It isn't easy to get a rental car at an airport. There are typically surcharges and fees. But the ease of picking up a rental immediately after getting off the plane and kick starting your vacation is why airport car rental services are so well-known.

If you're by the fine print and know the best methods for collecting and returning your car renting a car at the airport is a good option.

What are the airport surcharges?

Airport surcharges are fees that renters must pay at the time of picking up their vehicle from an airport. Airports are a prime location. Car hire companies must pay high rent, taxes and concession fees to be able to operate in or near airports. The fee is transferred to the customer to pay along with their rental. It could cost as much as 30% of the total cost of rental however some rental companies charge a fixed rate.

You may also see "airport surcharge" written in the rental agreement as premium location surcharge, airport tax, concession fee recovery and premium location fees.

Do I need to pay an airport surcharge?

This fee cannot be avoided by renting a vehicle from an airport.

The most effective way to avoid the surcharge is by finding a supplier who offers a free transportation from their airport to their offices.

Alternatively, you can opt instead to rent your vehicle from a less popular area downtown to escape the extra fee. You should however, take into consideration whether the ground transportation required to get to the location will add up over the airport surcharge or daily rental rate.

Differences between airport suppliers

Transfer to airport terminal The following companies are the most efficient and easiest to reach.

Shuttle bus free: A lot of rental desks are located a short distance away from the airport. As such, many companies will provide customers with an unrestricted shuttle bus that will pick them up at the terminal and brings them off-site.

Meet and meet: A representative of the car hire business will personally meet you at the entry point with your car rental on your lap or will drive you to the spot of your car.

What are the advantages of renting a vehicle at an airport?

Airports generally have a larger variety of vehicles in comparison to other areas.

You can easily walk to the car rental desk and get to your destination without needing to pay expensive taxi fees.

There is no need to transport your luggage while you search for an off-site location.

Airports are often the most convenient and effective location for obtaining a car rental.

They're great for people pressed for time or on short trips, as they can be driven quickly to your destination. Check here to get additional hints about airport car hire.

Things to take into consideration when renting a car at an airport location:

Booking your rental

You will be asked for your flight number and the time of pick-up when you reserve your rental. You should think about the time it will take to collect your luggage and make your way through customs, and passport security.

If you think it may take you 30 minutes, enter your pick up time half an hour after your arrival time. You will avoid the possibility of the provider marking your arrival as a "no show" and the cancellation of your reservation.

The possibility of renting your property

The car rental lines at the airport are often crowded as travelers arrive at rental desks to unload their luggage. Waiting in long queues with luggage and kids isn't much fun however, with a bit of planning, you can avoid the most unpleasant experience.

One option for travelling with several individuals is to let one person hold the luggage while another makes their way to the rental counter. This will allow one to quickly move to the front of the line and have their car at hand when the rest of the group arrives.

Returning your rental

Just as you should allow yourself some flexibility when picking your rental car, you should also give yourself plenty of time when dropping off your car hire. It is recommended to arrive at the airport early to give yourself more time in case of traffic, parking issues or long queues. You will need to be aware of where your car rental is supposed to be parked when you return.

Certain rental companies could profit from the fact that you're in a rush to make it to your flight only properly looking over the car once you've left. This could lead to an unexpected bill for damages that you haven't caused after your return. It is possible to avoid this by arriving early at the desk of rental, checking the vehicle in detail and asking for copies of the condition report.