Why doesn't Alamo have an "aisle" like National?

[Cameo]

Why can't you just go out and pick a car through Alamo like you can at National? You can preregister with them just like National. Since they are sister companies you would think that the booths could accomodate both. Alamo's prices are attracting me, but I've heard bad things about the wait in line.

 

[Brian Noble]

Alamo is the "leisure" brand, National is the "business" brand.

 

[Cameo]

Any other thoughts? Or any thoughts on how bad the lines are at Alamo? Will I be greatly disappointed in the wait when I'm used to National's aisle?

 

[ducklite]

I agree. Alamo started as the liesure brand with less expensive prices aimed towards a budget traveler. National was the business side of the company with marketing aimed to compete with Hertz and Avis, this they offered what most business travelers preferred, faster service but a premium price.

Anne

 

[graygables]

I thought with Alamo's QS that you avoided the line and went straight to the garage?

 

[Figment2]

If you do Alamo's online checkin, you go right to a car of your choice. You must have a copy of all your paperwork. You then provide the the person in the little house, your paperwork, your driver's license and a credit card.

Worked great in October.

Cyn

 

[Cameo]

Okay, now I am hearing what I was hoping for! When does the check-in have to be done? 24 hours before arrival, or 8 hours before, or anytime? Are there any other stipulations to the online check-in, besides being a member of their *********** program, I assume?

 

[DebbieB]

Okay, now I am hearing what I was hoping for! When does the check-in have to be done? 24 hours before arrival, or 8 hours before, or anytime? Are there any other stipulations to the online check-in, besides being a member of their *********** program, I assume?

From their website:

>>>>Alamo Online Check-In

Alamo Online Check-In: By answering a few simple questions online, you are able to bypass the rental counter and go straight to the car you reserved. Just show your Online Check-In documents along with your driver's license and credit card to the agent at the Exit Booth on your way out.

To qualify for Online Check-In, you must:

Meet minimum rental age requirements.
Have a clean driving record.
Have a valid U.S. or Canadian driver's license.
Provide a valid major credit card.
NOTE: Online Check-In is available at alamo.com only and must be paid with a major credit card. Renter must choose from cars on lot in car category reserved. Renter must meet standard age, driver and credit requirements. Online Check-In is available at participating U.S. Alamo locations only. Advance reservations required. Other restrictions apply. No additional driver is allowed with Online Check-In except in the participating locations within the following states: California, Illinois, Missouri, Nevada, Oregon and Wisconsin.

No cancellation fees with Online Check-In.<<<<

>>>>Online Check-In is not available with reservations that contain the following:

Reservation is over 30 days
Reservation is "On Request"
Additional drivers selected
Additional equipment such as child seat/toddler seat/infant seat or ski racks, etc.
Coupon used with reservation
Voucher used with reservation
Applicant Business Account Number used with reservation
Central Bill Number used with reservation <<<

 

[Cameo]

Wll, too good to be true for me, I guess. I will definitely have an additional driver and will be using a coupon so it looks like online check-in is out. Thanks for all the info everyone!