If your booking is confirmed and you haven't checked in yet, you can change both the pickup and the return date from the app. The Host doesn't need to approve it. The change happens automatically, as long as the car is free on the new dates.
Step by step
Open your trip and stay on the Details tab.
Under the date timeline, tap "Change dates".
Pick your new pickup and return dates.
The system checks availability for you.
If the car is available, you'll see the updated cost and any modification fee before you confirm.
Tap "Submit" to apply the change.
How the cost changes
If the new dates cost more, say you added days, your card is charged the difference automatically. If they cost less, say you shortened the trip, the difference is refunded automatically.
When a modification fee applies
A modification fee applies only when both of these are true:
You're outside the free-cancellation window, meaning you're within 24 hours of pickup, and
The change moves your pickup later.
In every other case the change is free. Changes inside the free-cancellation window are always free. Pulling your pickup earlier is always free.
Trip duration | Modification fee (moving pickup later) |
Up to 2 days | ¼ of the average daily price |
More than 2 days | ½ of the average daily price |
The modification fee is always half of the equivalent cancellation fee. Simple rule: changing late costs half of what cancelling late would.
The fee confirmation screen
If your change triggers a fee, you'll see a screen first that explains:
The exact amount you'll be charged.
Which card it'll go on (last 4 digits).
A link to how the fee is calculated.
To continue, tick "I confirm to be charged for this change". If you'd rather not, go back to date selection at no cost.
The modification fee is non-refundable. It's not refunded if you later cancel, and not refunded if you complete the trip normally. It's a fee for the change itself, not for the booking.
FAQ
Does the Host need to approve the change?
No. Changes happen automatically as long as the car is available. The Host is notified of every change.
What happens to the free-cancellation window after a change?
After any change, the free-cancellation window resets based on the new pickup time (24 hours before). That doesn't undo a modification fee if the change was made outside the original free window.
If I pay a modification fee and then cancel?
The modification fee isn't refunded. And if the cancellation falls outside the new free-cancellation window, a cancellation fee applies on top.
Can I ask for the fee to be waived?
Yes, if the change is down to accepted extenuating circumstances (flight delay, illness, and so on) with proper evidence. See the Extenuating Circumstances Policy.
When can't I change dates?
If the car isn't available on the new dates, if you've already checked in, or if the booking is Cancelled or Completed. For a trip that's already underway, see How can I extend my trip?