Will I be charged from Budget if I am an hour late in returning car?

[staceywj]

I found a great rate from Budget through Costco Travel unfortunately, when I add that extra hour I need in returning the car, the rate increases. Do you think Budget holds you to that drop off time or will I be penalized if I return it late.

I booked a Chevy Malibu for $148 from 10/4 at 2:00 PM through 10/8 at 2:00 PM.

 

[writerguyfl]

If you return the car late, you should expect to pay a late fee. Budget has a 29 minute grace period.

"Vehicles are rented on a daily (24-hour) basis. There is a 29-minute grace period for returns. After 30 minutes late, hourly car rate charges and taxes may apply. After 90 minutes late, full-day late charges and taxes may apply."

Source: https://www.budget.com/en/customer-care/faqs/global/cars

Although the policy does use the word "may", I'd count on having to pay the fee. I don't rent from Budget, but I do know that late fees get automatically added to the bill at Avis. I can't imagine Budge would be any different. Theoretically, you may be able to talk to a manager and get the fee removed. Doing that will probably require lots of time, patience, and sweet-talk.

 

[FCDub]

It appears you'd be going into another 24-hour period, so yes, you'd likely be charged. I'd rather just forego the extra hour and kill an hour at the airport, or wherever you're going.

 

[Sugardimples]

Why not chab

I found a great rate from Budget through Costco Travel unfortunately, when I add that extra hour I need in returning the car, the rate increases. Do you think Budget holds you to that drop off time or will I be penalized if I return it late.

I booked a Chevy Malibu for $148 from 10/4 at 2:00 PM through 10/8 at 2:00 PM.

Why not change your pick up time to an hour later on the front end, so pick up at 3:00 on 10/4? You could then gain an hour on the back end.

 

[staceywj]

Why not chab

Why not change your pick up time to an hour later on the front end, so pick up at 3:00 on 10/4? You could then gain an hour on the back end.

The flight lands at 1:30 and I thought 2:00 would be a reasonable time to pick up the car. Maybe I will do pick up and drop off at 2:30.

FCDub, I agree with just killing time at the airport. DH wanted to squeeze Epcot in that morning but I do not think it is enough time and with checking out that day.

Thank you, writerguyfl, for posting Budget's policy.

 

[kydisneyfans]

I wouldn't count on a car rental pickup 30 minutes after landing. By the time the plane taxi's, unloads, luggage, then the walk/line to the rental counter, I'd reserve the car at 2:30 and plan on a 2:30ish return.

 

[staceywj]

I wouldn't count on a car rental pickup 30 minutes after landing. By the time the plane taxi's, unloads, luggage, then the walk/line to the rental counter, I'd reserve the car at 2:30 and plan on a 2:30ish return.

Sounds like a plan that should work. Thank you!