Making me nervous about Alamo

[chrismiss56]

Hi

Got a GREAT rate for 4 days rental of a mid size SUV with Alamo. The rate just dropped $100!! for August 15 - 19.....

HOWEVER - been reading about the horrible counter service with Alamo

Our flight doesn't land until 12:30 in the morning

Do you think it will be pretty calm then? Or do I need to worry about Alamo.

Thanks!!

Have a Magical Disney Day!!

 

[debster812]

We've used Alamo the past three times we've rented in Orlando. I think the longest we've ever waited was about 15 minutes. I've read all the horror stories as well, and have never experienced anything close to them.

Last time, we did not arrive til almost 11pm, and it was fine. There were 3 counter agents, and only one person ahead of us in line.

 

[CarolA]

Keep in mind that some of us have old horror stories... mine is several years old.... I just refuse to give them another penny on a "moral" basis LOL!

 

[Alexander]

Well, please don't think that landing at 12:30 AM will make the line any shorter! We arrived at that same exact time in April. The line for Alamo was wrapped around all of the little people-line-holder things (what are those called anyways?). They had 3 agents working. I laughed at those people as I walked by and got into the National line with only 3 people ahead of me. There was only 1 agent working there though.

Well, as the entire Alamo line went through rather quickly, I might add, I waited almost 45 minutes (long story about idiots ahead of me that had no credit left on their credit card). So I was the one not laughing in the end! They have very long lines, but they are very efficient at moving them through, at least when I was there, that's what I saw. Me, I still use National, but will NEVER stand in line again. If it ain't available on Emerald Reserve, I ain't rentin'!

 

[inkkognito]

Time of day definitely has nothing to do with it. We used to frequently take an ATA flight that brought us in at midnight or later. Sometimes it was dead, but often the line was packed with people...it depends on if other planes have just come in. Worse yet, we once arrived a little before midnight and the queue was full...right at 12, every counter person but one LEFT!! They had only one person and as many people as I've ever seen waiting for service. After she waited on us, the counter woman said, "I'm going to the bathroom," and just walked off. I thought there was going to be a riot!
Barb

 

[jjan]

We used them Dec. 4 last year for a midnight flight and the line was horrible. My advice is to go the counter first before getting your luggage and see if the line isn't too bad then, or split up your party and someone do the car rental and someone get the luggage.

 

[NancyIL]

Or..get Alamo Quicksilver and bypass the lines.

 

[BonnieA]

Most times (but not always) L&M will honor competitors quotes. If the line at Alamo is outrageous, just walk over to L&M and see if they will do it. I've never seen a line at L&M.

 

[disneylizzy]

Can't you use Online Check-In with Alamo? I just booked a midsize SUV for 5 days with Alamo at $169.09 (still looking for a better rate) and at the bottom of confirmation page they said you can bypass the counter this way. Anybody have any info?

 

[chrismiss56]

Can a Leisure traveler sign up for Alamo Quicksilver?

Have a Magical Disney Day!!

 

[CherylA]

Anyone can sign up with Quicksilver. We've used it for years and love it. So much so that my husband will only rent from Alalmo. Bet you've never heard that before. He's ready to kill me because we had a great price reserved for an SUV at Alamo and I entered a Priceline bid, and got it accepted by Alamo. Price works out to be $5 more and we have a minivan, which I thought he wanted but now he informs me he liked the SUV and he's really pissed that we can't use Quicksilver. If there is a long line it will not start our vacation out on the right foot!

 

[ckret01]

I booked w/ Alamo but used a coupon and b/c of that cannot use the online check in

 

[Disneyjosh229]

A few years back (at the old airport location that was offsite), we waited a 1/2 hr for the shuttle bus, then we wated over 1 hr just to get the vehicle. Finally, when we made it to the vehicle, it was dirty and hadn't been inside or out. We wern't about to wait another Hour for a car, so we just took it. That was the last time we used Alamo. Now, we use National. Their rates are usually as competitive as everyone elses, and they have Emerald Club!!!

 

[Mich Mouse]

We arrived at MCO during a school holiday after 10:00 pm. Waiting was not the problem....The problem was they did not have a car to give us in the category we rented!!! We had a full size, and wound up with a tiny little thing that looked like Fred Flinstones car.

I decided after that delayed flight never to book flights for after 8:00 am. I was told by a friend in the industry that the earlier you leave, the less likely you are to have a flight/resort/car rental snafu.

 

[Disneyjosh229]

We arrived at MCO during a school holiday after 10:00 pm. Waiting was not the problem....The problem was they did not have a car to give us in the category we rented!!! We had a full size, and wound up with a tiny little thing that looked like Fred Flinstones car.

I decided after that delayed flight never to book flights for after 8:00 am. I was told by a friend in the industry that the earlier you leave, the less likely you are to have a flight/resort/car rental snafu.

By law, Alamo had to give you some type of discount, or give you a vehicle from National (their partners) fleet!!

 

[dthogue]

We used Alamo last week - arrived at 9:30pm on Wednesday - no wait at the counter - several agents working - we were on our way within minutes. I too was scared after reading all the comments, but decided to go with Alamo anyway - won't hestitate to use them again.

Tammy

 

[paults]

we used Alamo this past May. left PHL at 7 am got to MCO about 9:30 am went to Alamo counter and it was empty (no line). We belong to QUICKSILVER but just went to the regular counter instead. The agent said we could go to the quicksilver counter where the cars are or just do it with her now. Done in 10 mins.

Now if we saw a line my DW will stand in line and I go to Quicksilver counter to check in. That way we got it covered.


PAST EXPER: About 4 yrs ago when Alamo was off-site it was pure HECK. 1ST WAIT FOR SHUTTLE THEN load your bags then get to site and unload bags, then go stand in line for at least 1 hr. (TOTAL TIME ABOUT 2 + HRS)
Swore never to use Alamo again. But then they moved on-site and we gave then another chance. Reason is because we don't need a car the whole time so we can drop it off at the DOLPHIN resort in 3 days when we are home (at BWV)