What time do you put for rental car pick up

[Annette_VA]

Our plane lands at 2:30pm, so I put that as our pick-up time for our car.

I wasn't thinking that it will take us probably at least a 1/2 an hour or so to get off the plane, get our luggage and get to the car rental area.

Should I change my pick up time to 3?

At what point to they give your car away or charge you as a no show?


ETA: I'm renting from National

 

[dzneelvr]

We usually figure on 60 minutes. Besides the reasons you state, there seem to always be additional delays either with the flight itself or in getting your luggage, going to the restrooms, maybe someone needs a beverage or something quick to eat, going the wrong way at least once, underestimating the walk time, etc......I don't know the specific policy of the rental agency you are using on pick-up time parameters--you may need to call them directly on that.

 

[maraakl]

Don't bother to change your time, they hold the reservation for about 12 hours after your ETA.
If it makes you feel better and does not change your rate, then modify the reservation and change the time.

 

[AllyBri]

I usually give about 1/2 hour. I mainly have just a carry-on. I would not change it unless I checked and the rate was lower.

 

[Lewisc]

National gives you until midnight. L&M gives you an hour, even if your plane is delayed.

 

[Sammy]

I usually book the pickup time as 1/2 hour after flight arrival. We usually arrive at MCO late at night and are National Emerald Aisle members (can bypass the counter), so it only takes us about 1/2 hour from landing to sitting in the car!

 

[safetymom]

I would change your time. Some rental agencies use that as the time of pickup so you return would be 24 hours after that time. If you are an hour late returning it they will charge you additonal money.

Sometimes they will adjust the time just check your contract before you drive away with the car.