Have any of you done the 24 hour (off hour) return at DCA?
Apr 7, 2014, 1:16 pm
#1
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
Have any of you done the 24 hour (off hour) return at DCA?
I just called the National 800# and they said that DCA allows a 24 hour return although its not staffed from say midnight to about 5 a.m.
Has anyone returned a car during this "off" hour period? If so, what was the process
Has anyone returned a car during this "off" hour period? If so, what was the process
Apr 7, 2014, 2:37 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 15
I remember I pulled it up to the drop-off and lined it up with the other cars that had been dropped off. I left the keys in the car and noted the mileage. Is was around 4am and I caught a flight to Denver at about 530am. When I landed in Denver, I received a confirmation and receipt around 7am EST from their facility. Never had a problem. Hope this helps!
Apr 7, 2014, 3:40 pm
#3
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I remember I pulled it up to the drop-off and lined it up with the other cars that had been dropped off. I left the keys in the car and noted the mileage. Is was around 4am and I caught a flight to Denver at about 530am. When I landed in Denver, I received a confirmation and receipt around 7am EST from their facility. Never had a problem. Hope this helps!
So just clarifying, you leave your keys in the ignition and that was it?
I take it you noted the mileage for your own records?
I will be in a similar situation.. except 6:00 a.m. departure
thanks again
Apr 10, 2014, 3:29 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, National Exec., SPG Gold, AmEx Plat
Posts: 87
I did this after midnight during the midst of a snowstorm last month. DCA was a ghost town, and it took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out what to do.
I pulled the car into the drop-off lanes and left the key in a drop-box. You'll find it on the right side of the lanes near a small booth. Received a receipt by email a few hours later without issue.
I pulled the car into the drop-off lanes and left the key in a drop-box. You'll find it on the right side of the lanes near a small booth. Received a receipt by email a few hours later without issue.
Apr 10, 2014, 5:03 pm
#5
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 15
I just left the keys in the ignition. All the other cars in line had the keys in theirs as well. If anyone tried to take the vehicle, they would have to go backwards out over the tire shredders. I jotted down my mileage and felt safe. It worked out well.
Apr 13, 2014, 3:50 am
#6
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Dropped it off at 4:30 am and a person was there to check me in although her system for receipts was not working so she gave me a manual checkout without the price
She also said there was a drop box for the keys if no one was there
All in all I'm happy assuming the bill comes out right
She also said there was a drop box for the keys if no one was there
All in all I'm happy assuming the bill comes out right
Apr 14, 2014, 10:38 pm
#8
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: DCA, IAD, BWI
Programs: National Parks Annual Pass
Posts: 316
I've done is several times at DCA, both for National and Budget. The bill always came out fine, with the return time back-dated to the night before.
I would, however, recommend putting the keys in the box. You never know...
I would, however, recommend putting the keys in the box. You never know...