bob12403

I have a reservation that was booked July 2021 for pickup at CHS mid-May 2022. Pick up and return a week later, both 2:30PM, cost all-in is $405. That same reservation booked today is closer to $575.

Due to a flight time change, I'm considering rebooking to an earlier flight that arrives late morning. Anyone know if I can change the pickup and return times (not the dates) on a National reservation without a price change? If so, what's the best way to go: online or phone agent? I would be sure to move both pick up and return times so that I don't incur any extra hourly or daily costs.

My first booking with National, thanks for any first-hand knowledge anyone can provide.

EDITED TO ADD: Thanks anyway, but after rebooking my flight I called National and the rep did change the pickup and return times with no change in the price. (Actually came out ahead just a bit, as some of the airport fees had actually gone down for a change.)

m907

For future reference, picking up a few hours early will not affect the price as long as you return it at the same time or earlier.

Example:
Reservation at noon, pick up at 10 AM, return a few days later at 10 AM - no extra charge.
Reservation at noon, pick up at 10 AM, return a few days later at noon - extra charge.

bob12403

Thanks, I appreciate your response. However, that's not really the kind of change I was referencing. In your example, you're keeping the car 2 hours beyond a (let's say) 48 hour window, which includes the 30 minutes grace period. So they're going to charge you for at least one extra hour. That's not changing the rate, it's just a per hour charge kicking in for a late return, which would be applicable on any rental.

As I indicated in my post, I would be sure to move both pick up and return times so that I don't incur any extra hourly or daily costs. I was concerned that an apples-to-apples change in pick up and return times that did not exceed the 24 hour daily rental period might still affect the base rental price....especially given that the new base rental price is substantially higher.

kxc262

Usually there is no need to move the rentals pick up times. I've booked 12pm before and picked up at 7pm and vice versa.

bob12403

Thank you, good to know.

slariz

How about the reverse? Reservation at noon, pick up at 2pm, return a few days later at 2pm. Original reservation noon - noon. Is there an extra charge, or will it be same as original reservation quote? (Assuming terms of original rental are still met - weekend restrictions, etc)

kxc262

Same thing applies. National charges in 24 block windows starting with pick up time.

funnyfarm299

Usually is a very important caveat here. I arrived 3 hours after my pickup time to Norfolk last year, and it took them around 15 minutes at the desk to adjust my reservation.

m907

I would think that only applies to non-aisle locations where they open the rental before you arrive.

kxc262

Even if they do, the gate adjusts the billing time to actual pick up time. Example - Downtown BOS always opens contracts up in the morning and billing time starts at pick up. Reservation time basically is just a placeholder to hold a car for you.
Usually I also avoid the counters these days due to new hires or employees from Enterprise / Alamo - the gate agents seem more knowledgeable but YMMV.

Pingtung

In some places, even at airports, you'll get the keys from the counter agent with an already opened reservation in a location without gates. I had this happen at Norfolk like funnyfarm299 did as well. Always important to check if the minutes/hours will matter.