Priceline and Alamo Question

[grubens]

I finally got tired of checking rates every day for our 8/31-9/8 rental from Tampa to Orlando and put in what I thought was a lowball bid ($13/day for full size) only to surprisingly have it accepted. When I called Alamo to try to add Insider's number to reservation was told it could not be done because it was prepaid through Priceline. So, when I go to counter will I be able to use Insider's to get free extra driver and frequent flier miles?

Thanks!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Sorry but you gave up the Insider perks when you went the Priceline route

 

[lauti]

Nope, like PP said, that's the downside to booking a prepaid reservation.

 

[gmeh1]

I finally got tired of checking rates every day for our 8/31-9/8 rental from Tampa to Orlando and put in what I thought was a lowball bid ($13/day for full size) only to surprisingly have it accepted. When I called Alamo to try to add Insider's number to reservation was told it could not be done because it was prepaid through Priceline. So, when I go to counter will I be able to use Insider's to get free extra driver and frequent flier miles?

Thanks!

Yes, on the Insider add. driver for no charge. How you made the reservation does not impact the fact that you are an Insider member. Not sure on the FF miles you can ask about that at the counter.
Alamo Additional Driver Fee
Is there always an additional driver daily fee? How much is it?

Any additional driver (including a spouse or domestic partner) will pay a daily fee of approximately $10 per day.

Fees are waived for additional drivers who are:

· Members of Alamo Insiders Program; which allows for one additional driver to be added at no cost.
· Corporate Contracts in the United States are allowed the following additional drivers at no charge:

· Commercial (corporate) rentals

· The renter's business partner

· Employer or fellow associate, who has a signed corporate contract with Alamo and drives the car for business purposes and who meet normal renter requirements.

All other additional authorized driver situations are subject to a daily charge.

 

[Lewisc]

I finally got tired of checking rates every day for our 8/31-9/8 rental from Tampa to Orlando and put in what I thought was a lowball bid ($13/day for full size) only to surprisingly have it accepted. When I called Alamo to try to add Insider's number to reservation was told it could not be done because it was prepaid through Priceline. So, when I go to counter will I be able to use Insider's to get free extra driver and frequent flier miles?

Thanks!

PLs website specifically says company loyalty programs aren't applicable to "name your own price" reservations. Makes sense. Those programs are designed to promote brand loyalty. PL "NYOP" customers aren't showing loyalty to a particular agency but rather to price.

I can't find the complete rules for Alamo's Insider program but this rule covers a reservation with even less restrictions then a PL NYOP

In order to take advantage of the Alamo Insiders benefits you will be unable to apply your company discount on your rental. If you chose to use the company discount the Alamo Insiders member benefits will not apply

In other words you only get a free additional driver if that is one of the benefits negotiated as part of a company discount. Clearly free additional drivers isn't part of the PL deal.
You may get lucky when you pick up your car but you should plan on paying for an additional driver. I hope you bid low enough to offset that cost. You had no way of knowing when you bid if an additional driver fee would apply to your rental.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I was told the same thing. Because it was through the third party you give up the right to the perk. You can add a driver and pay, they to beg, or go with one driver.

 

[grubens]

Thanks for all the responses. This is my first time using Priceline so I wasn't sure what to expect. I don't really care about the extra driver (my wife makes me do all the driving anyways), but was just curious.

I don't really understand, however, why the car rental companies would not let you utilize their frequent guest programs with a Priceline reservation. As I see it, it is just a convenient way to establish my address and driver's license information rather than have to fill out a long form at the counter. It seems to me both sides benefit from that. Of well, the 28% discount over rates I was otherwise getting more than justifies the inconvenience of having to wait in the line.

 

[gmeh1]

PLs website specifically says company loyalty programs aren't applicable to "name your own price" reservations. Makes sense. Those programs are designed to promote brand loyalty. PL "NYOP" customers aren't showing loyalty to a particular agency but rather to price.

I can't find the complete rules for Alamo's Insider program but this rule covers a reservation with even less restrictions then a PL NYOP


In other words you only get a free additional driver if that is one of the benefits negotiated as part of a company discount. Clearly free additional drivers isn't part of the PL deal.
You may get lucky when you pick up your car but you should plan on paying for an additional driver. I hope you bid low enough to offset that cost. You had no way of knowing when you bid if an additional driver fee would apply to your rental.

Lewis, all the renter had to do is tell us they were and Insider member, regardless of what code, what coupon or who they booked through, and Alamo allowed the additional driver for no charge because they are Insider members.

 

[Lewisc]

Lewis, all the renter had to do is tell us they were and Insider member, regardless of what code, what coupon or who they booked through, and Alamo allowed the additional driver for no charge because they are Insider members.

I don't doubt your experience. It's not clear if that's Alamo policy or a courtesy which is currently being offered by employees at MCO.

Regardless PL site is clear. Loyalty programs aren't applicable. People calling Alamo are being told the same thing.

People "bidding" for rental cars don't even know which agency will accept their "bid". People bidding on PL have to base their bid price on the assumption they'll be paying for any additional drivers.