Rental Car at Tampa Airport...

[speedyf]

I'd just like to get some opinions on rental experiences at Tampa Airport (TPA).

We sometimes fly into Tampa and rent a car for one night returning it to the Dolphin Resort. We are scheduled to take a quick trip in January for 4 nights, so I figured we may just keep the car for our entire stay this time.

Since we usually just rent the car for one night, I rent from National or Alamo so that we can return the car to the Dolphin and catch a bus to one of the parks in the morning. This time...I'm keeping the car, so I don't have to rent through Alamo or National.

Alamo/National is located off the airport in Tampa...so, we have to hassle with a stroller and luggage going on/off a shuttle bus. I'd like to try to rent from one of the rental companies in the airport (Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, Enterprise, Thrifty) this time.

If anyone has any experience renting at TPA from one of these companies, please let me know. I'm curious to know about any features that allow you to bypass the counter as well as which companies might typically offer the lowest rates with discounts. We will be visiting for MLK weekend from a Thursday to the Monday.

Speed

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

My family and I have rented from Avis and we always had good experiences with them. Now one way you can bypass the counter is being an Avis Preferred member, because at Orlando International Airport you can go right to the location where you pick up the car keys. However I think at Tampa International Airport they give you the keys at the check-in counter, so maybe they don't have that option there.

 

[Pembo]

We rent from Dollar at Tampa...with no problems.

 

[OKW Lover]

My family and I have rented from Avis and we always had good experiences with them. Now one way you can bypass the counter is being an Avis Preferred member, because at Orlando International Airport you can go right to the location where you pick up the car keys. However I think at Tampa International Airport they give you the keys at the check-in counter, so maybe they don't have that option there.

Actually Avis does have a kiosk in the lot at TPA. No need to stop at the counter if you are Avis Preferred.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Actually Avis does have a kiosk in the lot at TPA. No need to stop at the counter if you are Avis Preferred.

That's always good to know, so thank you.

 

[speedyf]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'm probably going to try Avis...unless I decide to bid through Priceline when our vacation gets closer.

Thanks...
Speed

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'm probably going to try Avis...unless I decide to bid through Priceline when our vacation gets closer.

Thanks...
Speed

You're welcome.

 

[snowy76]

I know you'd rather not do Alamo, but last month we used them at TPA. We decided to do the online check-in option before we left home and were able to bypass the counter. Nice and quick, even with the shuttle.

 

[speedyf]

I know you'd rather not do Alamo, but last month we used them at TPA. We decided to do the online check-in option before we left home and were able to bypass the counter. Nice and quick, even with the shuttle.

I do like Alamo and National and we always usually rent through either of them. We may still end up with one of them if they come in cheaper than the others.

When we last flew into Tampa, we were 4 families (16 people) in early February 2008. I was able to get us each a full size vehicle (picking up in TPA...dropping off at the Dolphin) for just one day at a price of $22 AFTER tax and fees. I think the rate was either $15 or $16...it was a "last minute" rate from National.

Since that was Mardi Gras week for us...the flights out of New Orleans into Orlando were about $240 round trip....I was able to get all 16 of us into Tampa for $130 round trip...so, we definitely saved a bunch of money by flying to Tampa and driving over.

Speed

 

[djpositivek]

We'll be renting from TPA at the end of January and returning to MCO.

Which rental agencies in TPA allow you select a car from the row. I assume National & Alamo as you can at MCO ? Any others ? Not concerned if they are on site or shuttle.

 

[Pembo]

dj-Not sure which you select a car but I just wanted to say we've rented in MCO and returned to TPA many times with not extra fees.We use Dollar.