Who would you use: National or Alamo?

[vossjemi]

I have Alamo 7 day minivan ressie in sept with ACG coupon BY, contract ID #641394, coupon #DT9B for $199.74.

I also have National 7 day minivan ressie in sept with priceless contract ID #6600330 or ent coupon contract ID #5066914 (either one came out same price for me), ent coupon #10009123, and product rate WWEB (had to use or it was higher) for total price of $257.60.

Obviously, I lean towards cheaper, but I've read some bad things about Alamo. What would you do?

 

[paulh]

as they are the same firm just use the cheapest
Paulh

 

[chipscinderelly]

Well we have Emerald Aisle for National so I don't have to wait in line. As long as you have the same benefits with both I'd use the cheapest.

 

[ncbyrne]

I have used both companies without any problems. I prefer National at locations with Emerald Aisle so that I can pick out my own car, but have no problem otherwise using Alamo.

 

[utahkennedys]

We have used both, and they are the same company now, so I would go with the cheaper. However, if you can get an Emerald Isle Membership and avoid the rental desk, that is almost priceless to me in a busy airport...

 

[stacy6552]

We will never use National in Orlando again. Because they have a cross marketing thing with Disney, they are too big for their britches. They never have enough people working the counter and those who are working there are rude and dont care whatsoever about keeping your business.

 

[AllyBri]

We will never use National in Orlando again. Because they have a cross marketing thing with Disney, they are too big for their britches. They never have enough people working the counter and those who are working there are rude and dont care whatsoever about keeping your business.

Sign up for EA and never go to a counter again.

 

[RAD]

I've used both in the past and never again, just too many problems. I've had much better luck with Avis and Dollar.

 

[vossjemi]

So far its like 75%National and 25% Alamo even though Alamo is about $60 cheaper. Is it solely due to the Emerald Reserve option?

 

[DiscussDisney]

Go with Alamo. With the code you are using, you will also get a free additional driver. Yes, Alamo can be hit or miss as far as the check-in lines are concerned and yes, the reps can be pushy trying to get you to upgrade, buy insurance, etc....but that could happen at National too. Since they are the same company using the same cars, I would definitely go with the less expensive option, IMO.

 

[vossjemi]

I am definitely leaning towards Alamo since its cheaper. Sinc I booked it at the above price, it has went up $100, so I guess I'm lucky to have gotten the price I got!

 

[cranbiz]

They are the same company, but for me, National is usually cheaper and with EA, no waits.

 

[WillCAD]

Alamo has a program called Quicksilver which allows you to bypass the main counter and go straight to the garage. It's not as good as Emerald Aisle service, because you still have to go to the counter in the garage before you get your car, but the last time I was there the line at the counter in the terminal was about 45 minutes and there was only 1 person at the garage counter.

Go Alamo; it's a lot cheaper, the cars are just as good as National, and if you get Quicksilver membership (which is free, unlike Emerald Club), you can bypass the counter and go straight to the garage.

Go to this link to sign up for Quicksilver:
https://www.alamo.com/qsEnroll.do

 

[Pryncess'mom]

Have never used either in Orlando, but just used Alamo in Ft. Myers. Price was good, and check in was in terminal. When they brought you to lot, you just picked out the car you wanted, and checked out at the main gate. Very easy, nice car, good rate. I am pricing a mid size SUV for January with Alamo. Does anyone know if the counter is in terminal or off site in orlando??


deb

 

[WillCAD]

Alamo in Orlando is in the terminal.

 

[erikthewise]

Sign up for EA and never go to a counter again.

Indeed. I've used National 5 times at MCO and didn't even know they had a counter there!

 

[thelionqueen]

Alamo was great for us, in Terminal, not crowded and close to cars. We also got a free upgrade...have fun

 

[disneyldwjr]

I would take the WWEB code out of the reservation and try again and let National assign the code based on the coupon and 6600330. Often you override the benefits of the two when you enter a rate code.
As to which I would use, the least expensive, they are sister companies.

 

[Disney Fanatic]

Alamo has to be the worst company for pushing their extra insurance coverages.

We made sure we were covered at home before we left and the agent nearly scared us to death about not taking their coverage.

We in the end declined but felt exhausted by the end of her sales pitch.

It was a real effort declining the coverage.

Not a pleasant experience at all.

 

[disneyldwjr]

Alamo has to be the worst company for pushing their extra insurance coverages.

We made sure we were covered at home before we left and the agent nearly scared us to death about not taking their coverage.

We in the end declined but felt exhausted by the end of her sales pitch.

It was a real effort declining the coverage.

Not a pleasant experience at all.

Budget is FAR FAR worse.