As peak travel season approaches and flight delays become increasingly common, more travellers are landing at their destinations in the middle of the night.
This new reality has led to a rise in after-hours car rental pickups – a situation that can quickly turn a dream vacation into a nightmare.
“Late-night car rentals might seem convenient, but they come with risks that most travellers don’t consider until they’re stranded at an airport at 2 AM,” warns Harry Anapliotis, CEO of Rental Center Crete, a premier car hire company with nearly five decades of experience in the rental industry.
Anapliotis has seen countless travellers face unexpected problems when collecting cars after hours. Below, he shares the most common after-hours rental pitfalls and how to avoid them.
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The Ghost Counter Syndrome
After a long flight, you finally reach the rental counter to find nobody there. Many smaller airport locations and some major ones don’t maintain 24-hour staffing.
“Travelers often assume that rental counters will match airport hours, but that’s rarely the case,” says Anapliotis. “If your flight is delayed or lands after the rental desk has closed, you may have no way to collect your car until the following day.”
What to do instead: Before booking, verify the operating hours of your specific rental location – not just the company’s general hours. If your flight lands outside these hours, call the company directly to arrange a late pickup. Many rental companies offer after-hours services, but only with advance notice.
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The Price Spike Surprise
Think that the rate you booked online is guaranteed? Think again. Some rental companies charge “after-hours fees” that can add to your bill.
“These fees rarely appear prominently during the booking process,” Anapliotis explains. “Customers are often shocked when they see their final bill and notice these surcharges that weren’t part of the advertised rate.”
What to do instead: Read the terms and conditions carefully before booking, specifically looking for mentions of after-hours or late pickup fees. If you can’t avoid a late arrival, factor these costs into your budget comparison when choosing between rental companies.
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The Vanishing Vehicle Problem
You confirmed your reservation months ago, but somehow when you arrive late at night, the specific car category you booked is mysteriously unavailable.
“This happens more often than companies admit,” Anapliotis notes. “With minimal staff working overnight, inventory management becomes less precise. You might end up with a smaller car than needed for your family, or worse – no car at all until morning.”
What to do instead: Call the rental company a day before your arrival to reconfirm your reservation and vehicle class, mentioning your late arrival time. Consider booking with companies that guarantee your specific vehicle category regardless of arrival time, even if it costs slightly more.
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The Key Box Confusion
Some rental companies use key boxes or kiosks for after-hours pickups. While convenient in theory, these systems can fail in practice.
“These setups are designed for when staff have gone home, but things don’t always go smoothly – codes might not work, instructions can be unclear, or the wrong keys might be inside,” says Anapliotis. “And without someone on-site, sorting it out can take hours.”
What to do instead: If using an after-hours pickup system, request detailed instructions beforehand and save the emergency contact number in your phone. Test any digital access codes as soon as you arrive. Consider choosing rental companies with 24/7 customer service lines that can assist with technical difficulties.
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The Dark Car Inspection Dilemma
Checking a car for pre-existing damage is challenging enough in daylight. At night, in a poorly lit parking lot, it’s nearly impossible.
“Missing damage during your initial inspection can lead to disputes when you return the vehicle,” Anapliotis warns. “Customers have been charged for scratches and dents they couldn’t possibly have seen during a night time pickup.”
What to do instead: Use your smartphone’s flashlight to conduct a thorough inspection. Take detailed photos and videos of the entire vehicle, including the interior, and timestamp them. If possible, note on your rental agreement that the inspection occurred in darkness and have an agent acknowledge this limitation.
Harry Anapliotis, CEO of Rental Center Crete, commented: “After decades in the car rental business, I’ve noticed that most rental problems happen during those late-night pickups when customers are tired and eager to reach their accommodation. The fine print in rental agreements becomes particularly dangerous after hours. Policies about fuel levels, mileage limits, and local driving restrictions are easy to miss when you’re exhausted from travel, but they can result in significant charges.
“Location makes a huge difference for late-night rentals too. Airport locations tend to have better after-hours services than city centres, but even among airports, the experience varies dramatically. Major international hubs usually have better systems in place than regional airports.
“My advice to travellers is simple: whenever possible, arrange your flights to arrive during normal business hours. If that’s impossible, choose a rental company with a proven track record of reliable after-hours service, even if it costs a bit more. The peace of mind is worth it, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar place late at night. A few extra dollars for a reliable rental experience is always cheaper than the cost of fixing problems that arise from choosing the wrong provider.”