Renting a car from an airport without flying is possible. In other words, if you do not have a flight reservation, you can still rent a car from the origin or destination airport. In return, you may expect a higher price.
The prices of car rentals are competitive and vary based on several factors, such as Location, Seasonality, and Timing.
The car rentals based at the airport take advantage of the fact that they offer free shuttle service for immediate transportation, lending to higher rates.
In addition, the rentals for offices and kiosks are pretty hefty, so expect a surge in operational costs. Gradually, these costs are passed to the passengers.
How do you rent a car from the airport without flying?
Renting a car from an airport without flying requires planning to ensure hassle-free travel. Here is what you need to know:
Booking Your Car Rental
You can book a car rental online through any third-party online travel agency (OTA) or by calling directly a vendor from Hertz, Alamo, or National. Since you won’t be flying this time, you need to enter your pick-up time.
Also, to avoid being a ‘no-show’ which may charge you a hefty cancellation fee always set your pick-up time slightly later than the arrival time at the airport.
The aforementioned step is important, keeping in mind expected delays due to parking or navigating at the airport.
Picking Your Car Rental
Since you’re not landing at the airport, you can go directly to the airport counter and get ahead of arriving passengers. In addition,
- You can expect a crowd or long queue during peak travel season. To help reduce the wait time, check with your car rental agency if they’ll allow the paperwork in advance or online.
- Passengers who are frequently renting a car or have a membership with a car rental agency can skip the long queue at the airport.
Returning Your Car Rental
You must be aware of the fact that returning a car at the airport can be time-consuming, provided:
- At times, the car rental drop-off location can be tricky to navigate. You must do a bit of planning about knowing the paths for an exact drop-off point beforehand.
- If you have a flight to board, always allow extra time and leave a bit prior. You must face potential delays like traffic, parking, and long lines at the return counter.
- While you drop the car, the car rental agent will take time to inspect the car in your presence.
- Do not forget to collect the signed condition report which prevents you from unexpected penalties later on.
What are the required documents for booking a car rental in the USA?
Another essential part while planning to book a car rental is to know about the correct paperwork or identification to bring. You must have the following identification ready if you need to rent a car while traveling:
- Photo Identification (passport or government-issued ID)
- Valid Driver’s License
- Credit Card or a Debit Card. (Eligible for a debit on file)
The aforementioned paperwork assures the car rental agency they trust you to drive their vehicle. Passengers must be 25 years or older to rent a vehicle at all locations and airports in the USA.
Is It Cheaper to Pre-Book a Rental Car?
Yes, booking a car rental in advance usually helps passengers grab a discounted deal. The prices for car rental are always determined by the availability of the vehicles. Also, the last-minute reservations come with the premium pricing. Here are some advantages of pre-booking a car rental:
- Many car rental agencies and even online travel agencies like Expedia and Booking.com offer discounts and promotions.
- Passengers have a great chance of selecting the vehicle they want.
- Booking early lets you explore plenty of third-party platforms to find the best deals.
- Choosing a car rental outside the airport facility or high-traffic areas, and opting for lesser-known car rental agencies can get a deal of your life!
Check out our detailed guide on Enterprise car rental prices. We have discussed all the factors that influence the cost of car rentals.
FAQs
Yes, most car rental companies at airports allow passengers to rent a car even if they haven’t taken a flight. You need to offer a valid driver’s license a credit card, and sometime a proof of residence.
To rent a car from an airport without flying, visit the car rental company’s website. or call ahead to confirm availability. You can book online and then go to the airport rental counter with the required documents to pick up your car.
Some airports or rental companies may charge an airport convenience fee even if you don’t have a flight reservation. Always check with the car rental agency to help you avoid any additional charges.
No, if you’re not flying, you can skip the flight details section when booking online. Alternatively, the car rental agencies might ask for proof of travel plans or local residency. In that case, if you’re not a resident, you need to declare the proof of hotel or homestay booking.
No. Airport rentals often have higher taxes and fees compared to downtown and other locations. If price is a concern, always book a car rental from low-traffic areas to secure a better deal.
Major rental companies like Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, and Budget allow renting a car from an airport without flying.
