can you request car racks on a rental expedia

[LeGenevieve]

Yes, you can request a car rack (like a roof rack or ski rack) when booking a rental car through Expedia, but it is not a guarantee. Expedia acts as a search engine for rental companies, and availability is entirely dependent on the specific car rental location's inventory. Your request is simply passed along, and the final confirmation happens at the rental counter.

The most reliable method is to use Expedia's filters during your search. After entering your travel details, look for a "Car Options" or "Filters" section. Here, you might find a specific option for "Ski Rack" or "Roof Rack." Selecting this will only show you vehicles from companies that offer this equipment at your chosen location. However, even with a pre-paid booking, the rack is subject to availability upon your arrival.

It is crucial to understand that Expedia is a third-party aggregator. They facilitate the booking but do not control the rental company's inventory. The best practice is to book a car that lists the rack as an available option and then call the rental location directly a day or two before your pickup to confirm the rack will be on your vehicle. This extra step can prevent a stressful situation.

If a rack is essential, consider these alternatives:

• Book Directly: Go to the websites of major rental companies (like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis). Their booking engines often provide more detailed and reliable equipment options.
• Bring Your Own: For certain racks, like hitch-mounted bike racks, you can transport your own. Just ensure your rental car has the correct hitch receiver.
• Rent Locally: Specialty sports stores near your destination often rent high-quality racks at competitive daily rates.

Below is a general overview of policies from major rental companies regarding racks. Always verify with the specific location.

Rental Company	Typical Rack Availability	Daily Cost (Approximate)	Advance Booking Recommendation
Enterprise	Varies by location; more common in mountain/ski regions.	$15 - $30	Highly Recommended; call location to confirm.
Hertz	Often available at airport locations in relevant destinations.	$20 - $35	Strongly advised; not all vehicles are equipped.
Avis	Similar to Hertz; subject to location and season.	$18 - $32	Essential; availability is often limited.
Budget	Limited availability; primarily at seasonal/resort locations.	$15 - $28	Must confirm by phone prior to arrival.
Thrifty/Dollar	Less common; very location-dependent.	$12 - $25	Critical; high likelihood of non-availability.

[MicahLee]

You can try, but I wouldn't bet my vacation on it. Expedia just sends the request over. I learned the hard way—showed up for a ski trip with a pre-paid "rack request" and they just shrugged. "Sorry, we're all out." My advice? If you absolutely need it, skip the middleman. Book directly with the rental company and get on the phone with the actual branch you're picking up from. Get a person's name and confirm it.

[LaMaggie]

Think of Expedia as a helpful messenger. The "request" function is just that—a request. It's not a reservation for the rack itself. The rental agency might have one, or they might not. Your best move is to use the filter to find cars that list a rack as an option. That at least means that location is supposed to have them. But still, follow up with a direct call to double-check. It's five minutes that could save you a huge headache.

[StSebastian]

As a frequent traveler with gear, I never rely solely on an Expedia request. The system isn't built for guaranteeing specific equipment. What I do is book the car through Expedia for the best price, then immediately look up the phone number for the specific rental office. I call them and ask to add a roof rack to my reservation directly. This way, it's in their local system. It adds a layer of certainty that an online form can't provide.

[VonWeston]

It's a roll of the dice. The short answer is yes, you can request one. The real answer is that it's far from guaranteed. Rental companies assign specific cars with specific equipment, and what's listed online isn't always accurate. For something as important as a ski or bike rack, your safest path is to manage the reservation directly with the rental company's own website and customer service. You'll have a much clearer picture of what you're actually getting and can secure confirmation in writing.