Just an observation - Alamo counter

[RweTHEREyet]

As we were walking thru the terminal on July 22 to head to National's Emerald Aisle, I noticed the Alamo counter, there was a line of about 25 people waiting to check-in their cars.

Since they are sister companies, I thought Alamo would have something comparable to the Emerald Aisle.

 

[CarolMN]

Alamo's target market is the leisure/vacation traveler. Nationa;'s is the business traveler. Apparently, Alamo believes vacationers are more willing to wait than business travelers.

Best wishes -

P.S. I hate lines - to me, there is something is inherently wrong if you have to wait more than a minute or two to give someone your money! I am willing to pay more to a company like National that allows me to bypass those line. I leanred this behavior when I traveled for business and am unable to "unlearn" it now that I don't, LOL!

 

[poohbear2]

I remember how long I had to wait to get a car at ALAMO back when they were off site. I know it was a while ago, but I swore I wouldn't rent from them again because it was soooooooo long.

 

[maps]

I went with Alamo last year because it was the cheapest but I signed up for the Quicksilver (you had to go in a special line at the counter)

The regular line was huge (at least 1-2hr wait) but I was the only one in the quicksilver line and was waited on immediately.

However, the person at the counter was so rude and pushy (with the insurance, gas and upgrade push--I should only have to say no once and not be given an attitude if I decline) The final straw was when she wouldn't honor my legitimate rate--she couldn't tell me why. Finally after getting the manager and refusing not to move, they honored it.

However, unless Alamo is significantly cheaper, I won't use them again.

 

[GrumpyLuver]

I used Quicksilver last November. There isn't a special line any longer, now you go out to the "office" in the parking garage. It was painless!

 

[DiscussDisney]

I used Quicksilver last November. There isn't a special line any longer, now you go out to the "office" in the parking garage. It was painless!

This is great. A couple of years ago, the Quicksilver line moved slower than the regular line. Also, there was so much confusion at the counter. I like this much better. Thanks for the information.

 

[reikimom]

We used Alamo last year because I got a really good deal, but I swore I would not use them again unless there were extenuating circumstances. I waited in line for 1 1/2 hours to get the car, and then when we got out to the garage, there were no cars in the size we reserved. It was between the two big hurricanes last summer, so they were short on cars. They ended up sending us over to the National rows and we got a full size instead of intermediate size for no extra charge. After that everything was fine. This year we are using National's Emerald Aisle program.

 

[dcgrumpy]

You can now do online check in with Alamo. Haven't tried it yet

 

[pdchris]

When we arrived at MCO in early May, I noticed that too about Alamo and Nat'l. I had originally booked with Alamo but switched to Nat'l because of a free upgrade. I was glad I did. Alamo was really crowded and Nat'l had only 1 person ahead of me.

 

[chrismiss56]

How do you sign up for Quicksilver when you are not a business traveler?

Have a Magical Disney Day!!

 

[CarolA]

I have used ALamo once... it was in Atlanta. One of the worst rental car experiences ever.... NEVER AGAIN I don't care WHAT they do....

 

[InstImpres]

I usually great the best rate from Alamo but have had the line problem. What i do it book 2 MCO car ressies. If Alamo is out of control line wise, I look at the counter where I am holding another ressie. I figure if the difference is $20 vs. an hour of my time, no contest.

 

[fac]

I usually great the best rate from Alamo but have had the line problem. What i do it book 2 MCO car ressies. If Alamo is out of control line wise, I look at the counter where I am holding another ressie. I figure if the difference is $20 vs. an hour of my time, no contest.

Don't they charge you a no-show if you do not pick up the car?
What is the policy? thanks

 

[zippehsmom]

Don't they charge you a no-show if you do not pick up the car?
What is the policy? thanks

Whenever I have made rental car reservations, I have never had to give a credit card number to guarantee it.

With that being said, if you are a member of Emerald Aisle, Fastbreak or quicksilver, then technically they have your cc number already. I have heard that National charges a $50 no show fee, if you are a memeber of EA. I don't know how true that is.

There is nothing stopping you from cancelling the other ressie once you arrive to MCO, either.

 

[InstImpres]

Don't they charge you a no-show if you do not pick up the car?
What is the policy? thanks

As zippehsmom said most don't have your number. And yes you could cancel from a cell phone or payphone at MCO. That said, in all my trips, I've never been charged and have not always cancelled in the "excitement of the moment"