Weird Alamo rate -- will they penalize me if I turn it in a few hours early?

[joellyn23]

We're picking up a mid size SUV on April 21st at 11:00 am and returning it at 9:00 am on April 28th. The base cost is $160.70. If I instead say I'm returning it at 12:00 pm on April 28th, my base rate drops to 149.89 plus 5.55 for the extra hour plus I get some extra discount applied to my ressie, bringing my total cost down over $20.

If I keep the reservation with the 12:00 pm return time, but I actually drop it off around 9 am, will they charge me anything extra? Either way, I have the vehicle for a week -- it's just a matter of whether it's under by 2 hours or over by 1 hour.

Has anyone had experience with this? I'm just afraid if I keep the cheaper ressie knowing I'm returning it 3 hours before they expect it, they will charge me even more than my current reservation.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Joellyn

 

[CarolA]

There is a risk on this. It looks like you are getting some type of weekly rate on the later rental and you won't have met the week requirement if you come back three hours early. (Rental car days are 24 hours from your pick up time)
I would probably just pay the extra and not worry about what they will do if you "change" the terms.