By Shannon Ullman
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You can pick up a rental car at many U.S. airports on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, but holiday hours depend on the location. Some branches operate around the clock, while others shorten their schedules or close. After-hours returns may be available even when pickup is not.
“Start with the rental company’s page for that exact location, then confirm the holiday schedule with the local office,” Gary Leff, founder and editor of View from the Wing, told Newsweek. “Ask separately about pickup hours, shuttle hours and after-hours returns.”
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Are Airport Rental Counters Open on Thanksgiving and Christmas?
There is no industrywide holiday schedule. Check the specific branch’s hours for your travel date rather than assuming its regular Thursday or Friday schedule applies.
Closures can affect airport locations, too. Budget’s Paine Field airport branch in Washington lists Thanksgiving and Christmas Day closures for 2026. SIXT’s San Francisco airport location lists public holiday operating hours, plus 24-hour returns.
Airport and neighborhood branches also have different procedures. Enterprise, for example, says its airport locations allow after-hours returns, while customers must check whether a neighborhood branch offers that option. An airport remaining open overnight does not establish an individual rental counter’s hours.
Which Rental Car Companies Offer 24-Hour or After-Hours Service?
Some airport branches operate 24 hours, including Avis, Budget and Hertz at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. National says most of its airport locations operate 24/7. However, 24-hour return access does not necessarily mean round-the-clock pickup.
Leff pointed to Avis at Peoria’s airport as an example: The location advertises round-the-clock drop-off while publishing limited counter hours.
“That distinction can leave someone standing outside a closed counter with a perfectly valid reservation,” he said.
These are service categories, not guarantees for every branch or holiday. Confirm the arrangements attached to your reservation.
What Happens if Your Flight Arrives After the Counter Closes?
Include your airline and flight number when booking. Enterprise, National and Alamo say participating airport locations will remain open up to two hours past posted closing time for delayed customers who supplied valid flight information. Their policies also keep delayed-flight reservations valid for 24 hours after scheduled pickup.
Those are separate protections: A reservation remaining valid does not mean someone will be available all night.
Avis says most airport locations accommodate advance reservations affected by flight delays. Budget also publishes delayed-flight accommodations for airport customers with confirmed reservations and flight details. Contact the branch if your arrival changes and confirm your pickup deadline.
“If you’re delayed, contact the location before it closes, update the flight information if you’ve been rebooked and ask them to note your revised arrival,” Leff said.
For prepaid reservations made through a third party, Leff also recommends contacting the booking company about its cancellation and no-show rules.
Can You Return a Rental Car After Hours?
Often, yes—if the location permits it. Follow its instructions for parking, locking the car and depositing the keys. Enterprise directs airport customers to obtain the exact procedure from their rental location.
Ask when charges and responsibility end. Dollar and Thrifty say customers using permitted after-hours returns remain responsible until the branch reopens and checks the vehicle. Both say charges continue until reopening.
Photograph the vehicle’s condition, fuel gauge and mileage before leaving. Keep your return instructions and check the final receipt.
What Other Holiday Rental Pitfalls Should Travelers Avoid?
Counter hours are only part of planning a holiday rental. Choose a vehicle category that accommodates your passengers and luggage rather than relying on an upgrade.
“Book the vehicle size your family actually needs,” Leff said. “Don’t reserve a compact assuming holiday demand will get you upgraded into something larger.”
The model pictured during booking generally represents a vehicle category, he added, rather than a promise of that exact car.
Leff also noted that Hertz and National let eligible loyalty program members choose a vehicle from a designated aisle at many airports. That option does not guarantee that a particular vehicle type will be available when you arrive.
What Travelers Should Do Before Holiday Travel
Before heading to the airport:
- Verify the branch’s hours for your exact pickup and return dates.
- Save its direct phone number.
- Add your flight details and ask how delays affect pickup.
- Update the branch if a delay or rebooking changes your arrival.
- Confirm any required after-hours pickup arrangements.
- Get written return instructions, including parking and key-drop locations.
- Ask when charges and responsibility end after an unattended return.
- Confirm transportation between the terminal and rental facility, including shuttle hours.
- Book a vehicle category that fits your passengers and luggage.
- Check cancellation and no-show rules, particularly for prepaid third-party bookings.
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