Recent Alamo Renters - Midsized SUV

[AliceIn]

What types of vehicles are in that row at MCO?

We usually book a full-sized car, but we got a great rate via Costco and a Visa coupon on the SUV ($192 including taxes, fees, and additional driver) for 5/30 through 6/7. I almost always book with Avis, but this time Alamo's price was so much less that I decided to go with them. I'm not familiar with Alamo's choices, so I'm wondering what we'll end up with.

I already did the online check-in and printed my ticket, so I'm assuming I go pick my car from the aisle and go. Anybody have any experience with the midsized SUVs?

 

[AliceIn]

Bumping this up - hoping the weekday regulars might see.

 

[snappy]

I do not know but I also have a midsize SUV booked and we get back before you leave.

I will post what I see what I get back.

 

[canadiankim]

I have booked the same for my August 5-16 trip but not as cheap as yours! $340 for 11 nights. Its says a Toyota Rav4 or similar! I drive a Nissan Rogue at home so hope it might be that! but will be interested to know what is in the line up

 

[PatMcDuck]

I have seen a variety of mid SUVs over the last few years. I always rent them from Alamo (via Costco). I pick up my next one April 23, so I will report back. I have seen Tucson, Santa Fe, Jeep (wranglers?), also once I took a Dodge Journey and once a Nissan Murano.

 

[nacho113]

Not sure about the SUV aisle but when we were down last September, we had a Full size car booked and there were a couple of Chev Equinox, a Nissan Pathfinder and a Hyundia Santa Fe in the full size aisle. Not sure if this was an overabundance of SUV's or a shortage of Full size cars but will give you an idea of at least 3 of the types of SUV's that they carry at the location.

 

[ebonyeyes]

Also very interested! We have a mid size suv booked for our trip in August 9-22. GREAT price $323 for two weeks for Alamo through Costco. I was also wondering what other choices Alamo offers. And how is the luggage room in these mid size suv's The website says 2 bags...I can't imagine that this type vehicle would only hold 2 bags. Oh well...best price in my search.

 

[AliceIn]

I have booked the same for my August 5-16 trip but not as cheap as yours! $340 for 11 nights. Its says a Toyota Rav4 or similar! I drive a Nissan Rogue at home so hope it might be that! but will be interested to know what is in the line up

Keep checking, that is what I did. I started out at almost 400, but checked each day and got the great rate. I must have booked and cancelled 5 times before I was happy with the rate. Good luck!

 

[canadiankim]

Keep checking, that is what I did. I started out at almost 400, but checked each day and got the great rate. I must have booked and cancelled 5 times before I was happy with the rate. Good luck!

This is the fourth car I have booked since December when I started to plan my trip LOL! I will keep looking but am happy with the price for the size of car we are getting - not that I am going to not keep trying to get it lower!!!

Also very interested! We have a mid size suv booked for our trip in August 9-22. GREAT price $323 for two weeks for Alamo through Costco. I was also wondering what other choices Alamo offers. And how is the luggage room in these mid size suv's The website says 2 bags...I can't imagine that this type vehicle would only hold 2 bags. Oh well...best price in my search.

We have a Nissan Rogue so a smaller SUV but there isn't a lot of space for luggage. We can usually fit 2 large suitcases and a smaller carry-on without any problems. Hope that helps

 

[Ranger111]

I have been "stuck" with a mid-size SUV more than once, usually in Denver, where they seem to have a lot of them to spare in the late spring, when ski fever dies. Last time was -- April 2014.

I have never been happy. Small, not much room for bags, unless you opt to use the roof rack. I THINK they have always been Chevy Equinox. I have tried to forget them. National loves them and since National and Alamo are brandmates....but who's to say. I go to Denver in a week -- and being April, what are the odds. ..

 

[canadiankim]

Bump to see if we can get an update,

 

[PatMcDuck]

Forgot to check in. We arrived Thursday April 23. VERY few SUVs to choose from. There was a small HUMMER, I kid you not. LOL. Then 3 chevy Equinox, and a Dodge something (almost took it, had some possible smoke smell, or overpowering cleaning fluid or both). We took an Equinox (did not really want, as DH drives one at home, so boring!) However, this one has only 700 mile son it, and smells new! Quickly set it up the Sunpass, I love having that for the tolls now.

 

[canadiankim]

Thanks PatMcDuck! I think my kids would choose the Hummer - just cause its a Hummer but I would be more than happy with an Equinox too.

 

[Amanda999]

Arrived April 18, standard category, Alamo booked. Many small SUVs in the full aisle (no standard aisle at Alamo MCO, so if you book standard you go to full size). Things like RAV4 and a similar Chevy smaller suv. (I know that wasn't op's question; just thought it would help to know that.) I was on the airport side where southwest lands - can't remember if that is a or b (Alamo is on both sides).

 

[Dacky619]

Arrived April 18, standard category, Alamo booked. Many small SUVs in the full aisle (no standard aisle at Alamo MCO, so if you book standard you go to full size). Things like RAV4 and a similar Chevy smaller suv. (I know that wasn't op's question; just thought it would help to know that.) I was on the airport side where southwest lands - can't remember if that is a or b (Alamo is on both sides).

That is helpful thanks. I am curious though, if I have a reservation for both full size car and mid size SUV do I need to pick one of those before I arrive to see what's available? Would I be able to check in online for the full sized and if we aren't happy with the options change at a kiosk or something to get the SUV?

 

[Amanda999]

You can go look in the aisle before choosing. (Are you traveling with someone? The other person can sit in the car waiting for you to go print the docs at the kiosk back inside the airport - it's not a far walk. If you will be alone, well, I'd never suggest you take the keys to the car you want, then go print....).

Only issue is you might not be able to do bypass kiosk (in advance at home - you print out one or two page ticket at home, and go right to the car and then drive to the exit gate Alamo person and show him or her the ticket and your drivers license). I think - but not sure - they will charge you if you are a no show if you don't take the car after doing bypass kiosk. But printing the docs at the kiosk at Mco doesn't take much time. Of course don't book the pay in advance type reservation if you do two.

Don't ask me how I know that they never ever charge for not showing up and forgetting to cancel a reservation (but for those I had never done bypass kiosk or pay in advance)....

They had some pretty good looking smaller SUVs in the full aisle. Rav4s, Nissan Murano's (sp?) and a similar size Chrysler I'd never heard of. Families with baby gear were snapping them up. (We are a smaller family, no gear. I took an Altima with 400 miles on it, keyless starter, video back up camera.)

 

[Dacky619]

There will be three of us, so I can let the wife and son claim the car while I go check in at the kiosk. I'll just make sure I don't check in online or anything before we go. Thank you very much for the help!

 

[AliceIn]

Thank you for the updates! I think well be ok bag wise as my husband is taking some of the kids on the Magical Express (they love it!). I'lll be going to get the car with our carry on bags with my oldest. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a good vehicle.

 

[canadiankim]

bump for any new info

 

[canadiankim]

so this is a bump with an added question.

It looks as though you can't book a midsized SUV now as there is no availability. If when we check in there isn't one about what would be the next sized car available to us - a full sized SUV or a full sized car? Can we insist on an SUV (I like to being sitting higher) or do we just have to take what's available? I know it's turn up and choose a car from the aisle.

Thanks