Alamo is now allowing all customers to check in online and pick up cars without stopping at the rental counter, a perk in the past reserved for loyalty club members.
Perhaps to counter, Budget is offering a $2 refund for each rental car day to companies that rent five or more times each year.
In part because of such new options, observers say the rental car industry is on the rebound after some slow years since 9-11.
Alamo’s decision to allow customers to bypass the rental counter is a way to differentiate itself from the competition, said Jerry Dow, chief marketing officer.
The competitiveness is raising rates.
Rental car rates may be up 10% over last summer, said Auto Rental News.
Report by David Wilkening
