My Latest Alamo Experience

[inkkognito]

We did another quickie Orlando trip this weekend and got Alamo via Priceline. When we got in, the line was longer than usual, and there were only two people working the counter. In the past, the National counter people have taken care of Alamo customers when they have no one and Alamo is crowded, but they wouldn't do it this time (someone in our line walked over and asked). We waited at least half an hour at the counter, which is unusual. Normally, when they are busy, there are a lot of people working.
There might have been a problem with one of the people ahead of us, as one counter person was dealing with them the whole time we waited, while the other person waited on everyone else in front of us (three families) in the same time span! We were waited on by the woman who was dealing with the "problem people," and she had a major attitude. I don't know if it was caused by them or if she is just a cranky person. She tried to pull the "Do you want the deluxe insurance coverage or just the basic?" trick with us, but I'm too savvy to fall for that. That's the first time anyone at Alamo (or Avis or Hertz) has tried that on me.
When we got out to the garage, there were no economy cars. The compacts were all gone, too, so the person in the garage pointed to a Toyota Matrix and said, "Do you want to just take that?" I was very pleased! It has a lot of miles (over 20K) but ran well and was clean and roomy. Drop-off was fast and painless, as usual. We usually pick up at the A side but drop off at B because it seems to be less crowded and is faster to get to.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[manning]

I see they are still up to their old tricks. They tried to pull that on me back in the 70's. Matter of fact they wouldn't rent unless I took the insurance. I asked when the next shuttle was heading back to the airport. When they realized I would walk they couldn't move fast enough to rent me a car.

Have never used Alamo since.

 

[inkkognito]

Wow, sounds like what I've heard about L & M doing! We always bring a copy of our insurance card, but this is the first time in many rentals that Alamo tried to pull this. They always ask if we want the insurance, but not in a deceptive or pushy way. I think that it depends on the counter person, as you could tell this woman just had a major attitude and would have prefer to strangle customers rather than wait on them. Usually they are really nice and courteous.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Yes, it does sound like L&M practices. Also, most rental companies have their way of pressuring you into purchasing insurance. They get a huge over ride for that. Also, the agents are pushed into selling it.
It is not just Alamo that does this. They just have found a "trickier" way to do it.

 

[seashoreCM]

Just picked up an Alamo car this afternoon (Sat 11/22) very slack time, three agents, hardly any line.

Agent said I could upgrade for a few more dollars a day, I just said I will take whatver came with my reservation.

No insurance hassles, I just said I was declining all coverages and options.

Alamo and National renters choose from the same lotful of cars. \the lot attendant told me to tke any two door car from the compct section for a subcompact rental.

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

(this post done from Disney Quest)

 

[nhrenee]

We used Alamo about a month ago and they were fine. It was a bit of a wait (20 min) but since they were the cheapest that was an acceptable trade off. There was no hard sell on insurance.

 

[toystorymom]

We used Alamo 2 weeks ago and everything went very well. The wait was very short and there was no pressure about the insurance. We got a beautiful minivan with only 500 miles on it. Returning the car was also quick and easy. I'd definitely recommend them.