Nighttime Car Rental May Cell Surprise Issues Unveiled
Navigating a late-night car rental might spark trouble on your vacation. To ensure your journey kicks off on the right foot, it pays to heed advice from a car rental company executive.
Late-night rentals, especially during the bustling summer travel season, can lead to unattended desks, additional costs, and vehicle shortages, claims an executive from Rental Center Crete. Established in Greece since 1975, they've been providing vehicles for decades.
Harry Anapliotis, the CEO of Rental Center Crete, shares his insights: "After years in the car rental industry, I've witnessed that most rental issues emerge during those late-night pickups, when customers are exhausted and eager to reach their lodging." Late-night car rentals may seem convenient, but they hide risks that travelers often overlook until they find themselves stranded at 2 a.m. in an airport.
Many rental operations at smaller airports and some at major airports don't maintain a 24/7 workforce. Before you book a car, double-check the operating hours and confirm if a pickup after operating hours is possible if your flight gets delayed or arrives after the rental car location shuts down.
Major rental companies like Enterprise and Hertz have policies to accommodate delayed flights. Enterprise advises customers to provide their flight information during booking, and their locations will stay open for up to two hours beyond closing time. Hertz's website details its late-arrival policy, referring to delayed flights and train journeys.
After-hours pickup systems seem handy, but they can fail at the worst possible moments. Keys might not function, instructions may be unclear, or the wrong keys might be inside. Request explicit instructions before landing and have an emergency contact number on hand.
Late-night renters might discover that the car category they booked is unavailable. This happens more frequently than companies care to admit, says Anapliotis. With reduced staff on duty at night, inventory management becomes less accurate. You could end up with a smaller car than needed for your family, or worse, no car at all until morning.
To avoid such situations, call the rental company a day before your flight to confirm the reservation and vehicle class, mentioning your late arrival time.
Another concern with late-night rentals is inspecting the car for pre-existing damage. This is challenging, if not impossible, in dark parking lots. Missing damage during the initial inspection can lead to disputes when returning the vehicle. Use your cellphone's flashlight to conduct a detailed inspection, take pictures, and video record the interior and exterior of the vehicle, timestamped for evidence.
In conclusion, Anapliotis recommends arranging flights to arrive during regular business hours when possible. If this isn't an option, pick a rental company with a solid history of dependable after-hours service, regardless of the cost. The peace of mind is worth it, especially in unfamiliar locations at night.
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Insights:- Choose a Reliable Rental Company: For a late-night rental, select a company with a track record of dependable after-hours service.- Secure Reservation: Contact the rental company the day before your flight to confirm your reservation and vehicle class, mentioning any late arrival time.- Inspect Thoroughly: Use your cellphone's flashlight to conduct a meticulous inspection, taking pictures and videos, and time-stamping them as evidence.- Book in Advance: Reserve your rental car well before your travel dates to ensure availability.- Consider Off-Site Locations: Off-site locations might offer better deals or fewer crowds compared to airport rentals.
- During nighttime travel, it's crucial to choose a reliable rental company with a dependable after-hours service to avoid potential problems with car rentals.
- To prevent disputes and ensure a seamless late-night car rental, conduct a thorough inspection using your cellphone's flashlight, taking pictures and videos, and time-stamping them as evidence.
