Luggage Carts At Car Rental Return?

[LvsTnk]

I am thinking about renting a car for myself and DS with special needs solo trip. I know I can get a cart for the luggage and his folded chair(special stroller) to get to the EI, but how the heck am I gonna return the thing and get him, his chair, and our bags back to the terminal?

My DH thinks I am nuts, but I am determined to do it LOL! Any help appreciated!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Frequently they are just hanging around there. Or, they can get you a sky cap, you will need to ask.

 

[safetymom]

When you go to leave Orlando do curbside checkin. Then return the car and you don't have to worry about getting your stuff back to the airport.

 

[DebbieB]

I think there are cart rental machines on the side of the garage closest to the terminal. Check around the car pick-up area first, many people just abandon them after they load their car.

We fly USAir and curbside check the checked luggage first, so we just have the carryons after we get out of the car.

 

[LvsTnk]

Can I get out of the car and do curbside if it is just my and my DS? This is what we always do and my DH says I can still do it, I am afraid I will run into a huge line.

 

[GoldenOldie]

Originally posted by LvsTnk
Can I get out of the car and do curbside if it is just my and my DS? This is what we always do and my DH says I can still do it, I am afraid I will run into a huge line.

I'd be more afraid that you'll run into a huge State Trooper. Leaving a car unattended at an airport dropoff area will get you into big trouble. Doesn't matter if you are only 25 feet away in a curbside checkin line. They are not known for cutting any slack.

 

[LvsTnk]

Originally posted by GoldenOldie
I'd be more afraid that you'll run into a huge State Trooper. Leaving a car unattended at an airport dropoff area will get you into big trouble. Doesn't matter if you are only 25 feet away in a curbside checkin line. They are not known for cutting any slack.

Exactly, my DH just gets our luggage out and has his I.D. checked then takes off. Could you believe I have never run into a line.

It is good to know I can probably get a cart, thanks for the replies!!

 

[Lewisc]

The rental employees can (probably) get you a skycap. Just keep some small bills for tips.

 

[CarolA]

I second the don't leave your car unattended. I saw a family do that in Chicago. The cop gave them one warning, but the line was too long. He called for a wrecker and started writing up the ticket. They raced out of line, but too late the ticket was written. Some of them jumped in and drove off before he could place the ticket. He looked at the remaining family members and informed them that the ticket WOULD be mailed and there would be an additional violation for driving off without the ticket. (He had the license plate so he could find them.) He was really upset with them.

I do know the rental car companies can call you a skycap, I hear them paged all the time. I am also pretty sure there is a cart rental right there.

 

[peg2001]

I add my vote to getting a skycap!! It is well worth the tip and they are sometimes hanging out in the rental car return area anyway. If not, ask for one. Let them handle and haul the luggage and let you focus on your son! Last time we dropped off a rental car at MCO a skycap approached us as soon as we stepped out of the car. He even unloaded the car for us and doublechecked to make sure we had gotten our receipt and off we went!

Peggy

 

[LvsTnk]

Wow, I am all set! Now to find that awesome rental rate LOL!

 

[inkkognito]

I too highly recommend a sky cap. I didn't even realize that they are available because we seldom rent a car. We stayed in Orlando for the weekend after our latest cruise and got a car from Avis for Sat./Sun. Because it was a week cruise, we had a TON of luggage. When we returned the rental car, there was a sky cap right there asking if we needed assistance. We were very happy to see him! We are experienced at juggling our luggage, but it was well worth the cost not to bother. I don't know if they are always there or if you have to ask, but definitely check into it if you want to do things the easiest way.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[BCV23]

Wow, I've never seen a skycap in the car return area. We usually do Avis (or Hertz) though...is that the difference? There are rental cart stands in the return area though and as others noted there is often one just sitting around.

I think I remember that your son has Down's as does one of mine. We're going for our second mother-son trip this June, too. I say almost because my DH may come down for a couple of nights in the middle of the trip. Anyway...is your son small enough to sit in the baby seat in the cart? Or big enough to walk while you push the cart with his stroller on it? Either scenario would work well I think. I've even traveled solo with my son and my DD who has CP but my Down's guy is actually a big help now that he's years past the impulsive stage. He loves to push her in her wheelchair, lift luggage etc..

I also would not try to leave your car at the curb while you check your bags unless you talk to one of the policemen first and explain the situation. Maybe they would let you do it then but I would not count on it. This spring I thought they were stricter than at O'Hare.

Have a great trip with your son!

 

[safetymom]

I have never had a problem using curbside check in at MCO. As long as you say what you are doing they just move along. I haven't run into any lines either using curbside. I have been to MCO seven times in the last year without any problems.

Usually it is just me in the car so it would be unattended.

 

[LvsTnk]

Yep, he has Down Syndrome. This will be our 4th Birthday Trip (His 12yr.) He has some medical problems ( his knee cap moved over, his hip joints are inflamed, and he broke a vertebrae a while back) so he may or may not be able to walk. I plan to pack everything up on the cart and have him sit on top. If that doesn't work I will get a Skycap both ways.

I am getting a car this time because we are staying longer and also going to Discovery Cove Yippee!! Besides did you ever feel like you just NEED to do something??

By the way on my first solo trip I really had to make an effort to keep that tip money ready!!

Thanks Again!!You guys are great