Rental Car Question if flight delayed

[kjs1976]

Hi
Just wondering what would happen regarding our rental car pick-up if our flight was delayed. We have a connecting flight to MCO and plenty of time with a lay-over, but you never know. Any experiences? We are renting with Alamo.

Thanks!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

In most cases, the rental car agencies keep track of the flight times and know which ones are delayed. You should not have any problems picking up your car a bit later. If you haven't already done so, make sure your flight information is included with the car rental reservation.

Also, if you are at the airport and know your connecting flight is going to be late, you might want to call the company you are renting from and let them know your new pick-up time (especially if it is a holiday weekend where there might be limited availability for cars).

 

[Maine-iac]

I would definately bring the rental agency's phone number with you and call them if your flight is delayed.
One time my SIL and BIL were delayed (late flight) and when they got to the rental place they were closed and had to get a taxi to the resort. I believe it was Enterprise. The people they were traveling with were able to get their car (different agency). Maybe if they had called ahead things would have gone smoother.

 

[Detailor]

The two posts above are excellent advice. When you rent, or rented if you already did, you will want to make sure that you give the car rental company your airline name and flight number so they can see what's going on. If you're delayed and miss a flight you should call the rental company with your new flight information so they'll have a car for you. Same thing if you're just uncomfortable with things in case of a delay.
Two things to think about -
1) air travel is delayed all the time even if there's no weather or equipment problems, things just get backed up as the day goes on - so it is common for car rental companies to watch out for that; and
2) if they rent all of the size car that you selected while you're still flying the car rental company will typically upgrade you to a larger vehicle.

Dick Taylor

 

[kjs1976]

Thanks! This is all simple, but necessary advice I didn't think of!!! I will now be prepared.

 

[Detailor]

Oh, and one more piece of advice that might help once you get there.
Join Alamo's Quick Siilver program now. QS is their preferred customer program and will allow you to use the express line when picking up and dropping off. The program is designed as a business program but I understand that many individuals have filled in a business name and used the program without problem.
Alamo is purported to have the longest lines and take the longest to get a car at the Orlando airport.

Dick Taylor

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I always list my pick up time for car rental for 1 hr. after expected plane arrival. This gives us extra time in case we have luggage issues too. They've never told me, "Sorry, you're 1 hr. early. Come back then."

 

[safetymom]

I took an earlier flight once. I got there about an hour earlier. I was told they didn't have my type of car yet. I could wait or take a smaller car so it does happen.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I took an earlier flight once. I got there about an hour earlier. I was told they didn't have my type of car yet. I could wait or take a smaller car so it does happen.

wow, I never thought of that...
then again we try to go at nonpeak times of the year.

 

[safetymom]

It all depends on how they manage their fleet. That is why things can get screwed up sometimes when people hold several reservations.