Recent Alamo line experiences?

[QT Pooh]

Hi all,

I bit the bullet and tried priceline's 'name your own price' for our car rental at the end of this month. To my surprise, I got a full-size car for $160 total. The only problem is, it's Alamo. I know I can't use QS because it's a priceline rental, but does anyone know about on-line check-in with a priceline rental?

If I can't...how has the line been lately? I'm arriving at 2 pm on a Monday.

Thanks!
Stacy

 

[OKW Lover]

You don't say which Monday, but I'd expect that you would have quite a line at that time of day. If you can, send the driver over to stand in line while the rest of the party waits for the bags to arrive - that will save you some time.

And when you do get to the counter, remember to just say no to offers of insurance, gas and upgrades. Taking any of these offers will substantially increase the cost of you rental.

 

[mmessler]

I don't know about recently, but I usually arrive about 11-1 (close enough to 2?) and I've never noticed there to be an untolerable line. I think we maybe waited 20 minutes last time? A dream when you consider we were probably in line an hour or so to check in at our home airport, and maybe waited for our bags for what seemed like as long.

I'm mulling about the idea of having my friend wait for all our luggage at baggage claim while I head down to wait in the rental line this time. We'll see how the lines look and decide then. We're getting at at 10am this time, though. Any thoughts?

 

[englishteacha]

Last time, we were at SFB and the only people there. But just in case, I sent my DH to wait for the car while I got the bags. I got there just as he was signing the papers for the car, so no wait! Divide and conquer!

 

[QT Pooh]

You CAN use on-line check-in with a priceline rental at Alamo. There were only 5 people in line when I got to the counter (just last week) but the lady at the counter pointed those of us who had reservations to the check-in kiosks. I was in and out of there in 5 minutes. It was great! Had a very good experience with Alamo, and I will not hesitate to use both Alamo and Priceline again!

 

[iluveeyore]

Yes - check-in online first and go right to the parking lot kiosk - we just did this two weeks ago and it was great - just show them your print-out reservation, she'll point at which line of cars you can choose from, and you go pick your vehicle, which my husband enjoyed because we usually get told which one is ours without a choice. (Actually, this took the most time because he changed his mind twice!).

 

[mmessler]

Yes - check-in online first and go right to the parking lot kiosk - we just did this two weeks ago and it was great - just show them your print-out reservation, she'll point at which line of cars you can choose from, and you go pick your vehicle, which my husband enjoyed because we usually get told which one is ours without a choice. (Actually, this took the most time because he changed his mind twice!).

I've never heard of this method, but I'm kind of excited about it. I would love to be able to skip the line, all the hard sells on insurance and gas, etc. I hate having to sit there and say 'no, no, no'. Do you know, can you do this if you have your Alamo rental res. as part of your Disney package? How does it work, you go online before leaving home and key in some information?

 

[Armadillo4]

Another online check-in/kiosk question: if you have a coupon ($25 off weekly rental) can I use the kiosk or do I need to physically hand the coupon to an agent behind the desk? I did sign up for QS, so if I have to go to the desk, at least we have the QS line option.

 

[iluveeyore]

Not sure how it works with packages - I just went to alamo.com, entered my reservation number and you check-in with your credit card info. They process you when you leave the parking lot in the car you choose.

 

[mmessler]

Not sure how it works with packages - I just went to alamo.com, entered my reservation number and you check-in with your credit card info. They process you when you leave the parking lot in the car you choose.

Ok, thanks, I will have to look into this when I get my travel docs next month. Assuming there is a res. # for Alamo listed in them, I don't see why I won't be able to do this.