Quick Summary:
- Changing pick-up from MCO to Sanford depends on supplier depot availability.
- Expect a reprice, plus potential one-way or airport location charges.
- Edit pick-up details as early as possible to protect your original rate.
- Confirm opening hours, shuttle details, and flight time to avoid no-shows.
Flying into Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) instead of Orlando International (MCO) is a common itinerary change, especially if airlines adjust schedules or you find a better fare. The key question for car hire is whether you can switch the pick-up point without losing money, time, or the vehicle you need. In most cases, you can change your pick-up location, but it is rarely a simple “swap the airport name” edit. Airport depots are separate branches with their own fleet, pricing, hours, and fees.
This guide explains what usually happens when you booked Orlando car hire for MCO and then realise you are landing at Sanford. You will learn how depot changes are priced, what charges to watch for, and the quickest steps to rebook in a way that helps keep your rate as close as possible to your original.
First, why MCO and SFB are treated differently
MCO is Orlando’s main airport with a huge volume of flights and a large on-airport rental car setup. Sanford (SFB) is smaller and often serves different routes and carriers. For car hire suppliers, that difference matters because:
Fleet size and vehicle mix: MCO typically has far more cars on site, plus more options such as minivans and larger SUVs. SFB can sell out sooner or have fewer automatic upgrades available.
Depot pricing: Each airport can have different base rates, taxes, and location fees. Even if the same brand operates at both airports, the “airport package” and local taxes can differ.
Opening hours and staffing: Sanford may have shorter hours. If your flight arrives late, arrival time becomes a bigger issue.
Availability rules: Some deals are tied to a specific pick-up location. Changing the depot can trigger a reprice using the current rate at the new location.
If your original reservation is based at MCO, you can browse what typical MCO-based options look like via Orlando airport car hire (MCO) or compare listings such as car hire in Orlando at MCO. Even if you end up switching to SFB, knowing the MCO baseline helps you spot when a change is causing a big reprice.
Can you switch pick-up from MCO to Sanford (SFB)?
Usually yes, but the method depends on how your booking was made and what the supplier allows.
Scenario A, amendment is allowed: Some suppliers let you amend the pick-up location on an existing reservation. In practice, this often cancels and recreates the booking in the background, using the supplier’s current pricing at the new depot. If the supplier has a “modify” option, it is still wise to treat it as a reprice and check the new total carefully.
Scenario B, you must cancel and rebook: Many rates are location-specific. In this case, changing MCO to SFB is effectively a different product. Your original booking may need to be cancelled, then you create a new booking for SFB. This is common when the original deal was a time-limited promotion, a specific package, or a prepay rate.
Scenario C, you keep MCO pick-up and travel there: If the reprice at SFB is high, some travellers land at Sanford and transfer to MCO to pick up the car. This adds time and transport costs, so it is only worth considering if the saving is substantial and your arrival time makes it realistic.
Fees and price changes to expect
When you switch car hire pick-up from MCO to Sanford, the “fee” might not appear as one line item. Instead, you often see a higher or lower total because of several moving parts.
1) New base rate at the new depot
The daily price can change simply because SFB has different demand and a different fleet situation. If SFB is tight on inventory for your dates, the reprice can be significant.
2) Airport location surcharge and local taxes
Airports commonly add concession recovery fees, customer facility charges, and local taxes. These vary by airport and can change your payable total even if the car category is the same.
3) One-way fees, if drop-off is different
If you also decide to return the vehicle at a different location, you may trigger a one-way fee. Even keeping drop-off at MCO while picking up at SFB can be treated as one-way, depending on supplier rules.
4) Changes in included extras or deposit terms
Sometimes the rate you booked at MCO includes specific inclusions or conditions, such as a mileage package, insurance structure, or a particular deposit policy. Switching depots can alter the package. Always compare like-for-like rather than focusing only on the headline daily price.
5) Age, payment method, and after-hours impacts
If the SFB depot has tighter policies, you might see different young driver fees, credit card requirements, or limitations around after-hours pick-up. These are not “switch fees” but they can change what you pay or whether you can collect at all.
The quickest way to rebook without losing your rate
If your goal is speed and minimising cost, treat this as a controlled comparison rather than a last-minute scramble at the desk.
Step 1, confirm your actual arrival details
Lock in the correct airport, arrival date, and flight arrival time. Depot hours matter. If you are arriving late, build in buffer time for immigration, bags, and any shuttle.
Step 2, check whether your current booking can be modified
Look for amendment options in your confirmation or account area. If modifications are allowed, review whether the change triggers a reprice. If the new price is acceptable, it can be the fastest path.
Step 3, run a fresh search for the correct airport and times
Even if an amendment is possible, compare it to a fresh quote for your exact SFB arrival. Sometimes new promos or different suppliers make a new booking cheaper than a modified one.
Step 4, match the original conditions as closely as possible
To protect value, keep these variables consistent when comparing:
Same car category: Economy vs compact vs SUV vs minivan. If you originally needed space, switching to a smaller class just to save money can backfire with luggage and comfort.
Same fuel policy: Full-to-full vs prepaid. Different policies can make two totals look similar while changing real-world cost.
Same driver age and extras: Additional drivers, child seats, toll products, and insurance choices should be kept consistent so you are comparing the true total.
Step 5, only then cancel the old booking
If cancellation is required, avoid cancelling first unless you have verified the new option is available and acceptable. Inventory can move quickly around Orlando, particularly during school holidays.
Step 6, keep evidence of the change
Save the updated confirmation with the correct airport, pick-up instructions, and supplier contact. Having both the old and new confirmations can help resolve misunderstandings.
When switching might cost less than you expect
Not every change to Sanford is expensive. You may see minimal difference if:
Demand at SFB is lower for your dates, so the base rate is competitive.
Your MCO booking was flexible and the supplier prices both airports similarly at that time.
You are changing early, before inventory tightens and prices rise.
You are willing to adjust the car type thoughtfully, for example choosing a similar-size class that is more available at SFB.
Common pitfalls that create surprise charges
No-show risk due to depot hours: If your flight lands late and the depot closes, you could be marked as a no-show. That may lead to cancellation and a much higher walk-up rate next day. Align pick-up time with realistic arrival processing, not the scheduled landing time.
Assuming “Orlando airport” means either airport: MCO and SFB are not interchangeable in rental systems. Always check the airport code on the confirmation.
Changing only the airport but not the time: A new airport can mean a different terminal-to-shuttle flow. Adjust pick-up time so you are not rushing, especially with children or multiple bags.
Chasing the lowest headline rate: The cheapest total can come with stricter cancellation terms, higher deposits, or less convenient fuel policies. Compare the full package.
Vehicle choice tips if you must reprice
If changing to Sanford triggers a noticeable increase, you still have levers to manage the total while keeping the trip practical.
Consider a realistic car class: For families, a minivan can be the most comfortable option, but it can sell out. If you need three rows, compare options and conditions carefully. If you were originally aiming for something larger at MCO, it can help to understand what that segment typically looks like, including options such as minivan hire for Disney trips from MCO as a benchmark for inclusions and size.
Check supplier differences rather than only car size: Two similar cars can price very differently due to supplier policies. If your preference is a specific brand, comparing brand pages can help you understand typical terms and expectations, for example Budget car rental at Orlando MCO or Hertz car rental at Orlando MCO. Even though these pages are MCO-focused, they can help you evaluate whether your revised option is broadly comparable in service level and conditions.
Be careful with “upgrade at the counter” assumptions: At smaller depots, upgrades may be limited or costly. If space matters, secure the right class in the booking.
Practical timing, getting from SFB, and planning your first hour
Sanford is northeast of the main Orlando tourist zones. If you are heading to International Drive, the theme parks, or Kissimmee, build a little extra time into your arrival day. For car hire pick-up, the first hour goes fastest when you do these basics:
Have your documents ready: Driving licence, passport, payment card in the driver’s name, and any additional driver details.
Know your coverage and deposit: Understand what is included and what is optional, so you are not making rushed decisions at the desk.
Plan tolls: Central Florida roads often include tolls. Decide in advance how you will handle them so you can get on the road smoothly.
Inspect and photograph: Quick walk-around photos help if there is any dispute later.
What if you already landed at SFB and your booking says MCO?
If you are already at Sanford and only then notice your booking is for MCO, you have three realistic options:
Rebook for SFB immediately using your actual arrival time and compare the total to avoid surprises.
Contact the supplier to ask whether they can change the booking to SFB. If they cannot, ask about cancellation terms before you do anything.
Travel to MCO to collect only if it is cost-effective and the depot will still be open when you arrive.
The biggest risk at this point is losing availability. If you need a specific vehicle type, act quickly, but stay methodical so you do not accidentally create two non-refundable bookings.
FAQ
Can I change my Orlando car hire pick-up from MCO to Sanford without paying extra? Sometimes, but not reliably. A depot change often triggers a reprice based on Sanford availability, plus different airport taxes and surcharges.
Is Sanford (SFB) close enough to keep an MCO pick-up? It can be done, but it adds travel time and cost. Only keep an MCO pick-up if the saving is worth the transfer and the MCO depot hours suit your arrival.
Will changing airports affect my car category or upgrade chances? It can. Sanford usually has a smaller fleet, so popular categories can sell out. If you need space or specific features, secure the correct class when you rebook.
Do I need to change the pick-up time when switching airports? Yes, it is sensible. Your real collection time depends on baggage, immigration, and the depot’s shuttle or walk-up process, which can differ between airports.
What is the fastest way to avoid losing my original rate? Compare an amendment versus a new quote quickly, match the same conditions, and only cancel the old booking once the new option is confirmed and available.
