Car rental at LIH in case of flight delay?
Hello,
We have a rental reservation from Hertz. Our flight lands at 10:15 PM and the Hertz is open until 11 PM. Looks like all other rental agencies also close by 11 PM. Any idea if they keep it open in case of flight delays. I checked flightaware and my flight gets delayed approximately 50% of the time. Has anyone gone through this situation before?
Thanks.
Renting a car late at Lihue Airport (LIH) can be a bit tricky due to the limited hours of the rental counters. Hertz and most other agencies generally close around 11 PM, and they don’t usually stay open beyond that. However, there are a few strategies and options to manage a late arrival or potential flight delay.
Key points to consider:
- Most major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget) will have staff available until their posted closing time. They do not usually stay open past that, even for flight delays.
- Some companies offer after-hours pickup procedures. This may include leaving your rental contract and keys in a secure lockbox or garage if you notify them in advance. Not all agencies provide this service, so you would need to confirm when booking.
- Flight delays are common, so it’s important to call Hertz (or whichever agency you booked with) ahead of time to let them know your flight is arriving late. They may provide instructions for late arrivals.
- Alternative is to consider reserving with an agency that has 24-hour service or to plan a backup night at a hotel near the airport and pick up the car the next morning.
Practical tips:
- Contact Hertz customer service and confirm their policy for arrivals after 11 PM and if they have an after-hours pickup option at LIH.
- Provide your flight number and estimated arrival time—they can sometimes make arrangements if you arrive shortly after closing.
- Have a backup plan: either a late-night taxi/Uber to your accommodation or a nearby hotel, in case you cannot pick up the car immediately.
- Consider booking with Enterprise or another agency that sometimes allows after-hours pickup with prior arrangement; check online for their LIH procedures.
In short, it’s unlikely that the rental counter will stay open late for a delayed flight without prior arrangement. Calling the agency and confirming their after-hours options is essential to avoid surprises, and having a backup plan is recommended.
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