Alamo: pick up car early, keep same rate plan?
Feb 11, 2014, 1:42 pm
#1
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Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,421
Alamo: pick up car early, keep same rate plan?
Due to a snow storm in my hometown, I'm flying out to SAN a day earlier than I intended. Because it's a holiday, all the cheapo rates are sold out, so I can't just make a new reservation without paying a fortune. I just want to add a day to my existing rez at my current rate plan. For the folks who work at Alamo, this is the world's most difficult question. They can't tell me what I'll be charged at the counter, and I don't want the hassle of having to haggle.
Has anyone ever dealt with this situation? BTW, I'm scheduled to arrive at around 11 pm, and at midnight it would be the same day as my original pickup (albeit 23 hours early). Would that help?
Has anyone ever dealt with this situation? BTW, I'm scheduled to arrive at around 11 pm, and at midnight it would be the same day as my original pickup (albeit 23 hours early). Would that help?
Feb 11, 2014, 1:46 pm
#2
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Atherton, CA
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Owner, Green Bay Packers
Posts: 21,690
Is the location open at midnight?
The other solution might be to rent for one day at the higher rate, then return for your original rental.
The other solution might be to rent for one day at the higher rate, then return for your original rental.
Feb 11, 2014, 6:59 pm
#3
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I've made another rez at National. It would cost me more, but I'd probably get a better car (Emerald Aisle) and a lot less hassle.
It's a shame there aren't counters at SAN where I could negotiate with Alamo BEFORE getting on their bus. That way, if they didn't want to deal, I could just walk away and go to National.
Feb 11, 2014, 7:12 pm
#4
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Location: Atherton, CA
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Yeah, it is open at midnight.
I've made another rez at National. It would cost me more, but I'd probably get a better car (Emerald Aisle) and a lot less hassle.
It's a shame there aren't counters at SAN where I could negotiate with Alamo BEFORE getting on their bus. That way, if they didn't want to deal, I could just walk away and go to National.
I've made another rez at National. It would cost me more, but I'd probably get a better car (Emerald Aisle) and a lot less hassle.
It's a shame there aren't counters at SAN where I could negotiate with Alamo BEFORE getting on their bus. That way, if they didn't want to deal, I could just walk away and go to National.
Anyway, hope you have a good trip.
Feb 11, 2014, 8:48 pm
#5
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 1,174
fwiw
Yeah, it is open at midnight.
I've made another rez at National. It would cost me more, but I'd probably get a better car (Emerald Aisle) and a lot less hassle.
It's a shame there aren't counters at SAN where I could negotiate with Alamo BEFORE getting on their bus. That way, if they didn't want to deal, I could just walk away and go to National.
I've made another rez at National. It would cost me more, but I'd probably get a better car (Emerald Aisle) and a lot less hassle.
It's a shame there aren't counters at SAN where I could negotiate with Alamo BEFORE getting on their bus. That way, if they didn't want to deal, I could just walk away and go to National.
Feb 12, 2014, 10:33 am
#6
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Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,421
i rent from Alamo frequently, luv their kiosk and no-deposit policy. i use to show up early for my reservation and always was faced with a higher rate at the kiosk, and the desk folks were of no help. they've trained me (sadly), I no longer show up early. still luv Alamo for their kiosk and no-deposit policy.
I guess their "sister" company, National, will get the revenue this time.
Feb 12, 2014, 12:03 pm
#7
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Atherton, CA
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Owner, Green Bay Packers
Posts: 21,690
To me, this is a little like airlines charging more for late purchase tickets, so it doesn't bother me that much since there are options like renting from another company or renting for one day at the higher rate.
Enjoy SAN. I really like that town.
Enjoy SAN. I really like that town.