Originally Posted by
kingofrandomness
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THE CAR: Somehow I have my mind set on a convertible. The sites all seem to say 'Ford Mustang or similar'. The best deal I can find is going for Alamo, via Netflights.com.
They're quoting me £392 (about $595) for 13 days. Includes: Unlimited Mileage, Collision Damage Waiver, Loss Damage Waiver, Theft Protection Insurance, Local & State Taxes, Supplemental Liability Ins., Airport Surcharge, Zero Excess
Is this good? Can anyone find a better deal? Is Alamo good? And how does it all work? I've heard people pay, and then go pick a car from a big parking lot. Does it really work like that?
I've also heard that you're never guaranteed what you get, and people get upgraded. Do I go for an 'Intermediate' and hope to upgrade to a convertible?
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Also, also, If I land at 3 in ATL, what time should I book the car for?
It's an excellent price. Checking the price for booking a similar car through
Costco Travel, which generally has the best prices on Alamo bookings, a standard convertible is quoted at $763 for that period of time; that's not including the various insurance coverages that are included in your quote.
Alamo and National are generally co-located and share fleets. Once you have your contract, you select a car on the lot from the car class that you reserved (the cars are parked in designated lanes). Sometimes, depending on inventory, upgrades will be available (i.e., full sized cars in the intermediate lane, etc.). I have never seen convertibles parked in intermediate or full sized lanes, but who knows.
Almost all North America based rental car companies guarantee only a class of car, not an individual models.
I have no recent experience renting in Atlanta, so I'm not about to begin speculating on what car you may end up getting.
Lastly, allow yourself an hour and a half to two hours to clear immigration and customs, collect your luggage and get to the
Rental Car Center.