Late Pick-ups or Delayed Flight

If your flight is delayed or you are running late to collect your car, contact the rental company as soon as you can. Most rental companies are understanding about delays. Contacting them lets them know you still need the car, so they can hold it for you.

What to do

1. Contact the rental company. Tell it about the delay as soon as possible. It may extend your booking time or change the pick-up time. The contact number for the branch or head office is on your booking confirmation.
2. Check its late arrival rules. Many rental companies allow late pick-ups, but some only hold a car for a limited time after the booked pick-up time. If your delay is longer, you may need to change your booking or make other arrangements.
3. Check the terms of your booking. Look for the rental company's rules on late pick-ups and any charges for a missed or delayed pick-up. They are usually in the rental terms or on the rental company's website.
4. Make sure it has your flight details. Some rental companies track flights and may adjust your pick-up time to your new landing time.
5. Consider changing the pick-up time, date or location. If the delay is long and it is too late to collect the car at the airport, ask whether you can collect it later or from another branch.
6. Ask about extra fees. Collecting the car later than planned can mean extra charges. Ask about them upfront.

Avoid being a no-show

If you miss your pick-up time without telling the rental company, it may cancel your booking as a no-show. At busy times, it may give your car to another customer who is waiting. If you contact the rental company early and are flexible, you can usually sort out a delay without much trouble.

Next steps

• Airport pick-ups: finding the desk and what happens at the counter
• How to cancel your reservation: if your plans change completely

Part of Picking Up Your Car in the Car Hire Handbook.