If you are traveling to a new destination, you should consider renting a car at the airport. That saves you the time wasted while waiting for taxis, especially if you are there for a short trip.
Renting a car also gives you the freedom to take your own time and drive, depending on your comfort. You get to choose the type of car you want to drive, and it can accommodate more people if you are traveling in a group.
There are some things you should know about renting a car at the airport to help you get the best experience. If you are unfamiliar with the proper way of renting cars, together with Autozin, one of the leaders in the online selling of cars, we make ready for you this complete guide.
- Check for Additional Airport Fees
The commercial stores that run their businesses on the airport site are made to pay a certain percentage of their earnings. This surcharge usually reflects on the customer’s rental charges.
The rental car company will be at a loss if they do not add the airport’s fee to the customer’s charges. So, there is no way you can avoid the extra cost if you are renting a car at the airport.
It is wise not to rent a car at the first car-rental service you come across at the airport. There will be several rental companies set up at the airport. You can go and check out all their prices to make a comparison and choose the cheapest one available.
If you feel that the price surcharge is high, you can always rent a car from rental companies away from the airport. Get on one of the shuttles and rent a car outside the airport.
- Carry All The Required Identification Documents
Renting a car at the airport is not a straightforward process. You need to have all your identification documents ready before reaching the counter. The rental companies at the airport have their official websites where you can check out all the details about the documents required to rent a car.
If you don’t want to carry your documents, some rental companies offer the choice to mail them a scanned copy while renting the car online. You can produce your booking details at the counter on reaching the airport. Booking a car online before you reach the airport will also help to save a lot of time.
- Inspect The Car For Damages
Rental companies rent out their cars to all types of people. Some of them can be excellent drivers, while some may be reckless. This is one reason that can cause minor damage to the car.
It is your duty to check whether the car is in good driving condition before using it when the vehicle is brought to the terminal. Before you embark on your journey, you should also look for dents or other damages to the car’s body and interiors.
Take pictures or record a video if you notice any damages so that you do not end up paying for what was already there in the first place. You can request the rental company for a new car if the present one has significant damages.
However, if the rental company insists that you use the same car, you can get their consent on the contract and start your journey.
The companies also offer rental car insurance in the event of any damage you may cause to the car. In this case, check your credit card’s insurance policies before agreeing to buy the rental car insurance. Major credit card providers provide insurance on car rentals at zero or minimum costs.
So, it is crucial to check with your bank first before jumping on the first opportunity to avail of the rental car company’s insurance, which is pretty expensive.
- Check Fuel Availability
Some rental companies usually keep their cars filled with the minimum amount to enable customers to reach the nearest gas station. This is due to the fluctuation in gas prices on a daily basis.
Ensure your car has enough gas to take you to the nearest station. If you go on a journey without checking the gas meter, the car might stop in the middle of nowhere, and that is one problem you do not want to have while going on a journey.
You can ask to change the car if the fuel is not enough in your vehicle. However, most car rental companies keep their cars filled with enough fuel. The only thing you must do is to fill up your car while returning it to the car rental company.
- Extending Your Car Rental Period
When booking your car from a rental company at the airport, you must indicate the time and date of return. This way, the rental company will add up the total cost and rent you the car.
However, there can be situations where you need to extend your holiday or journey. In such cases, it will be double the trouble to return to the airport and re-book the car. To save time and money, these rental companies provide customers with the option to extend the car’s rental period through their official websites.
You can check in to the car company’s website and fill in the details of the car and your altered return schedule. After going through some verification and payments, you can extend the rental period of your car. You can contact the counter for assistance if you are unsure about the procedures.
Most airport rental companies have a policy allowing their customers to extend the rental period of their cars. They give you the option to extend the rental period from 14-28 days in most cases.
Conclusion
It is essential to check the requirements before you rent a car at the airport. You can enjoy the convenience of renting a car by doing a little research on your end.
Going through the rules of renting a car at the airport can save you time and money, resulting in getting the most out of the vehicle.
