We have listed the pros and cons of airport car rental, along with some tips to help you decide which option is better and why.
You decided to rent a car. If you are flying, renting a car right from the airport seems like the best choice. But is it really? Although there are some advantages to renting a car from the airport, there are also some disadvantages. We listed them for you below, it is up to you to decide.
Pros of Airport Car Rental
1) Convenience
It is obviously one of the biggest advantages of airport car rental. Renting a car from the airport allows you to pick up your vehicle as soon as you land, without having to make additional stops or arrangements. This is especially useful if you have a tight schedule or want to start exploring your destination right away.
2) More Cars Available
Most major car rental companies have offices at or near the airport, which means you can choose from a variety of vehicles to fit your budget and needs. Whether you need a small car for city driving or a larger vehicle for a family trip, you can find what you need at the airport.
Airport car rental can also be more cost-effective than other options. The competition between car rental companies often leads to lower prices and better deals for customers. Additionally, some companies offer special discounts or promotions for airport car rental, which can save you even more money.
3) Flexible Hours
If you plan to pick up or drop off your rental car outside of regular business hours, airport car rental might be a better choice. Downtown car rental offices typically only operate during office hours, which are similar to 9-5.
Cons of Airport Car Rental
One of the biggest disadvantages of airport car rental is the additional fees and taxes. Many airports charge a concession fee to car rental companies for the privilege of operating on airport property. This fee is often passed on to customers in the form of higher rental rates. Additionally, airport car rental companies may charge an additional fee for airport pick-up or drop-off, which can add to the overall cost of your rental.
Another disadvantage of airport car rental is the potential for long wait times. Because many people choose to rent a car from the airport, there might be long lines and wait times at the rental counter. This can be especially frustrating if you are in a hurry or have a flight to catch.
Airport car rental can also be more expensive than other rental locations. Because of the additional fees and taxes, rental rates at the airport can be higher than rates at off-airport locations. Additionally, some car rental companies may not have as many discounts or promotions available for airport car rental.
Tips for Airport Car Rental
If you decide to rent a car from the airport, there are a few tips that can help make the process smoother. First, book your rental car in advance. This can help you avoid long wait times at the rental counter and ensure that you get the car you want.
Second, research the specific fees and taxes that apply to your airport car rental and budget accordingly. Or simply find a site like Carla that shows the total prices including additional fees and taxes.
For long wait hours, some companies offer faster check-ins as a part of their loyalty programs. If you are booking through a third-party app such as Carla , also offers skip the line services for minimal fees. If you are one of the people who thinks time is money then it definitely worth a try.
Long story short it depends on you. While it can be convenient and offer a wide selection of cars, it can also be more expensive and come with additional fees and taxes. By doing your research - or letting third-party services do the research for you- booking in advance, you can make the most of your airport car rental experience.
