to match the name on the DL and credit card. (We tried this once.... wound up being the biggest hassle.... since we were on business the reseved renter wound up moving to the drivers seat and taking over the rental instead of letting his coworker rent and by that time we had a HUGE backup at National (in San Jose)

 

[kda]

Check out National's policies on other drivers. They don't charge for spouses, and it may be phrased that they don't charge for family members living in the same household -- but I'm not sure. I always reserve and DH always drives out and shows his license and my card. We've done this 10x at least.