Sneaky car hire companies who use flight delays and cancellations as an excuse to make holidaymakers upgrade to more expensive vehicles is the latest trick travellers should be aware of, according to consumer champion Which?
The scheme works by forcing the unlucky customer to pay through the nose for a higher-priced rental after being told their pre-booked car is no longer available due to their late arrival. Which? highlighted the practise, revealed by broker Zest Car Rental, who described it as "an easy way to extract more money from customers".
The best way to avoid being caught out is to enter an accurate pick-up time and your flight details when your book, according to Which?, then staff should then be automatically alerted of delays. However, it advises travellers not to rely on this and also inform your rental company if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
