Airport car hire: 10 tips to help you save cash and hassle
When hiring a car from an airport, how do you get the best deal with the least stress? Find out in our guide.
We all want a good deal at a decent price. In the world of car rental, there's a wealth of choice, with hundreds of rental companies competing for your custom.
Travelling can be stressful, so once our plane lands we're eager to complete the final part of our journey so the rest and relaxation can begin.
So, how do you choose which firm to use? And should you plan beforehand or wait until arrival? Let's find out.
1-Plan ahead
If you like living on the edge, you may want to chance your luck and try to get a discount when you arrive at the desk without a booking. Staff have the discretion to offer deals on the day – but be prepared to risk no car being available.
If you're travelling at a busy time, it's unlikely you'll find a cheap deal this way. If you still choose this option, ring ahead to check availability – especially if it's a weekend or bank holiday.
Planning ahead, on the other hand, has several advantages.
You can compare prices and read reviews of car hire companies and – most importantly – you're guaranteed a hire car when you reach your destination.
2-Shop around
If you want the best deal, then shop around and compare prices before booking.
Also, don't forget to read reviews. Sometimes the cheapest deal isn't always the best.
Car hire comparison sites can be a useful way to compare several providers at once. But remember that some providers (especially smaller ones) won't be listed – and comparison sites won't always list the best deals. Be prepared to do a bit of digging yourself.
3-Factor in possible delays
A downside to renting from the airport is that there may be long queues.
Multiple planes arriving at around the same time means you might have to wait around for quite a while before you can collect your car.
Factor in this possible delay if you plan to arrive at your next destination at a certain time.
4-Use an offsite company
Want to beat the queues and potentially save some money? You might want to consider using an offsite car hire firm rather than one that's based at the airport.
Sure, hiring from the airport is convenient. But you'll likely have to fork out more cash for the privilege – and you may have to pay airport tax on top.
Even with the cost of a taxi, using an offsite hire company could still work out cheaper.
Case in point: MVH Rental is only 15 minutes from Newcastle International Airport – and we're proud to offer some of the best rental rates in the northeast.
Plus, with prior arrangement, we may be able to arrange pickup and dropoff – so you wouldn't lose out of any of the conveniences of an airport hire.
Give us a call to discuss whether this is possible.
5-Save on extras
Car hire firms offer a range of optional extras. You'll usually pay for these on collection as they can be subject to availability.
Want the perk but not the charge? You can save money by bringing your own GPS, for example, or child seats.
A word of warning, though. If you'd like to bring your own child seat, be sure to check with your airline before you travel as they can count as luggage items.
6-Make sure you bring the right documents
Your passport is not the only document you need to bring. Usually, you'll also need:
- Your driver's licence
- A second form of photo ID (so bring your passport even if you're not travelling abroad)
- A credit card
- Your booking confirmation. – this acts as proof of payment and contains the needed reference numbers
7-Call ahead if your flight is delayed
Flight times can be unpredictable – but if the worst happens and your flight is delayed, most rental companies will accommodate this.
Hire firms will usually guarantee your rental for 24 hours. After this time, your reserved car may be released and rented to another customer.
When making a booking, check the firm's late-arrival policy and inform the staff of any delay as soon as possible.
8-Know your collection point
When you make your booking, you'll be given directions to the collection point. Most companies print this on the confirmation document.
Depending on the airport, this could be at the airport terminal or within the grounds of the airport. If it's outside the airport, you may instead be given the location of a shuttle bus that will take you to the front desk.
Some companies offer a meet-and-greet service, where a representative will meet you in the airport and show you the way to the rental desk.
9-Check your hire car carefully
It's always advisable to check over the car before driving away.
Take your own photographs and make sure the paperwork detailing any damage matches with what's documented. Sit in the driver's seat and familiarise yourself with the layout, asking the representative for advice if you're unsure of anything.
10-Nail the dropoff process
Some companies have a dedicated area for returns while others require dropoff at the same place you collected from.
Checking beforehand will eliminate misunderstandings which could potentially cost you late-return fees.
Check the vehicle for personal belongings before setting off. You don't want to have to re-open your suitcase in the car park.
Most hire companies have a full-to-full policy, meaning the car you collect will have a full tank of petrol and you are expected to return it with a full tank. This eliminates any confusion as to how much petrol to put in – and you only end up paying for the fuel you use.
So, carefully plan your route and allow plenty of time to call in at the petrol station nearest to the hire firm.
A word of caution, though.
Petrol stations surrounding the airport are generally more expensive, so consider venturing out a little further to get a more reasonable price.
Alternatively, you could refuel your tank to almost full where the prices are competitive and top up to full closer to the airport.
If you're looking to rent a car in Newcastle and want a good price and friendly service, give MVH Rental a call. We're just 15 minutes from Newcastle International Airport and within easy reach of Durham, Sunderland and Newcastle upon Tyne.
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