Budget v Alamo v Dollar

[Rolmill]

Hi - I need to hire a car from Orlando International Airport for a 2 week trip April 3 - 17, but have never used any of these three companies. I can compare prices using the Florida Car Hire link above (which I will probably use to book), but would be grateful for any advice re:

1. For 5 people (2 adults + 3 kids, including 1 booster seat), will a Full-size be OK? Are the definitions of full-size, premium etc the same across the three companies? As we're staying in a villa in Kissimee the luggage-carrying requirement is limited to just the two short trips at start and end of holiday, so I don't mind being a little cramped for those - but it would be nice to be comfortable the rest of the time [msnsmile]!

2. At Orlando International, is there much difference between the three companies for customer service and efficiency - especially on a busy day (which I assume Easter Saturday will be)? I understand that Alamo allows you to pick your car, but that's not really a big deal to us so long as we have the right category car in the first place.

3. Very importantly, what's the best way to beat the queues on arrival? I have read (here) about the Budget pre-registration system, but it seems to get mixed reviews (e.g. isn't always operational). Alamo doesn't seem to have a fast-track option yet (though promised for some time...), and I don't know whether Dollar has one. I'm keen not to subject the kids to a long, frustrating wait after a (for them) long flight, but it may be that it's impossible to guarantee avoiding this risk...

Overall, my initial inclination is to use Budget, because it is reasonably cheap and has a fast-track pick-up system, but I'm nervous about the number of adverse comments they attract here (and elsewhere)[msneek].

Thanks in advance for all advice received!

[kitch50]

Hi

From personal experience (there are 5 of us) I would say get a 7 seater, there is ample room inside the car as well as the boot for luggage. Whichever company we have used we have always gone for a 7 seater. I would also recommend taking your own booster seat, they cost a lot to hire from the rental companies.

Again from personal experience I would chose Dollar or Alamo over Budget any day of the week. I feel there is a definite difference between the first two and Budget for customer service and efficiency. Even with the fast track system and a non busy day the customer service and efficiency at Budget left a lot to be desired.

I think if you get a lot of flights come in at the same time you are going to have to queue whatever rental company you use. If you are only having one driver that person could always go and sort out the car collection whilst the other is collecting the luggage from the baggage claim, which was what we used to do before I started driving in Florida, it used to save us a bit of time.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your holiday.[msnsmile2]

[MarkJan]

We have only used Dollar and Alamo. Dollar have the benefit of Dollar Express which can save lots of time when the car hire desks are busy. Easter Saturday would probably be one of those times!

We have recently changed to Alamo purely because they have been much cheaper than Dollar recently. Having said this, we always book through UScarhire (link at the top of the page)

For your group, I would suggest the 7 seater.

[Lyn]

I would agree with the 7 seater option, much more comfortable. I have used both Dollar & Alamo and would say not a lot of difference except for the picking you own car.

[DaveL]

Always used Dollar for the past few years but stopped last year when they increased their price much more than the other companies.

Since then have used Alamo once and with no queue bypass option it took over an hour to get to the desk and then a further 15 minutes to get a pre-booked car.

Last visit used Budget, cheapest price, went straight to garage where my upgrade car was waiting. Doubt if it even took 5 minutes.

You will get good and bad reviews for all companies but my order would be Dollar (if the price was comparable, with Dollar Express option), then Budget (with the queue bypass option), and then Alamo (only if it was to far to walk [msnwink] ).

Regards Dave

[Rolmill]

Thanks for all the replies - that was quick[msnsmile]. Lots of helpful advice - but can I just check with those who suggested the 7 seater, do you mean the minivan or the SUV 4X4?

Also, do the Dollar and Budget fast-track facilities cost extra? Do you book this at the same time as the car, or separately?

Thanks!

[DaveL]

They do not cost extra but work in different ways.

Dollar :- You register on their web site and get sent an express card for free. UScarhire add this to your booking which lets you go to the special queue when you arrive at the car hire desks. This queue is normally empty or has a very small number in it.

Budget :- Your booking confirmation will have a web site address that you use to register your details. When you arrive you go straight to the garage to collect your car. The paper work will be waiting there. Again wait should be limited to the number of people collecting keys at that time.

The people above were suggesting the mini van option.

Dave

[kitch50]

Mini van or SUV 4x4? - a 7 seater mini van in answer your question.

[grayster]

Have used Alamo/Dollar/Budget in my time and all are much of muchness. I used Alamo last week and like their "just pick a car in this line" approach rather than an allocated bay. I would be all-in-price driven when chosing. Always send one person in advance (whoever the lead driver is booked as) as soon as you land/clear immigration (remember to give them all driving licenses for other drivers). If you are flying in from the UK, avoid the hire company that airline recommends/is affiliated to.

[redsandy]

Hi we went last year and as there was 11 of us we hired a full size and a 7 seater minivan. We had 2 adults and 3 children in the full size which was plenty big enough for the 17 days we were there. We have always used dollar as they have been the better ones for price but looking at the prices this year will probably use budget. I agree with you about the mixed reviews. Kinda hoping that they can't be that bad..................fingers crossed. We will be using this site to hire thru and I beleave they give you a link to the fast track option.