Is Alamo Car Rental That Bad?
#44
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Ann-You are going down there in the middle of school kids spring break. FLL is a very busy airport and Alamo is very busy because of their inexpensive rates. Be prepared for long lines and the possibility of an upgraded car not being available.
I rented from Alamo once during March and never again. We had to wait in line for over and hour. Alamo has a huge counter, but only a couple of people working it at a time and they are very slow. Also,they did not have the vehicle we requested in, we had to settle for a tin can.
I would rent from either Avis or Budget. You might have to pay a little more but it's worth it in convenience and less aggravation.
I rented from Alamo once during March and never again. We had to wait in line for over and hour. Alamo has a huge counter, but only a couple of people working it at a time and they are very slow. Also,they did not have the vehicle we requested in, we had to settle for a tin can.
I would rent from either Avis or Budget. You might have to pay a little more but it's worth it in convenience and less aggravation.
#45
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From London
I rented from Alamo - as a single foreign woman - in Orlando a couple of years ago and the agent was most insistant that the car that I had booked - a basic model - was too dangerous for a woman on her own - I should rent a bigger, more solid (more expensive model). She also lied outright in saying that my luggage would be visable as the boot (trunk) didn't have a cover. When I picked up the car, it was fine. They were obviously trying to make me pay for a more expensive model. Not impressed with Alamo!
#46
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Rented Alamo the other week from Colorado Springs Airport. We had an upgrade coupon, ordered a compact. They didn't have one grade up available. They were incredibly helpful. We ended up with a lovely SUV for a week for the price of a compact! We will use them again!!
#47
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We rented Alamo in Las Vegas in July, 2000. Even though we arrived in the evening the wait was atrocious. We will never use them again. We easily waited 2 hours to get our car, and on the way back we had to arrive 2 hours earlier than we wanted to be sure we didn't miss our return flight due to Alamo. We are returning to Vegas in April 2001 and will rent from Dollar.
#49
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wow we thought it was just us at Alamo. We rented last year at Fort Myers airport long line in May. First car was dented and had a flat second car was even worse. Finally got a third car this was at 11 at night with two small children ages 4 and 5. then they put a $500 hold on your credit card and did not let us know was upset we went to use that card for vacation expenses. Never again. this year did priceline.com got a full size car from hertz for 15 a day did not think this was so bad. anyone ever rented from hertz ar fort myers airport. sure hope they are better then Alamo will be coming in late in July at 10:30 at night with two small children. any suggestions thanks.
#54
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Please see my post about halfway up. This happened almost exactly a year ago and I don't think things have improved since then. You're right, they do have better rates than anybody, but as far as I'm concerned they are so dishonest that I wouldn't take the risk. The events I described happened at the Kona airport.
#56
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I've rented from Alamo all over the country. I usually travel 50% of the time. I've had no problems with Alamo. Yes, Hertz, is better but I didn't want to pay the extra money involved. The wait in Orlando is horrible. I waited well over an hour there. But, when I finally got up to an agent they were the ones that told me to join Quicksilver. You can join over the phone and when I rented there again a week later, I was in and out in minutes.
You have to expect Florida and Vegas to have long lines. It would make sense that lots of people in these hot vacation spots want an inexpensive rental car.
You have to expect Florida and Vegas to have long lines. It would make sense that lots of people in these hot vacation spots want an inexpensive rental car.
#58
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Answer to question #1 YES Alamo is that "BAD" at most locations. Used priceline last month for the second time. Was incredibly suprised on renting a full sized (really wanted a Mustang) and was given a Lincoln Town Car for $18.00 a day from Tampa. Guess who gets my business next time, and all of my sales reps, in the future.
#59
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I use Alamo almost exclusively and have had pretty good luck, even in Florida. I did have one HORRIBLE experience with a neighborhood Alamo in Miami, but complained afterward and got a full refund on the rental. I also recommend Quiksilver - doesn't cost anything and often gets you around the worst lines.
#60
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I have rented from Alamo many times. If you have Quicksilver you bypass all the lines and it is free to join. When you make a reservation, try rate code OG. That is where many of their best deals are at. Also Alamo will let you rent a car with your Check card and they do not put a hold on your card at all. I do not know of any other rental car agency that takes check cards. If you are under 25, but over 21 you can rent using a corporate rate code such as BY 54333 and your under 25 fee will be waived!