In Airport Car Rental vs Off Airport

[timmyhuh]

Hi, has anyone rented from a rental company not located in the airport? We are going June 2 through June 12 and flying into Tampa and flying out of Orlando. We currently have an SUV Full Size vehicle rented from Dollar (325.00) but I don't think we can fit all of our luggage in that vehicle (Jeep Grand Cherokee). I have another vehicle rented at National (Chevy Uplander...308.00) but they are off airport and didn't know how it would be with two children and luggage going to an off airport rental agency. Any help would be appreciated?

 

[goofy4tink]

We're doing the reverse...flying into MCO and out of Tampa!! National/Alamo are indeed off-site at Tampa, but I understand there is a shuttle that runs between the airport and the rental agency. Hopefully it will be easy to do.

Oh, and by the way.... to the DIS!!!

 

[buzzgirls&dad]

We have hertz gold card. We fly into MCO get our luggage (we have stroller and carry ons) use a skycap for $5 and have him load it on the hertz shuttle bus. Bus ride is 5-10mins. With the card our car has always been ready and we are off with a quick check at the gate. Whatever car company you choose join their prefered club as for us this was the big time saver of not waiting at any counter. Good Luck

 

[dougsmom98]

We have done both with four children. Honestly, it wasn't that big of a deal either way. Be willing to pay a skycap for help if you are juggling too much luggage. We always start off trying to do it ourselves, but then after too much frustration, we break down and pay the skycap for help. It is worth every penny. Once you get to the shuttle for an offsite rental company, it is a piece of cake. If you can, sign up for any fast lane programs so that you don't have to wait it a long line once you get to the car rental. Good luck.

 

[ducklite]

I can't imagine that you would have that much luggage for four people for ten days with summer clothes that you wouldn't fit into a full sized SUV.

How do you plan on getting to the airport to begin with--U-Haul?

Anne

 

[Disneyjosh229]

We just had a Jeep Grand Cherokee for 8 days (also with 4 people who packed very heavy!!) and it worked out fine. Truthfully, theres much less room (with the 3rd row up) in a minivan then in the SUV. Also, if you are considering offsite rentals, try Budget on Westshore Blvd. They are only about 1/2 mile from the airport and they will refund your cab fare. It can save you lots of $$$ (especailly with all the off airport rental promos going on)...

 

[timmyhuh]

Thank you all for the information.

 

[safetymom]

I second Hertz. That are quick and fast.

 

[Disneyjosh229]

That are quick and fast.

Doesn't that mean the same thing?

 

[safetymom]

Quick ride to the lot and they are fast when you get there. I have found them faster than onsite locations.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I have done both and it's much more convenient as well as faster to rent from the airport location.