Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. United States
  3. Florida (FL)
  4. Tampa

12 seat van rental

Hi, which car rental firm is more likely to give me what I reserve, 12 seater, rather than a 15 seater when I turn up.

If you are looking to rent a 12-seater van in Tampa and want to avoid being upgraded to a 15-seater at pickup, it’s important to understand the policies of major car rental companies and how fleet availability works.

Most large rental companies do their best to provide the vehicle class you reserve, but in practice, availability can fluctuate. Larger vans like 12-seaters and 15-seaters are considered specialty vehicles, so exact matches aren’t always guaranteed unless the location has a dedicated fleet.

Here’s some guidance for improving your chances:

  • Enterprise: Known for a broad van fleet and good customer service. Enterprise allows you to reserve a 12-seater specifically. Confirm at the time of reservation and call the local branch directly before pickup to ensure the requested van is available.
  • Alamo: Offers 12-seater vans and allows online reservations specifying the exact vehicle type. Their locations at Tampa International Airport typically maintain a good supply of specialty vans.
  • Avis: You can request a 12-seater, but sometimes only a 15-seater may be available. Calling ahead and asking the local branch to note your preference is recommended.
  • Hertz: Offers 12-seaters in certain locations. Like Avis, confirming in advance directly with the location is key to avoid an automatic upgrade to a larger van.

Additional tips:

  • Book as early as possible, since 12-seaters are limited in number.
  • Call the specific branch you’ll pick up from to confirm availability and make a note in your reservation. This is more reliable than relying solely on online booking.
  • Be clear in writing and verbally that you want a 12-seater, not a 15-seater. Some companies automatically upgrade for capacity, so specifying can prevent this.
  • Consider off-airport locations; sometimes they have more of the exact van type you want than airport branches.

While no company can absolutely guarantee the exact van, Enterprise and Alamo generally have the best track record for honoring 12-seater reservations at Tampa, especially if you call and confirm with the branch before pickup.

More Tampa Travel Questions

Popular Destinations

Bangshang Village
Xiguan Mosque
Huaihai Road
Xunliao Bay

Popular Travel Questions