Choosing the right collection and return times for your car hire Florida is actually really important if you want to avoid paying more than you need to, or being charged locally for a late return.

When you arrive at the airport on your flight, you will have to clear arrivals, security and customs before collecting your luggage and this process usually takes about 1 hour, this can be shorter if you are on a connection and have already ‘entered’ the country.  Either way, the collection time for your car should be at least 30 minutes after your scheduled landing time.

Likewise, when you return to the airport you will normally need to arrive for your flight 2-3 hours before take off time, and this is important for your return time for the car.

If you are going on a two week holiday and use your arrival and departure flight times to book your car, you could easily be paying for an extra day when you don’t need to.  For instance if your flight arrives at 3pm, and departs at 6pm, and you have used these times to book the car, you will be paying an extra daily charge.  However, if you remember that you will not be in a position to collect the rental car until 3.30pm, and will have to be back to check in for your flight around 3-3.30 pm, then your times will match up on the 24 hour clock, and you will just be paying for the two weeks.

The suppliers tend to offer you a grace period varying between 30 and 59 minutes depending on supplier, however, it is best to stick to your booked times.  If you find yourself arriving and collecting the car early, take a note of the time you will be expected back – it will have changed to reflect the early collection.  Likewise, if your flight is delayed and you are late collecting your car, check that your return time reflects the changes.

If you have any doubts or concerns, give us a ring in the office and we can help you choose the right times to keep the price down.