What rental car won't charge me a daily rate for 3 hours?

[Anjelica]

Looking into getting a rental car from Orlando International - however, I am concerned because we would need to rent the car around 1200 (flight lands at 10:48am) and then 7 days later we would drop the car off around 300 (flight leaves at 445). I don't want to drop the car off any sooner as we will have a toddler with us so the less time sitting around in the airport the better. However, every rental car I have looked into seems to be charging me the full daily rate for just those 3 hours over the 7 days.

Any suggestions, help?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Looking into getting a rental car from Orlando International - however, I am concerned because we would need to rent the car around 1200 (flight lands at 10:48am) and then 7 days later we would drop the car off around 300 (flight leaves at 445). I don't want to drop the car off any sooner as we will have a toddler with us so the less time sitting around in the airport the better. However, every rental car I have looked into seems to be charging me the full daily rate for just those 3 hours over the 7 days. :

Rental car days are usually measured as 24-hour rental periods, with a 59-minute grace period.

Extra hours tend to be around 1/3 of the daily rate, so, after 3 full hours, you've paid for another day.

One idea is to have lunch at the airport before renting your car. In other words, start your rental later.

Another idea is to return your car early. You've said you don't want to do that, but, again, it might be worth planning lunch at the airport. Also, Orlando Airport has a large shopping concourse in which a toddler can run around, and there are some shops that are fun to visit.

Finally, consider springing for the extra hour or two if the hourly rate isn't too bad.

Be sure to look at the official rental start time when you get your paperwork. In the old days, they would stamp the exact time that you were handed the car keys. These days, paperwork is often prepared in advance based on your reservation time, especially if you're in the rental car company's "club" such as Hertz Gold. I've seen paperwork that's been off by more than an hour in either direction. That could be significant.

 

[ducklite]

With a toddler (ie longer time to get through security) and LONG waits for security at MCO to begin with, I think you're pushing your luck arriving to drop your car off only 1 3/4 hours before your flight. By the time you get all your stuff out of the truck and across the street, wait in line to check your bags, that could literally be an hour! Security lines can be well over half an hour, and depending on which gate you are leaving from, with a kid in tow could be another 20 minutes to get there. They start loading flight 30 minutes before takeoff, and if you aren't in the gate area then, they are allowed to give away your seat.

I often fly out of MCO as a solo passenger with only a carryon and a preprinted boarding pass, and I STILL allow at least 1 1/2 hours at that airport.

Now, on to your question...

I think the idea of getting there early and having lunch in the main terminal after you check you bags is a good one.

Anne

 

[seashoreCM]

I think the idea of getting there early and having lunch in the main terminal after you check you bags is a good one.

Better to go through security first and get lunch in the gate areas. You can even bring food into the plane.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[ducklite]

Better to go through security first and get lunch in the gate areas. You can even bring food into the plane.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

The choices are VERY limited at the side where US Airways is (sorry, can't recall if it's A or B).

Anne

 

[Stimpy]

The choices are VERY limited at the side where US Airways is (sorry, can't recall if it's A or B).

Anne

I agree. Over by the Southwest side, there is a McDonalds, Sabarros, some smoothie stand, a BBQ stand and a coffee/Starbuck's type place. As someone with stomach issues, none of these works well for me LOL

 

[chipscinderelly]

If you fly often and are used to security 1 3/4 hours is PLENTY of time. Use the kiosk check in stations (if available) and head straight to security. We fly in/out of MCO 3 - 4 times a year and have not had a problem arriving with an hour and 20 minutes to spare (after checking in the car)

 

[CarolA]

I agree, I have NEVER waited more then half an hour in Orlando and actually on the USAir side the lines are normally much shorter then on the SW/Delta side.

You are stuck on the three hours... in rental car deals that is just an extra day. I have never heard of a major rental car company who gives a break there. Maybe some of the smaller companies..., but there is a trade off there. (Lines, sales pressure to buy insurance etc...)