National - No Grace Period on Award Rentals

Just thought I'd post a warning to any of you that redeem airline points for a rental with National. I redeemed my Aeroplan points to get a car for the day, and when I returned within the 59 minute grace period, I was actually charged $20.11 for an extra hour. They even tried backdating my contract further into the grace period, to no avail. It seems that when Aeroplan gets you a day's car rental, they pay for EXACTLY one day, 24 hours, nothing more nothing less. I'm not sure who else does redemptions with National, or if this is just an issue with Aeroplan, but just be forewarned if you want to avoid unexpected charges on what is usually a free ride.

Does the 59 minute rule still exist for any rentals? I thought the big agencies had dumped that a couple years ago...or at least cut it down to 29 minutes...

I have the feeling that there's not even a 29 minute grace period anymore; just be careful and be on time with the return.

I've returned cars a little over an hour late before.. and had the charge waived "qsp'd" they called it. I've heard agents tell customers they have 1hr grace. Myself, I try to keep it within 30 min. If you put a pickup time on a reservation of say, 14:00 and a return at 14:30 the next day.. there's no extra charge.

Tuneman: curious.. how many Aeroplan points does it cost you for a rental? Last time I looked at that it seemed kinda excessive.

Ron.

I've returned cars a little over an hour late before.. and had the charge waived "qsp'd" they called it. I've heard agents tell customers they have 1hr grace. Myself, I try to keep it within 30 min. If you put a pickup time on a reservation of say, 14:00 and a return at 14:30 the next day.. there's no extra charge.

Tuneman: curious.. how many Aeroplan points does it cost you for a rental? Last time I looked at that it seemed kinda excessive.

Ron.

I've returned on minute 58 before and not been charged the extra hour. Maybe it's just in Canada that we get a 59 minute grace. Generally I try to be within the 24 hours but things do happen. Redemption does vary, but here in Victoria I can get up to a Midsize car for 5,000 miles. I don't fly enough to save up for some great reward like first class to Europe, as the points would begin expiring before I could use them. Therefore I redeem my Aeroplan points on anything that saves me out of pocket. For instance, I booked a hotel on points for my anniversary last year, and I've used points for rentals a few times.

Just thought I'd post a warning to any of you that redeem airline points for a rental with National. I redeemed my Aeroplan points to get a car for the day, and when I returned within the 59 minute grace period, I was actually charged $20.11 for an extra hour. They even tried backdating my contract further into the grace period, to no avail. It seems that when Aeroplan gets you a day's car rental, they pay for EXACTLY one day, 24 hours, nothing more nothing less. I'm not sure who else does redemptions with National, or if this is just an issue with Aeroplan, but just be forewarned if you want to avoid unexpected charges on what is usually a free ride.
If I understand your story correctly, they tried to waive the fee but were unable to?! I find it hard to believe that they were not able to waive the charge if they really wanted to. I'm pretty sure management can override any "software" issues and refund any amount on the contract they wish.

Personally, I am pretty careful about returning my rentals on time. The rare instances I have been late and exceeded the grace period (I seem to recall 1 hour as well), I have not had a problem getting the fee waived. I do recall getting approval from a manager about it though.

If I understand your story correctly, they tried to waive the fee but were unable to?! I find it hard to believe that they were not able to waive the charge if they really wanted to. I'm pretty sure management can override any "software" issues and refund any amount on the contract they wish.

Personally, I am pretty careful about returning my rentals on time. The rare instances I have been late and exceeded the grace period (I seem to recall 1 hour as well), I have not had a problem getting the fee waived. I do recall getting approval from a manager about it though.

I'm sure they could've removed it as well, but I wasn't about to push for it. I was near the bottom of the supposed grace hour and it was only $20. Now if it was the end of a one-way rental where extra hours are $200+, then I might have made a request. :p