Driving a Rented Vehicle at Night May Develop Unexpected Hurdles
Cruising through a late-night car rental can be a real downer during your vacation. So listen closely to some advice from a savvy rental car company exec. After all, you don't want your trip to start on a sour note.
Late-night pickups, especially during busy summer travel seasons, can lead to unstaffed counters, sneaky fees, and vehicle shortages according to Harry Anapliotis, the CEO of Rental Center Crete—a car rental outfit that's been keeping Greeks mobile since 1975.
"I've seen my fair share of rental problems, and most of them happen during those late-night pickups when customers are tired and eager to reach their accommodation," says Harry. "Late-night car rentals might seem convenient, but they come with risks that many travelers don't consider until it's too late."
Many rental counters at smaller airports, and even some at big airports, don't operate 24/7. Before you book a set of wheels, make sure to check the opening hours, and find out if a pickup after operating hours is on the table if your flight gets delayed or lands after the rental place shuts up shop, Harry advises.
"People usually assume that rental desks follow airport hours," Harry notes. "But that's rare. If your flight gets delayed or lands after the rental desk has closed, you could be stuck without a ride until the next day."
Enterprise Rent-A-Car's website informs clients to give them their flight information when reserving a car. They promise that their U.S. and Canadian airport locations will remain open for up to two hours after closing to accommodate late-arriving travelers.
Hertz, on the other hand, lays out its late-arrival policy on its website. "In case of a flight delay where the new arrival time is beyond the pick-up location opening hours, the location will stay open as long as the correct flight information is provided in the reservation, and the airline has notified the delay and the new arrival time."
Self-service kiosks are available for after-hours pickups, but don't get too excited. These systems may be convenient in theory, but they can fail, Harry warns.
"Things don't always go smoothly," he says. "Codes might not work, instructions might be confusing, or the wrong keys might be inside. And without someone on site to sort things out, it can take hours."
If you do opt for a self-service kiosk, request a detailed walkthrough and an emergency contact number before you take off for your flight.
On the cash front, some rental companies might try to swipe extra fees from you when pickup times are late. So keep an eye out for surprise fees and don't be afraid to question them.
"It's always a good idea to double-check the price before you seal the deal," says Harry. "And remember, if something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't."
Renting late at night could also mean you're stuck with a smaller car than you need, or worse, no car at all until morning. To avoid this, give the rental company a ring the day before you fly out to confirm your reservation and vehicle category, especially if your arrival hour is, well...late.
In a pinch, it's essential to check the car for existing damage. This can be tough in the dark, but there are ways to make it work. Use your phone's flashlight to conduct a thorough inspection, shoot some detailed photos and videos, and don't forget to time-stamp them.
If worse comes to worst, Harry's got some general advice:
"My advice to travelers is simple: Whenever possible, plan your flights to arrive during business hours. But if that's not feasible, choose a rental company with a proven track record for reliable after-hours service, even if it costs a bit more. The peace of mind is worth it, especially when you're in unfamiliar territory late at night."
Peak travel seasons come with their own set of risks. Here's a lowdown on some issues to keep an eye out for:
- Ghost Counter Syndrome: Some rental counters don't have 24/7 staffing, leaving travelers high and dry if their flight gets delayed or lands past closing time.
Tip: Verify the hours of the rental location before your trip and consider an after-hours pickup if necessary.
- Fraudulent Rentals: Last-minute bookings can be a red flag for potential fraud, so be cautious.
Tip: If a renter seems shady or if the reservation involves only the deposit and no prior planning, consider it a warning sign.
- Availability and Pricing: During peak seasons, car rentals can sell out quickly. Last-minute bookings might result in no availability or higher costs.
Tip: Booking early is essential to secure a rental car during peak travel seasons. Set alarms and check for price drops periodically.
[1] https://www.enterprise.com/en/car-rental/help-and-support/how-late-can-i-pick-up-my-vehicle.html[2] https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/reserve/specials.jsp?f=SectionHeader[3] https://www.expedia.com/Articles/10132. ric-car-rental-tips[4] https://www.aarp.org/travel/information/info-2019/car-rental-tips-aarp.html
Carefully plan your evening travel to avoid potential problems with late-night car rentals. During late-night pickups, sneaky fees, unstaffed counters, and vehicle shortages can be common.To ensure a smooth rental process, verify the hours of operation of the rental company, check for after-hours pickup options, and remember to inspect the vehicle for existing damages in the dark using a phone flashlight before you finalize the deal.
