Is there a penalty to turning in a rental?

[bavaria]

This thread is a classic example of why readers should not take anything written on this website as fact (even anything written by me, or any other frequent traveller)

Every day I am astounded by the 'facts' listed here, which are actually very misleading.

The only information which matters in the end is that on the rental agreement and the rental confirmation.

In my years of weekly car rental experience, returning early often means changing from a 5-7 rental to a 4 day or less rental, and thus a higher fee. Often a Saturday night stay is required, and returning a few hours early may negate the lower weekend rate, as another example. Or a coupon or discount code requires a minimum number of days/hours, and returning early will negate the discount.

On a daily rate program, or a 0-4 weekday rental, returning early may not have an impact on the rate. But most people here seem to book the deeply discounted rates, which do have restrictions and limitations.

But don't take my word for it.

 

[safetymom]

This thread is a classic example of why readers should not take anything written on this website as fact (even anything written by me, or any other frequent traveller)

Every day I am astounded by the 'facts' listed here, which are actually very misleading.

The only information which matters in the end is that on the rental agreement and the rental confirmation.

In my years of weekly car rental experience, returning early often means changing from a 5-7 rental to a 4 day or less rental, and thus a higher fee. Often a Saturday night stay is required, and returning a few hours early may negate the lower weekend rate, as another example. Or a coupon or discount code requires a minimum number of days/hours, and returning early will negate the discount.

On a daily rate program, or a 0-4 weekday rental, returning early may not have an impact on the rate. But most people here seem to book the deeply discounted rates, which do have restrictions and limitations.

But don't take my word for it.

I couldn't agree more!!!! Also talking to someone in an office will not stand up either. They will point you to the rental agreement. I also suggest checking out www.flyertalk.com

 

[kaytieeldr]

Some agencies are starting to charge a penalty if you return a car early. They charge it because returning a car early affects inventory. kaytieeldr provided an extreme example. This charge might be imposed even if your rental term stay the same (you still qualify for the weekly rate).

I checked with my source, as I stated earlier that I would. First, I would like to correct a small mistake I made. She works at the same company as I, and she still works for the (major) car rental agency.

It's all about fleet management. They lose income on a car that's returned early; they weren't expecting the car back, so they couldn't reserve it for another customer. In the extreme, this could mean the customer will rent from a competitor, and give all subsequent business to that company instead. But I digress. So the rental agency now has what amounts to a surplus vehicle on its lot. Could have rented it to another customer if they'd known it would be back early - but since it just unexpectedly appeared back on their lot, now they're stuck without the revenue from the impossible-to-book next renter.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I also suggest checking out www.flyertalk.com

I thought about that, but I'm reluctant to send someone inexperienced in a particular area to such a, um, avid forum...

 

[bavaria]

I thought about that, but I'm reluctant to send someone inexperienced in a particular area to such a, um, avid forum...

Nah, some of the posters over there are really nice. Straightforward and honest - absolutely, but still helpful. And I hear rumours that even some of the moderators there are nice

 

[jlewisinsyr]

nah, some of the posters over there are really nice. Straightforward and honest - absolutely, but still helpful. And i hear rumours that even some of the moderators there are nice

bwahahaha...

 

[dudspizza]

I thought about that, but I'm reluctant to send someone inexperienced in a particular area to such a, um, avid forum...

Nah, some of the posters over there are really nice. Straightforward and honest - absolutely, but still helpful. And I hear rumours that even some of the moderators there are nice

Many of the people who come to the Transportation Board get offended..... I wonder how they would feel over on FT........ it is a whole different world..... I do remember one discussion over there where someone from the DIS jumped in and was eaten alive... probably concerning calling National to ask if they can use a certain rate..... this was a few years ago... I don't believe that person posted on FT again!

 

[bavaria]

well every now and again they do link over here for entertainment value, I believe...

Swabbing for swine flu made it over there. And those busy flying flags over here may want to avoid the discussion over there about the shortcomings of 'facial tissue' in America compared to the German product (available around the world but not in America) It has devolved into a discussion about the failure of American tissue to absorb even one standard blow, and the resulting challenge of dealing with mucous in ones hand.

On a more serious note, it is a more culturally diverse population over there, and while direct, they are often more welcoming of differing opinions and beliefs. It makes for interesting reading.

 

[safetymom]

nah, some of the posters over there are really nice. Straightforward and honest - absolutely, but still helpful. And i hear rumours that even some of the moderators there are nice

 

[MinnieForMe]

I'm so sorry for starting fights on here with my original question. I'm renting for 10 days if that makes any difference. I'll just wait to book my rental until I finalize my airfare. After trying tons of codes, I'm not impressed with any rental prices. I've rented minivans in Orlando for the past 10 years and this is the highest year for prices. Although, Budget has the best rate so far with x474200 and a coupon.