Where Does Alamo Code 7014266 Come From?

[rantnnravin]

Bottom line is this:
If you are not sure that you are allowed use a code or if a code is good - DON'T USE THE CODE!
DO NOT CALL THE RENTAL COMPANY! All calling the car rental company accomplishes is to alert the company that there is a deep-discount code floating around that the general public has gotten ahold of. They WILL tell you yes, yes on the phone because it costs them money to have you on the line. What all these people calling the company and asking "Am I allowed to use this code?" numerous times is to have them check the code. (I am a ateacher. If I give a test or assignment and numerous kids ask me to clarify question number 14, you bet I'm going to check number 14 and fix it or eliminate it altogether.) Similarly the car rental company will kill the code that people keep "calling the company" to ask about and issue a new one that is more private.
***PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE...in the name of all that is holy, STOP calling the car rental companies about codes you aren't sure of. Just DON'T USE THEM.****
PSA over, now back to our regularly scheduled programming.

 

[MinnieLove]

Great points (pros and cons) for using questionable codes. My request - anyone using these codes can you let us know on your return if you did have any problems with the questionable codes.
We are saving over 50% of the originally quoted prices over the phone. I need the savings, not just a perk. I am considering making a second ressie as a backup.

Let us know what you find....

 

[Tisha_PA]

I used this code as well and was able to save an additional $100. However, I have a back up reservation at National in case this doesn't work. Figured I would try Alamo first, if they wouldn't let me use the code then I would cancel and head over to National and pick up the car I have reserved there. I didn't use a credit card to hold either so there shouldn't be any penalties. I go in March so if no one has posted about the code prior to me, I'll let you know when we get there.

 

[DVCBELLE]

Bottom line is this:
If you are not sure that you are allowed use a code or if a code is good - DON'T USE THE CODE!
DO NOT CALL THE RENTAL COMPANY!

***PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE...in the name of all that is holy, STOP calling the car rental companies about codes you aren't sure of. Just DON'T USE THEM.****
PSA over, now back to our regularly scheduled programming.

I find this interesting - you rant don't use the code if you aren't supposed to but then say don't call the company to see if it is legit.

I can see people saying don't call and mess it up for me - but your logic makes no sense....

If you are bothered by people using the code - I would think you would want to call the company and alert them to a potential fraud case.

 

[Brian Noble]

anyone using these codes can you let us know on your return if you did have any problems with the questionable codes.

It doesn't matter. Even if everyone else is successful, there's still a chance you wont get the car if you don't qualify for the rate, so have a no-penalty backup with another agency, just in case.

The vast majority of folks had no trouble with the "Heinz 57 codes." But, I personally know someone (over at timeshare forums) who was not given the rate when he went to pick up the car. Ironically he's one of the people who is best at "working the system" in the timeshare world.

 

[mareed]

I used this code as well and was able to save an additional $100. However, I have a back up reservation at National in case this doesn't work. Figured I would try Alamo first, if they wouldn't let me use the code then I would cancel and head over to National and pick up the car I have reserved there. I didn't use a credit card to hold either so there shouldn't be any penalties. I go in March so if no one has posted about the code prior to me, I'll let you know when we get there.

Assuming you use the kiosk to check in with Alamo in order to skip the line, the first time you'd encounter a person who may tell you there's a problem with the code would be when you're in the car at the exit to the parking lot. And there could be cars behind you. It would certainly be awkward to tell the attendant there that you don't want the car after all because they're not charging a higher rate since you don't qualify. I'm tempted by the rate code, but am passing for now...

 

[Scrubba2]

Ok, now...to all you people reserving 2 cars only intending to rent one...you are killing my last minute Priceline idea!

The rental companies are holding back the deals thinking the demand is higher than it is!

Man, I've been able to get $11-13 per day on an economy easily a couple of days prior to my vacation in the past during "value" seasons. NOT YET!!!

 

[rantnnravin]

I find this interesting - you rant don't use the code if you aren't supposed to but then say don't call the company to see if it is legit.

I can see people saying don't call and mess it up for me - but your logic makes no sense....

If you are bothered by people using the code - I would think you would want to call the company and alert them to a potential fraud case.

no. you misunderstand my words. I "ranted" don't use the code if you aren't sure if you can use it. Calling the company kills it for others. who is engaging in "potential fraud" here. People who have the code are sure they are allowed to use it. people who "get" the code and aren't sure if they should/can use it, simply shouldn't.

 

[Southernswthrt1]

It's too bad this code is so questionable...bumps the normal Alamo rate down over $400 for my dates

 

[pershing]

This code and coupon code worked for me for May 8-17.

I got a compact for $175 total. It kinda is too good to be true!

I've got back-ups too and will keep bidding on priceline to see if I can equal this.

You can bet I'm subscribing to this thread to see what the outcome is for those going in February. I imagine, like everything else, the outcome may be inconsistent-with some people breezing through and others being told no depending on how experienced the employee behind the desk is. I'm arriving late at 10:45 PM. That may impact how carefully the desk people care about codes.

It says that *********** is available at this location. Is that the kiosk mentioned in a previous post?

Oops! Guess that word is blocked on the dis. I could say the program that begins with a Q...

 

[bavaria]

I'm arriving late at 10:45 PM. That may impact how carefully the desk people care about codes.

I would not hold your breath that the later time means a slack employee. I often land at MCO at 11pm or later and pick up cars after midnight.

At both Alamo and National (where I am an Exec member) I have been told many times that I need to show my qualifications for the discount. This was using the reserve service, not the counter, and the booth attendant would always make me retrieve it from the trunk or whereever it was stowed.

The reality is that rental car agencies (all of them) are really struggling, and are trying to minimize losses. That is why renters don't see the rates of $100/week anymore at MCO - rates are finally coming in line to the rest of the country (I average about $450/week for a compact in the rest of America) Part of maximizing revenue is enforcing discounts. I've seen this more and more lately.

I have no idea what this code is; I use codes/discounts which are applicable to my situation. But just because one person had success doesn't mean that another will.

 

[pershing]

I would not hold your breath that the later time means a slack employee. I often land at MCO at 11pm or later and pick up cars after midnight.

At both Alamo and National (where I am an Exec member) I have been told many times that I need to show my qualifications for the discount. This was using the reserve service, not the counter, and the booth attendant would always make me retrieve it from the trunk or whereever it was stowed.

The reality is that rental car agencies (all of them) are really struggling, and are trying to minimize losses. That is why renters don't see the rates of $100/week anymore at MCO - rates are finally coming in line to the rest of the country (I average about $450/week for a compact in the rest of America) Part of maximizing revenue is enforcing discounts. I've seen this more and more lately.

I have no idea what this code is; I use codes/discounts which are applicable to my situation. But just because one person had success doesn't mean that another will.

Thanks so much for the comment. I think I'll stick with the counter people then. I can understand your feelings on using codes that are only valid to you. I have USAA Insurance and while I was looking on fatwallet to see how this code was working, I saw references to USAA being the lowest for Budget rental car and how they never ask to see the USAA card. I kinda felt a little irked as there have been times in the past when the USAA discount was maxed out before I could use it. Yes, apparently I am a hypocrite!

This being said, I'm still rolling the dice with this code. The fatwallet thread had 2 people report no problems in December and January with using this code.

I did however change the coupon code from Costco's version to BJ's version (AD544JDK) as I have that coupon and am not a Costco member. It's basically the same coupon and I figure I can't get away without showing up with that!

 

[bavaria]

Believe me, I've been the one muttering or grumbling a few times after midnight at the National booth having to get out and retrieve my EU passport to prove that I qualify for the rate!

I've encountered quite a few people who are actually doing their job very well at Alamo and National, usually on rates which apply for those booking outside the country ie 'passport rates' at National. National and Hertz also both state very clearly that they will change the rate to best prevailing daily rate if one cannot prove country of residence on those types of rates.

Again, I have no idea what this code is for, but I do like to share my experiences especially as I see people talking about passport rates here every so often. If you qualify, no issue - just don't be like me and put all of your stuff in the trunk before you leave the lot!

 

[AllyBri]

Executive Elite here and I have not been able to get National to take the coupon from me in over a year.
They keep telling me it is in the system and not to worry about it. Last 2 time they have not even asked to see the DL.

 

[keishashadow]

I would not hold your breath that the later time means a slack employee. I often land at MCO at 11pm or later and pick up cars after midnight.

At both Alamo and National (where I am an Exec member) I have been told many times that I need to show my qualifications for the discount. This was using the reserve service, not the counter, and the booth attendant would always make me retrieve it from the trunk or whereever it was stowed.

The reality is that rental car agencies (all of them) are really struggling, and are trying to minimize losses. That is why renters don't see the rates of $100/week anymore at MCO - rates are finally coming in line to the rest of the country (I average about $450/week for a compact in the rest of America) Part of maximizing revenue is enforcing discounts. I've seen this more and more lately.

.

the employees @ the Alamo/National booth seem very 'invested' as to checking rates/affiliation IDs even w/National's Executive status, based on my experience elsewhere thinking perhaps they have so many non-business travelers they tend to be more aggressive in enforcement. I've never had to produce anything but standard ID (Ex card & DL) anywhere else i've traveled using the Ex program...MCO is the only place i've been asked to produce the CC tied into master rental agreement)

supposedly, the decline in lease cars coming on market has had an effect on the # of new cars they r putting into service...supply & demand

 

[1000th happy haunt]

It says that *********** is available at this location. Is that the kiosk mentioned in a previous post?

No, the kiosk is next to the main Alamo check-in desk. I use the kiosk every time, because it's so time-efficient. There may be a line at the check-in desk, but there's never a line at the kiosk.

 

[bavaria]

the employees @ the Alamo/National booth seem very 'invested' as to checking rates/affiliation IDs even w/National's Executive status, based on my experience elsewhere thinking perhaps they have so many non-business travelers they tend to be more aggressive in enforcement. I've never had to produce anything but standard ID (Ex card & DL) anywhere else i've traveled using the Ex program...MCO is the only place i've been asked to produce the CC tied into master rental agreement)

supposedly, the decline in lease cars coming on market has had an effect on the # of new cars they r putting into service...supply & demand

I agree that things are changing. I just had a similar issue with Hertz - due to abuse they have changed a number of CDP codes, and the one I often use at my home location gave me an error message. I finally called CS today and they confirmed that the CDP had changed, and rebooked my reservation using the correct CDP.

Over on flyertalk.com a Hertz rep confirmed that they recently had to change a number of CDPs, due to abuse from the internet. He also said that he personally denies 9 out of 10 people trying to use certain CDP codes for which they are not eligible.

The reality is that all rental car agencies are really struggling, and I suspect that the front line employees are under more pressure than usual to confirm that renters are indeed eligible for discounts. What may have passed in 2008 may not pass in 2009.

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

The kiosk doesnt always work for all codes. Some of the codes require you to be at the front desk. It happened to us in December.

 

[NC State]

I got the price with this code and code 211220.

 

[JeanneLB]

Heads up!!!!!!! I also had a reservation with code 7014266 at a great rate. The prior rates for May were more than our airline price for a weeks rental!!!!!! The agent told me that rate was a good rate, but that it was a code for travel agents and asked me if I was a travel agent and I said no. Don't know if travel agents have some specific I.D., but I assume they do. I guess it's a chance that will have to be taken. Jeanne