How long will car rental agencies hold a reservation?

[leebee]

How "long" will car rental agencies hold a reservation? Southwest just changed our flights. Originally we were arriving around 6pm, so I made set the pick-up time at Dollar to be 6:30pm. Now we don't arrive until 10pm. When I tried to change this on my reservation, Dollar won't let me as I made the reservation during a special promo which has now expired. All I want to do is change the pick up time, or else the flight information, but when I try I lose the rate. Anyone know if Dollar will honor my reservation if I pick up my vehicle 4 hours later than planned?

 

[Darthbane2007]

Anyway you can call Dollar and explain the situation?

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Under normal circumstances there'd be a risk that your reserved vehicle may not still be available. I'd think with Covid and lack of customers, that wouldn't be the problem. I know I'd feel better if my reservation time matched my flight. I would call as pp said. Maybe they can overide the expired coupon. After all, you're using the car for less time than originally planned, not more time.

 

[SteveH]

Best bet is to call the main number, you won't easily find a local number and after horror stories of hold times not sure you'd want to anyway. Talk to them and let them know, it really shouldn't be an issue. I've done the same thing but not with Dollar. Made the call once at an Airport to the local desk, they modified my reservation for my destination with no problem.

 

[EACarlson]

Under normal circumstances there'd be a risk that your reserved vehicle may not still be available. I'd think with Covid and lack of customers, that wouldn't be the problem.

This is actually a greater concern now that most of the rental car companies have slashed their fleets and more people than normal are renting at MCO.

OP, I would try calling or emailing the location directly to let them know that you aren't going to be there until after 10. It may not matter, there is no actual guarantee they will have a vehicle for you at the price you agreed to no matter when you show up. But as a practical matter the earlier in the day the better your odds.

 

[ilikecarrentals]

Here is Dollar's airport policy:

In Canada and the USA reservations will be honored for 6 hours after the original scheduled pick up time unless the location is closed. Customers with reservations who experience weather or mechanical delays with airlines will be accommodated.