What time to put for pick up and drop off rental car?

[TimNDansMom]

I'm not very experienced in renting cars and haven't done so in quite a long time. Currently I have a car reserved with National at LAX for our July Disneyland trip.

What do you usually put down for pick up and drop off times in relation to your flight times, when reserving a car? How accurate do you have to be?

I know I'm probably within an hour of the actual time but for our 11:30am arrival I put pick up time for noon (in case DH goes for the car while I get the luggage) and for drop off I put 12:30pm for our 1:45pm flight home.

Our rental rate is for 1 week plus five days. I expect I'll be making changes in the hopes that I can get a cheaper rate with National or at another agency.

 

[ncbyrne]

I'm not at all familiar with the layout of LAX or the location of the cars, but the arrival time and pick up seem fine. How soon do you need to be at the airport when you leave? Is LAX strict with security - you might check on their website for details. Some airports require that you take a tram/bus back to the terminal from rental cars which would add time.

 

[safetymom]

You need to be fairly accurate if you are returning close to a 24 hour period. If you return the car late you could be charged for an extra day. So if you rent at 12 then the car has to be returned by 12.

If you are arriving at 11:30 I would put down 12:30 for the car. By the time you get off the plane, get your baggage and get over to your car it can take that long.

 

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

give you 1 hr grace period before charging for an extra day. I would check with your rental company.

Kimberly

 

[AllyBri]

Your times look good. If you are running a little late returning the car, National give you 59 minutes grace.

 

[TimNDansMom]

Thank you!