It can be challenging to get a rental car at an airport. There are typically charges and surcharges. Car rentals at airports are popular due to their convenience of picking up and speedy start to your vacation.

A car rental at the airport is an excellent option, provided you are familiar with the details and are aware of the proper procedures to collect and drop off your car.

What are airport charges?

Airport surcharges are the charges renters must pay at the time of picking their car from an airport. Airports are the ideal place to pick up your car. Car hire companies must pay high rates of rent, taxes as well as a concession charge for the privilege of operating within airports or close to airports. The customer is responsible for paying this charge along with the cost of renting. It can cost up to 30 percent of the total rental cost, though some suppliers charged a fixed price.

In a rental agreement, you might see an "airport surcharge" that is defined as airport tax, premium location surcharge, concession fee recover the premium location fee and airport tax.

Do I have to pay an airport surcharge?

The fee is not a matter of choice by renting a vehicle from an airport.

Your best chance to avoid the surcharge is to find an agency that can provide complimentary shuttles from your airport to their office offsite.

Alternately, you could opt instead to rent your car from a less popular central location to save the cost. You should however, consider if the ground transportation to get to the destination will amount over the airport surcharge, or the daily rental rate.

Differences between airport suppliers

Airport terminal pick-up: The most convenient and easy location to reach, these suppliers are right inside the terminal.  

Free shuttle bus: Many rental desks are just within a short distance of the airport, so businesses will offer customers the option of a complimentary shuttle that will take them to the terminal and take them off-site.

Meet and Greet Representatives of the car rental company will meet you at the entrance to your gate with your rental vehicle , or drive you to your vehicle.

What are the benefits of renting a car at an airport?

Airports usually have a wider selection of cars in comparison to other areas.

It's easy to go to the rental counter and to your destination without paying a taxi fare.

You do not need to transport your luggage when you attempt to locate an off-site spot.

Airports are the ideal option to get a car rental.

They're great for people who are pressed for time or taking a short trip, as you can drive quickly to the destination. Sneak a peek at this website to discover a useful source on car rental.

Take note of these tips when renting at an airport.

Booking your rental

You will be asked for your flight number and pick-up time when you book your rental. Consider how long it could take you to pick up your luggage, make the journey through customs and the security of your passport.

If you are concerned that the wait will be longer than 30 minutes, set your pick-up time at least half an hour prior to the time of your arrival. You will avoid the possibility of the provider declaring your arrival as "no show" and the cancellation of your rental.

The process of picking up your rental

Airport car hire queues can grow quickly as entire flights of passengers unload and head directly to the rental desks. Queues that are long with your luggage and children isn't much fun, but with a little preparation, you can avoid the worst.

Another option to travel with several individuals is to have one person carry the luggage while another goes to the rental counter. This will allow one to quickly move to the top of the queue and possibly have the car ready before everyone else arrives.

Returning your rental

It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to get the rental car Also, give yourself plenty of time to drop off your rental. Plan to get to the airport early to give yourself more time in case of traffic, parking issues or long lines. You will need to know where your rental car is supposed to be parked upon your return.

Some rental companies might take advantage of the fact you are in a hurry to make it to your flight not looking at the vehicle after you've left. This can result in a surprise bill for damage that you haven't caused after your return. This is avoidable by making an early appearance at the desk of rental, examining the car thoroughly, and then requesting copies of the report of the condition.