Rental Car Pick Up/Drop Off Timing

[stephd219]

Our flight down lands at 12:15, what time should we arrange to pick-up the car? Our return flight is at 3:25, so wanted to do a 1:30 rental return. We are trying to keep pick-up and drop-off as close as possible. Wondering if I should do a 1:00 pick up and a 1:30 drop off. Just don't want to hang around at the airport with two kids any longer than necessary!

 

[uva185]

I've always requested the pickup time as the time the plane is scheduled to land. What time are you planning to return the car. It's billed in 24 hour increments so keep that in mind with your pickup and drop off times.

 

[stephd219]

I've always requested the pickup time as the time the plane is scheduled to land. What time are you planning to return the car. It's billed in 24 hour increments so keep that in mind with your pickup and drop off times.

Thanks. That is what I would love to do, too. I edited my original question to include times. I think I am going to have to add on a couple of additional hours no matter what. The last thing we will want to do iwhen we land is wait for our car rental window to begin.

 

[uva185]

Our flight down lands at 12:15, what time should we arrange to pick-up the car? Our return flight is at 3:25, so wanted to do a 1:30 rental return. We are trying to keep pick-up and drop-off as close as possible. Wondering if I should do a 1:00 pick up and a 1:30 drop off. Just don't want to hang around at the airport with two kids any longer than necessary!

Since you have 3 adults I would have one adult drop everyone off curbside with the luggage, then return the car by himself and meet up with everyone else airside.

 

[uva185]

Thanks. That is what I would love to do, too. I edited my original question to include times. I think I am going to have to add on a couple of additional hours no matter what. The last thing we will want to do iwhen we land is wait for our car rental window to begin.

FYI, a couple hours may be more expensive than adding an extra day on and using a better coupon or promotion.

In your case I think scheduling the pickup at 1:00pm and drop off at 1:00pm would be okay. Depending on the rental company the 30 minute buffer will be given so you can drop off at 1:30. Often times the rental company will not change the pickup time if your receipt has been pre-printed.

You might want to look into Hertz #1 Gold to avoid contact with employees. Your car *should* be ready early and they won't change the "time out" in most cases. (The receipt is pre-printed in the car)

 

[stephd219]

FYI, a couple hours may be more expensive than adding an extra day on and using a better coupon or promotion.

Thanks for pointing this out. I originally had a 12:30 pickup with a 1:00 drop off. I followed your advice, and the price is the same with a 1:30 drop off. They charge for the full hour, even if using only half an hour. Your help was much appreciated.

 

[tkldisney]

With a 12:15 arrival, 1:00 is a good time to schedule p/u. It takes at least 30 min. once your off plane. We always do a restroom stop, then you have to take the tram, and if you have luggage that can be a 20 min. wait once you get to baggage claim. Your rental doesn't begin until you get the car anyway, scheduling time just lets agency know when and how many cars they need ready.