Alamo pick up drop off times

[wings91]

If I enter my actual pick up and drop off times Wed 6p & Tue 6a I get a higher rate comparred to the default of 12pm for both times. If going by pure hours, my times would be 12 hours less than the noon times, but the rate is more.

If I just accept the noon times, will my reservation be valid if I leave the garage 6 hours later for pick up and 6 hours earlier for dropoff? I've never noticed this difference before.

 

[FCDub]

It’s because rentals are calculated not by total hours, but by 24-hour periods. You’re entering a new 24-hour period after 6 p.m. on Monday.

I would not count on being able to do what you’re asking about. It could be fine, could not be.

 

[bumbershoot]

Rental cars change prices to influence when we get them. By making it more expensive to book Wednesday 6pm to Tuesday 6am (compared to Wednesday 12pm to Tuesday 12pm, which, as you say, is longer) they are “saying” that they might not have the vehicles at 6pm, or maybe don’t need the car back at 6am, etc.

Not sure what to suggest you do.

I’ve picked up late and accidentally dropped off early and it changed my rate. I had to go stand in a line for half an hour to let them know that I needed them to change it back. There was weather delaying us at the start,then no traffic going to lax to return it, and there’s nothing to do near lax to wait. I accidentally made the rental shorter than a week and it was going to be quite a difference. Not sure if they will always help or if it was a one time thing.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Tha

then no traffic going to lax to return it,

I don't believe you

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Rental cars change prices to influence when we get them. By making it more expensive to book Wednesday 6pm to Tuesday 6am (compared to Wednesday 12pm to Tuesday 12pm, which, as you say, is longer) they are “saying” that they might not have the vehicles at 6pm, or maybe don’t need the car back at 6am, etc.

Not sure what to suggest you do.

I’ve picked up late and accidentally dropped off early and it changed my rate. I had to go stand in a line for half an hour to let them know that I needed them to change it back. There was weather delaying us at the start,then no traffic going to lax to return it, and there’s nothing to do near lax to wait. I accidentally made the rental shorter than a week and it was going to be quite a difference. Not sure if they will always help or if it was a one time thing.

You got lucky. If you change the "time" then they can change the rate. The only time I have seen most rental agencies be "flexible" is if your plane is late arriving.

 

[Rich M]

I think it depends on the company and if they really want to make a big deal of it. I use to return my rental in the morning and not need to to the afternoon and had no problem in Oakland Airport. I have found that after I book and call the 1-800 number they can make changes to the reservation and the rate doesn't change or sometimes it is actually cheaper all of a sudden. picking it up later then expected and dropping it off a little early I can't imagine them making a huge deal of it.