Flight delays are common on routes to Crete, especially during peak travel months. Weather congestion, air traffic volume, and short-haul scheduling issues regularly push arrival times back. When a car is already booked, the concern is simple. Will the car still be there?
This blog explains what actually happens when a flight is delayed, how car rental companies in Crete handle it, and what travellers should expect on arrival.
How Often Flights to Crete Are Delayed
Crete’s main airports, Heraklion and Chania, handle a high volume of seasonal flights. Summer traffic increases significantly between May and October. According to European aviation delay reports, island routes experience higher-than-average arrival delays during peak season.
Delays of 30 minutes to two hours are normal. Late-night arrivals are also common. This reality shapes how local car rental operations work.
What Happens to Your Car Booking When a Flight Is Delayed
Everything depends on whether the rental company tracks flights.
Companies that do not track flights
The companies utilise fixed pickups. When the arrival time varies, the reservation might cease to correspond to the availability of staff.
Typical outcomes include:
• Additional out-of-hours fees
• Long waiting times
• Missed pickup
• Booking cancellation after office hours
In these cases, airline delays become the customer’s problem.
Companies that track flights
Flight-tracking companies adjust pickup based on the actual landing time, not the scheduled one.
This means:
• Delays do not affect availability
• No penalty for late arrival
• Staff arrival matches flight arrival
• The booking remains active regardless of the delay length
This system is especially important in Crete, where many arrivals land late in the evening.
Why Flight Tracking Matters More Than Office Hours
Fixed office hours do not work well in tourist destinations. Flights rarely follow clean schedules. When a company tracks flights, staffing is tied to real-time arrival data.
Flight tracking allows:
• Automatic monitoring of delays
• Internal schedule adjustments
• Elimination of manual customer calls
• Reduced stress at baggage claim
From a traveller’s perspective, this removes uncertainty at the most tiring point of the journey.
What Travellers Should Check Before Booking a Car in Crete
A delayed flight should never invalidate a reservation. Before booking, look for clear indicators that delays are handled correctly.
Key things to confirm:
• Flight number required during booking
• Explicit mention of flight monitoring
• No language about cancellation due to delays
• No hidden late-night arrival charges
In case of obscure or absent information, that is a risk indicator.
What To Do If Your Flight Is Already Delayed
Although flight tracking is implemented, there are several things that can be done to facilitate a smooth process.
Recommended steps:
• Keep your phone on after landing
• Save the booking confirmation locally
• Notify the rental company if delays exceed several hours
Communication will avoid confusion, especially when the season is high.
Delays, Insurance, and Contract Validity
Late arrival does not have any impact on insurance cover or the terms of rent.
Important points:
• Insurance remains valid regardless of arrival time
• Contract start time adjusts to actual pickup
• No additional liability applies due to airline delays
Any company that suggests otherwise needs to be put to the question.
Why Local Crete Rentals Handle Delays Better Than Large Chains
An international brand with a large size can have a centralised operation. Local companies operate on the ground. This difference matters.
Local Crete rentals typically:
• Monitor individual flights
• Adjust staffing dynamically
• Operate outside rigid office schedules
• Focus on direct customer handling
Travel forums will always record fewer disturbances with the local operators in cases of delayed arrival.
What Really Matters When Flights Are Delayed
These points summarise how flight delays affect car rentals in Crete and what truly protects travellers from unnecessary stress.
• Flight delays to Crete are common
• Fixed-time rentals create problems
• Flight tracking removes arrival risk
• Delays should not result in fees or cancellations
• Clear policies matter more than brand size
A delayed flight should not affect the start of a holiday.
How Reliable Rentals Handles Delays
Flight delays are part of travelling to Crete, especially during the busy season. The delay itself is not the real problem. The problem is how the car rental company handles it. Fixed pickup times and rigid office hours create stress. Flight tracking removes it.
A reliable rental service adjusts to the actual landing time, keeps the booking active, and delivers the car without penalties or confusion. That approach protects the traveller from airline issues they cannot control.
This is exactly how MYTHOS Car Rentals operates, ensuring the car is ready whenever the flight arrives.