How Late Can You Pick up a Rental Car at the Airport?

Most rental car companies wait for you when your flight is delayed. They understand that your travel plans can change unexpectedly and will typically hold the car for you until you arrive. However, each rental car company may have its own specific policies regarding delayed flights, so you should double-check if your rental car provider allows for a late pick-up. 

If your flight is delayed, then it’s likely that your rental car company will hold your reservation. Take a look at the following companies and their late pick-up policies:

Generally speaking, yes, it is possible to pick up a rental car after hours. Most major car rental companies, such as Enterprise, Avis, and Hertz, offer after-hours services at their rental locations. For the airport, if you provide your flight number in your booking, rental agencies will keep their desks open for up to an hour after their regular closing time to accommodate your arrival. Some companies also have self-service kiosks that allow customers to pick up their vehicles outside of business hours, usually between 6 a.m. and midnight.

However, this service is not universal, and the specifics can vary by location and company. Before booking a rental car, you should check with the rental location about their after-hours pick-up policies. Also, remember that late arrivals at smaller, offsite rentals might not be accommodated if they fall outside the stated business hours.

What to do if you know you’re going to be late 

Communication is key if you know you're going to be late to pick up your rental car from the airport due to a delay. Most car rental companies are used to dealing with travel delays and will do their best to accommodate your situation. Here are some tips so you can manage this stressful situation in the best way possible:

1. Assess the situation: Try to determine how late you might be and what has caused the delay. If you know the reason for your flight delay, then this will help you explain the situation better to the rental company.
2. Contact the rental company: As soon as you know about the delay, contact your car rental company. Most rental agencies have 24-hour customer service lines, so you can conveniently let them know about your delay and give them an estimated arrival time. If you provided your flight number during your booking, they might even already be aware of any flight delays.
3. Check after-hours pick-up policies: If you're arriving outside their business hours, ask about their after-hours pick-up policies. Some rental companies have lock boxes where they leave the car keys, or they may offer a self-service kiosk. Others may be able to arrange for a representative to meet you.
4. Modify your reservation: If you aren’t able to pick up your vehicle, you may need to modify your reservation. Some companies allow you to adjust your pick-up time online or via their mobile app. Keep in mind that there could be additional fees, especially if the change moves your rental into a higher price period.
5. Arrange an alternative pick-up location: If the airport location is closed and cannot accommodate your delay, you can ask if you can pick up the vehicle at another nearby location with longer hours or 24-hour service.
6. Have a backup plan: If everything fails, consider alternatives like a taxi, ride-sharing service, or hotel shuttle to get you to your accommodation, and then arrange for car pick-up the next day.

What to do if the rental car counter is closed? 

Prior to your journey, check the opening hours of the rental counter. Many rental companies provide out-of-hours services, including extending counter hours. Or they may have self-service kiosks or secure lockbox systems for car keys.

In the event of a delay, inform the rental company as soon as possible. If you're arriving by flight, including your flight number when booking the rental car can prove helpful, as rental companies often keep track of flights and may keep the counter open if they're aware your flight is delayed. Bear in mind that picking up outside of regular business hours might incur an 'out-of-hours fee.' In some instances, arranging a pick-up at an alternate location with extended hours could be possible, especially if the rental company operates multiple branches. 

Something not everyone knows about is that some airports even provide direct communication tools in the baggage claim area, like telephones connected directly to rental companies, which can be used to help your situation.

Returning a rental car after hours can be straightforward if you follow some essential tips:

• Check your rental agreement: Your rental agreement will most likely tell you about after-hours returns. Make sure that you're familiar with the rules of the rental agency before dropping off your car. Be sure the rental agency allows returns outside business hours. This can differ between airport and non-airport locations, so it's important to confirm all of the details.
• Take photos: If you want to protect yourself against any potential disputes regarding the car's condition at the time of return, then you should take photos of both the interior and exterior of the car. You can even use 3D scanner apps to capture every detail of the car in a high-resolution 3D model. 
• Find the key drop-off location: After parking the car in the designated spot, you'll need to find the secure location where keys should be dropped off. This could be a box or a specific location mentioned in the rental agreement.
• Understand the check-in process: A vehicle returned after hours may not be checked in until the next business day, meaning this can account for an extra day in your possession.