I'm a member so maybe that is the difference. We just go to the "Emerald Aisle" pick our car and head to the checkout in the garage.So when I look at National's site, it lists Midsize or larger as Emerald Aisle. However my confirmation says to proceed to the counter and I really want to avoid that if possible. Did you need to do anything special to bypass the line?
I'm a member so maybe that is the difference. We just go to the "Emerald Aisle" pick our car and head to the checkout in the garage.
I was concerned based on things I had read here. Plus with a corporate discount my 9 day rental was about 2/3 the going rate so I figured I was an easy target . But alas not so.Good to see some actual reports of how it is currently working. Clearly, the world is not ending as it relates to renting cars with an existing reservation.
We have experienced slim pickings though! (and I don't really do social media - unless the DIS counts). In January we were stuck with a Soul at MCO that just barely fit our suitcases and everyone had to hold their backpacks with them.Typically online you get the people with the horror stories first and then it blows up like the world in ending. Generally, when someone doesn't have an issue, they don't bother posting their 'experience' on social media..................LOL. Likely as the covid situation gets resolved, there will be challenges aligning supply with demand for things like rental cars or airline flights. However, cars are still available and airplanes continue to fly.
That's strange. I just double checked my July reservation and it definitely says to proceed to the Emerald Aisle. You selected the "Emerald Aisle" booking when you made your reservation? If so, I am not sure unless you are a brand new member maybe. I would maybe give them a call.I'm also a member. Still, my booking says proceed to the counter.
No advice, but wanted to post I share your worries and understand how you're feeling. I just did the same thing for the first time.I have a reservation with Avis with the 50% off UCT rate for the first week of June. Not gonna lie - I'm nervous. I've called Avis to add my member number to bypass the desk and have been told that's not possible with my rate (which seems to jive with what people are saying here). I'm nervous about both an hour plus wait at the desk and/or there not being a car available. My flight is scheduled to land at 9am and is usually a bit early. It's just me, so I don't need a specific size car.
I have actually considered canceling the UCT reservation and just paying the higher rates so I can walk right out to the car (usually book with Alamo).
Thoughts, experiences, and advice welcome!
Arrived Friday at MCO at 10 am. Walked past counters in terminal A. Lines nothing like what we saw in March. Busy but not out of ordinary.
used Avis preferred, out of midsize, full-size & premium. I had booked Midsize, asthey typically have an upgrade of some sort in our assigned spot. This time around found this monster. There were multiple ones on their aisles. Looked relatively new
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I refused & wound up with a tiny Ford eco sport (17K) miles) with little trunk space, as in we had to fold down back seat to get 2suitcases & carryon loaded
Only accepted as just 2of this trip. Did appear to be stocked with vehicles, just mostly subcompacts, trucks & suvs
I cancelled my UCT reservation and booked directly through Avis for the same reason. I am using a corporate discount code it's only $10 more and worth it for peace of mind.I have a reservation with Avis with the 50% off UCT rate for the first week of June. Not gonna lie - I'm nervous. I've called Avis to add my member number to bypass the desk and have been told that's not possible with my rate (which seems to jive with what people are saying here). I'm nervous about both an hour plus wait at the desk and/or there not being a car available. My flight is scheduled to land at 9am and is usually a bit early. It's just me, so I don't need a specific size car.
I have actually considered canceling the UCT reservation and just paying the higher rates so I can walk right out to the car (usually book with Alamo).
Thoughts, experiences, and advice welcome!
I really love Alamo. I've always had excellent service with them. They're just SOOO pricey this trip. It's a little painful to think about but I haven't ruled out switching.No advice, but wanted to post I share your worries and understand how you're feeling. I just did the same thing for the first time.
I've considered doing that. It's considerably more for me, but still less than Alamo. I can't seem to confirm anywhere that with Avis you can go directly to your car at MCO. Can you? I'm still seeing something online about having to use a kiosk in the garage even as a preferred member.I cancelled my UCT reservation and booked directly through Avis for the same reason. I am using a corporate discount code it's only $10 more and worth it for peace of mind.
I saw here that they have "Select and Go" https://blog.autoslash.com/orlando-international-airport-mco-car-rental-guide/I've considered doing that. It's considerably more for me, but still less than Alamo. I can't seem to confirm anywhere that with Avis you can go directly to your car at MCO. Can you? I'm still seeing something online about having to use a kiosk in the garage even as a preferred member.
So no issues canceling? I was worried it was one of those "sounds too good to be true" deals when I saw free cancelation.I cancelled my UCT reservation and booked directly through Avis for the same reason. I am using a corporate discount code it's only $10 more and worth it for peace of mind.
Only that you have to call to cancel over the phone. But no issues otherwise.So no issues canceling? I was worried it was one of those "sounds too good to be true" deals when I saw free cancelation.