Navigating Car Rental After Dark Might Unearth Surprising Difficulties
Going for a Late-Night Car Rental? Watch Out for These Surprises!
If you're planning to grab a rental car late at night, particularly during the bustling summer travel season, brace yourself for some potential snags. That's according to a seasoned exec at Rental Center Crete, a car rental company that's been paving Greek highways since 1975.
Harry Anapliotis, the CEO of Rental Center Crete, spills the tea on the common pitfalls associated with late-night car rentals. "After decades in the industry, I've seen my fair share of rental woes, mainly occurring during late-night pickups," he says. "Late-night rentals might seem convenient, but they come with risks that most travelers overlook until it's too late."
Many rental operators at smaller airports and some at major hubs don't maintain 24/7 staffing. So before reserving a set of wheels, do your homework and verify the operating hours. Check if it's doable to pick up after working hours if your flight is delayed or scheduled to arrive after the rental desk closes.
Travelers often assume rental counters will mirror airport hours, Harry points out. "But that's rarely the case," he notes. "If your flight is delayed or you land after the rental desk shuts down, you may be stranded at the airport until the next day."
To dodge this situation, Enterprise encourages customers to provide their flight details at booking. They promise to keep their locations at U.S. and Canadian airports open for up to two hours after their stated closing time to accommodate delayed flights. Hertz offers a similar late-arrival policy at airports and railway stations.
Some rental companies offer after-hours pickup systems, like key boxes or kiosks. While these may seem resourceful, they're not always reliable. "Things don't always go as planned - codes may not work, instructions could be unclear, or the wrong keys might be inside," Harry alerts. "And without someone on-site, rectifying issues can take hours."
In such cases, it's essential to request detailed instructions before your flight and have an emergency contact number at hand.
Late-night renters might also face the specter of their preferred car category being unavailable. "This happens more often than companies are willing to admit," Harry shares. "With minimal staff working overnight, inventory management becomes less precise. You might end up with a smaller car than needed for your family, or worse, no car at all until morning."
To bypass such a predicament, it's wise to call the rental company a day before your flight to reconfirm your reservation and vehicle class, mentioning your late arrival time.
Another late-night concern is meticulously checking the car for pre-existing damage. "Missing damage during your initial inspection can lead to disputes upon return," Harry cautions. "Customers have been charged for scratches and dents they couldn't possibly have seen during a late-night pickup."
To avoid such situations, use your phone's flashlight to carry out a thorough examination, snap detailed photos and videos of the interior and exterior, and timestamp them.
Overall, Harry advises travelers to schedule their flights so they arrive during regular business hours. If that's not possible, opt for a reputable rental company with a proven track record of 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."
If you're scheduling a late-night car rental, ensure you verify the rental company's operating hours to avoid potential delays or closure, especially during the summer travel season. Additionally, take time to meticulously inspect the rental car for any pre-existing damage, using your phone's flashlight to help, as missing damage during initial inspections can lead to disputes upon return, and late-night pickups may make it challenging to notice.
