How to Rent a Car without Stopping at the Rental Counter

Don't wait at the counter for your rental car.

Most people who travel frequently are familiar with the self check-in kiosks used by most airlines. You might not know, however, that some rental car companies are offering similar systems. Alamo, which opened the first such kiosk in 2005, says the service cuts customer wait times in half.

Things You'll Need

• Credit card
• Driver's license
• Reservation

Instructions

1. Reserve a car at one of the companies that offers kiosks at airports across the country. These include Alamo, National and Hertz, but check with your preferred car rental provider to see if the service is available where you are flying to.

2. Key your reservation number into the touch screen or swipe any major credit card and the computer will find your reservation. After your reservation is found you will need to either swipe your driver's license or key in your license information.

3. Upgrade to a different car, add additional drivers, prepay for gas, and purchase items such as GPS systems, collision damage waivers and child car seats, if you like. The touch screen has easy to follow instructions. If you make a mistake and need to change your information, touch "BACK" to return to the previous screen.

4. Finish and have agreed to the terms and conditions, and a receipt-sized rental agreement will be printed out. Take the rental agreement and proceed to your rental car on the lot. At the exit booth show your rental agreement, major credit card and driver's license to the booth agent.

Tips & Warnings

• Renters who prefer "Face to Face" interaction, can still step up to the counter.

• If you are renting from Hertz and wish to use the self service kiosk, you will need to begin the check in process on-line prior to leaving for your trip and complete the transaction using the self service kiosk.

References

• Travel Agent Central: Alamo Debuts Self-Service Kiosks