According to a Carrentals press release from a couple of days ago, although the summer holiday season is in full swing there is a significant shortage of children’s car seats and booster seats from car hire suppliers abroad. The equipment is compulsory by law in all EU countries, so those hiring a car this summer with young children need to have the seats secured, or know what they can do if they don’t.
The company says "As with many car hire extras, the only way to guarantee availability is to pre-book the equipment you need when you book the vehicle. The extras have to be paid for locally but can guarantee availability for you on arrival, unless your supplier has contacted you and informed you otherwise"
"Travellers who can’t secure child or toddler seats through their supplier, or don’t want to pay for rentals must take their own. Families can transport car seats depending on their airline’s policy. Some airlines allow car seats in addition to luggage allowance free of charge, others will take them at a charge, but some, particularly in busy periods when they are at full capacity, can refuse to take them. Contact your airline to find out their exact policy and charges. For older children that only require a booster seat, travel booster seats are available that can fit into suitcases and hand luggage."
Finally Carrentals "urges holidaymakers to book everything early as it will save a lot of stress. Try to book car hire ahead of your trip and include your extras when booking - by doing this you can guarantee availability, even during the busiest travel periods."
If you want to find out more about carrentals and book your car hire now visit them here.