Can you return a rental car early?

[MagiKitty]

I'm looking into a last minute rental for mid-June. It seems I get a better rate for a weekly rental versus 6 days (which is the length I will be travelling). Can I rent a car for a weekly rate and just return it, say, 18 hours earlier? Or is there a fee for keeping it less than the rental period?

I'm trying to rent in Fort Lauderdale 6/12 to 6/18 at the airport. Pick up about 6pm, return about 3pm.

 

[cruisingkat]

We rent from Alamo and when I put in anything close to a full week it gives me a price quote for a full week.
I put your dates and times in and it quoted a weekly rate.

 

[MagiKitty]

Thanks for the reply.

I was using thrifty, and they have a special for $134.99/week for a compact. My dates brings it up another $40....

 

[tinka-belle]

Some rental car companies consider anything beyond 5 full rental days as a weekly rate, so a 5, 6, or 7 day would be the same.

If putting in your actual dates gives a different rate, then the weekly rate you got may require a full week or the car kept over a Saturday night or some other limitation.

If you take the weekly rental and return it early they have the right to (and most likely will) recalculate your rate, and it may not be just $40 higher. They usually recalculate it at a "walk up" rate, which is generally higher than an advance booking rate.

Find out what rules apply to the rate you have booked, and if you can live with those. If not at least book an advance rate to get the best deal.

 

[mmmgood]

Thanks for the reply.

I was using thrifty, and they have a special for $134.99/week for a compact. My dates brings it up another $40....

I am getting the $134.99 rate for your dates and times. You may double check. The total comes out to $202.64 after taxes and fees. There is a 5 day minimum for this rate and you have a 5 day, 21 hour rental so you do qualify.

 

[MagiKitty]

Thank you so much for your help and replies! I went ahead and booked the $135 rate and will just try to keep checking to see if I can bring it any lower...

Thanks again!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Thank you so much for your help and replies! I went ahead and booked the $135 rate and will just try to keep checking to see if I can bring it any lower...

Thanks again!

$135 is a great rate IMO.