How strict are car rental companies about pick up times?

Question

I rented a car for a 1pm arrival time. Since I made the reservation, the airline changed the flight time to an arrival of 3pm. It is also a different flight number. Do I need to change my car reservation, or will the rental company not care about a two hour difference?

Answer 1

Just so you know, a "reservation" isn't a guarantee of the car, it's just a "heads up" for the rental company that you'd probably like a car that day.

If you join their free frequent renter club (even if you aren't a frequent renter), they will usually hold a car for you, but if you arrive late and don't tell them about it, then you may not get the car you reserved.

If you gave them your flight information, then they know your flight arrival time changed.  All the major rental car companies are connected to the airlines reservations systems for flight numbers and arrival times.

There will not be any penalty for arriving late, as they can't bill you for a car you didn't pick up.

Answer 2

Most car rental companies say they will hold your reservation for 6 to 12 hours.  However, I would call and modify your pick up time.  If the car rental counter is extremely busy and booking is tight, it's not worth taking the chance that they will consider you a no-show and rent out your vehicle to someone standing at the counter.

Answer 3

I would call the company and have them update your records.  It should be a non-issue if they know ahead of time.

Answer 4

Certainly worth a call, but one fact of note -- car rental companies often say they don't have the car you ordered in order for you to go somewhere else. So in that sense, it doesn't matter.