Alamo Rent A Car is rolling out what they're calling an industry first: self-service kiosks at rental locations throughout the United States. The company says the new system cuts check in time for customers by about 50 percent when compared to average counter check in times. Given the prevalence of airport self service check-in, Alamo is confident that travelers will take to rental car check in kiosks. The touch-screen kiosk allows any customer with a valid driver's license, major credit card and an existing reservation to skip the rental counter and check in directly at the kiosk. After a customer agrees to the terms and conditions, a receipt-sized rental agreement is printed from the kiosk and the customer is directed to his or her rental car on the lot. At the exit booth, the customer shows the booth agent their rental agreement and driver's license to complete the process. The kiosk also allows the customer to review rental information, upgrade to a larger car class, add additional drivers, and purchase option items such as child car seats, a GPS unit, Collision Damage Waiver, and Pre Pay Gasoline. By next summer, Alamo plans to have nearly 80 rental locations with new touch-screen kiosks.
