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Rental Car Pick-up Time

Just wondering if anyone has ever (in US or Europe) had a problem with picking up a rental car a few hours earlier than scheduled. My flight was changed and I'll be arriving in Boston earlier than expected. I do have free cancellation, but rebooking will cost me more and I won't get the class of vehicle I had originally booked. Changing the time on the reservation is not an option--has to be cancelled and rebooked. My experience has been that I've never been challenged on the pick-up time, although I've always picked up later than scheduled because of delayed flights or long waits in line at the car rental place. I'll be returning earlier than I pick up, so even with the arrival change, I won't be charged for an additional day. If it matters, Budget is the company. (There's a chance that I'll have to wait until my original pick up time, but I could manage that.)

Posted by
1190 posts

If the car is ready, it will probably not be a problem. If it is not, you will have to wait. Call the Budget office when you land.

Posted by
6504 posts

Boston's a big place, chances are they will have a car when you arrive, though maybe not the same class. Or you can wait. If my recent experiences with Budget (not in Boston) are any guide, you'll be in line a long time anyway.

I'll be returning earlier than I pick up

Great, you've mastered the art of time travel! ;-)

Posted by
565 posts

Yes, Hertz at Paris-deGaulle. Flight arrived early, we made it through passport control in record time. Hertz personnel said come back at the time on your reservation.