🚘 What to Do If Your Flight to Lisbon Is Delayed — Rental Car Tips
Flight delayed and worried you’ll miss your rental car pickup in Lisbon? Don’t panic — but don’t assume everything will be fine either. Rental companies have specific policies on late arrivals, and some will cancel your booking after just 1–2 hours if you don’t show up.
This guide explains what to do if your flight is delayed, how to protect your booking, and which companies offer the best flexibility at Lisbon Airport (LIS).
❓ Will Rental Companies Wait If I’m Late?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Here’s what typically happens:
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| Situation | What Most Companies Do |
|---|---|
| 🕐 < 1 hour late | Hold your reservation |
| 🕑 1–2 hours late | May hold or start charging no-show |
| ⛔ > 2 hours late, no contact | Booking may be cancelled |
| ✅ Flight number provided | Will usually wait |
📌 Always include your flight number when booking — it helps the rental desk track your arrival in real time.
🛬 What to Do if Your Flight Is Delayed
- Notify the rental company ASAP
- Include your flight number in the booking
- Call the local office (not just email)
- Ask about grace period or late pickup fee
- Request pickup next morning if you’re arriving after closing time
💡 Use WhatsApp or local numbers (most Lisbon offices speak English)
🕓 Lisbon Airport Rental Hours – By Company
| Company | Airport Desk Hours | Late Arrival Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Guerin | 7:00–00:00 (Daily) | Waits with flight number |
| Drive on Holidays | 6:00–22:00 (Shuttle) | Pickup by appointment only |
| Sixt | 6:00–24:00 | Waits up to 1 hour |
| Europcar | 7:00–00:00 | Waits if notified |
| Avis/Budget | 24/7 (upon request) | Late fees may apply |
🛑 If you land at night (00:30+), choose a company with late-night support or 24h return.
🛡️ How to Protect Your Booking
- ✅ Always enter your flight number at checkout
- ✅ Choose airport pickup, not city office (longer hours)
- ✅ Use booking platforms with free cancellation or “Guaranteed Availability”
- ✅ Consider late arrival coverage or full insurance
📞 Useful Local Contacts
- Lisbon Airport general info: +351 218 413 500
- Europcar LIS: +351 218 401 176
- Guerin LIS: +351 218 486 191
📲 Save these numbers before your trip — Wi-Fi might be delayed at the airport.
🧭 Final Tips
- ✅ If your flight is delayed, don’t wait — contact the company right away
- ✅ Know the desk closing time before you book
- ✅ Save confirmation email + phone numbers offline
- ✅ Book with companies that operate in-terminal — not shuttle-only after hours
