Random but car rental experience

[Bethany10]

Has anyone had issues with renting a car from the airport recently? We booked months in advance but the news has me like

We arrive Sunday mid day

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Rented late April. Long line but lots of cars available. Return was very quick.

 

[Bethany10]

Rented late April. Long line but lots of cars available. Return was very quick.

Thanks. This is going to be one of those me quietly panicking until we’re IN the car headed to the hotel.

 

[bchbetha]

Sign up for skip the counter (either just on the website or by joining their rewards program). Good luck!

 

[cam757]

We rented the first week of May. There was no line when we picked up our car but we also arrived mid day on a Tuesday.

 

[Coach Holden]

National at MCO is one of the best locations in the country

 

[yeheyprincex2]

We flew into Tampa and had no issue with our car rental pick up or drop off. Also we had a brand new car very nice experience.

 

[Bethany10]

thanks for the replies. We did wind up WITH a car after an hour long wait in line.

 

[bchbetha]

thanks for the replies. We did wind up WITH a car after an hour long wait in line.
View attachment 581132

Did you sign up for the skip the counter?

 

[Bethany10]

Did you sign up for the skip the counter?

We did not. We only rent a car maybe once a year so we just got in line along with everyone else. The reality is, if you're going to travel right now it's not only expensive but also be prepared to wait in line. Not just at Universal, my understanding it's just about anywhere that typically hosts a booming tourist business.

 

[bchbetha]

We did not. We only rent a car maybe once a year so we just got in line along with everyone else. The reality is, if you're going to travel right now it's not only expensive but also be prepared to wait in line. Not just at Universal, my understanding it's just about anywhere that typically hosts a booming tourist business.

Ugh. Alamo doesn't charge for their skip the counter (and we always seem to book with Alamo) so I don't know what other companies are like (I thought they were all free to join the loyalty programs but I guess not).

 

[zalan]

Skip the line is totally worth it, and it was free with Avis, likely others.
Last year I stood in the long, grumpy line for two trips to MCO in 2020 and it sucked.
This May on landing I used the app to check in and secured the car and space # before we even stepped off the plane. Walked directly to the car and drove off, it was awesome.

 

[Bethany10]

I will be investigating the app for next year's trip to Charleston then.