Rental car return question

[Resseda]

I have a question, not meant to scam or short change anyone. Has anyone ever had a rental with pick up and drop off at MCO that, for whatever reason (illness, weather, emergency), they did NOT return to MCO and instead drove home to return at their local airport? I don't foresee that it's something we would need to worry about about, but I am not finding anything on Dollar's website. I assume there would probably be a pretty hefty fee.

Thanks,
Ress

 

[DebbieB]

I have a question, not meant to scam or short change anyone. Has anyone ever had a rental with pick up and drop off at MCO that, for whatever reason (illness, weather, emergency), they did NOT return to MCO and instead drove home to return at their local airport? I don't foresee that it's something we would need to worry about about, but I am not finding anything on Dollar's website. I assume there would probably be a pretty hefty fee.

Thanks,
Ress

Why don't you go on their website and try to book it that way and see what comes up? It would tell you if there are any dropoff fees. Most rental cars are unlimited mileage, so that should not be an issue. I would think it happens fairly often, I rented a car this week in Richmond VA with an Indiana plate.

 

[Ress76]

Thanks, I did look at a one way rental, I was wondering more if there was a "fine" for an unexpected return to a different airport.

Ress

 

[Lewisc]

Rental agencies have been known to waive one way drop fees in response to airline strikes and airport closures due to weather. Contact the rental agency in advance. Explain your situation. Death in the family and we can't book a flight. Rental agency is more likely to give you a reasonable deal if you ask first. They may give you a drop location that works for you and for them.
They may be willing to give you a better deal if you exchange the car for a different class of vehicle. Rental agencies waive one way fees when they need to get cars from one location to another.

Don't ask first and the agency can do whatever they want. Read the fine print. They may even be able to refuse to accept the return. They could certainly charge you whatever it costs them, including loss of revenue) to return the car to your contracted return location. Think of the cost to flat bed the car or a rate which includes a mileage charge both directions. You're unlimited mileage isn't necessarily valid if you return the car hundreds of miles from MCO.