Renting a car at the airport seems convenient, but many travelers are shocked when their final bill is much higher than expected. Extra charges can add up quickly, making your airport car rental more expensive than planned.
At Drivepro Fleet, we want you to understand all the hidden fees that rental companies might charge. Knowing what to look for can help you save money and avoid surprises. Let’s break down the most common hidden fees and how to avoid them.
Common Hidden Fees in Airport Car Rentals
1. Airport Concession Fees
Many travelers don’t realize that renting a car directly from the airport often comes with extra charges. Airports charge rental companies a fee to operate on-site, and this cost is passed on to customers.
💡 How to Avoid It: Compare rental rates at off-airport locations. Sometimes, taking a short shuttle or taxi to a nearby rental company can save you money.
2. Facility and Recovery Fees
In addition to airport concession fees, rental companies may add a facility charge to cover the cost of maintaining rental offices at the airport. This fee varies by location and can range from a few dollars to over $10 per day.
💡 How to Avoid It: Before booking, check the final rental cost, including all taxes and fees, on the rental company’s website.
3. Late Return Fees
Returning your rental car late, even by an hour, can result in a full extra day’s charge. Some companies offer a short grace period, while others may charge penalties immediately.
💡 How to Avoid It: Always return the car on time. If you expect delays, call the rental company to ask about extensions or late return policies.
4. Extra Driver Fees
Adding another driver to your rental agreement can lead to an additional daily charge. Some companies waive this fee for spouses or corporate rentals, but others may charge $10–$15 per day per extra driver.
💡 How to Avoid It: Check the rental policy before adding an extra driver. Some membership programs, like AAA or certain credit cards, offer free additional drivers.
5. Young Driver Fees
Renting a car under the age of 25? Most rental companies charge extra for young drivers, sometimes $20–$30 per day.
💡 How to Avoid It: If you’re under 25, check different companies’ policies, as some have lower fees or offer discounts through corporate accounts or student programs.
6. Toll Charges and Admin Fees
Many airport rentals come with an automatic toll payment system, but they often include daily fees on top of the toll cost. Some rental companies charge a per-day toll service fee, even if you don’t pass through any tolls.
💡 How to Avoid It: If you’re driving through toll areas, bring your own toll pass or pay tolls in cash where possible.
7. Fuel Charges
Most airport rental companies offer two fuel options:
- Prepaid fuel: You pay for a full tank upfront, often at a higher price than local gas stations.
- Return full: You return the car with a full tank or get charged high refueling fees.
💡 How to Avoid It: Choose the return full option and refill the tank yourself before dropping off the car.
8. Insurance Fees
Rental companies push customers to buy extra insurance, even when it’s not necessary. Many travelers don’t realize that their personal car insurance or credit card may already cover rental cars.
💡 How to Avoid It: Before renting, check with your credit card provider or auto insurance to see if you’re already covered. Decline unnecessary insurance to save money.
9. One-Way Rental Fees
Returning your rental car to a different location, especially in another city or state, can lead to one-way fees, which sometimes exceed $100.
💡 How to Avoid It: If you need a one-way rental, compare prices from different rental companies and consider round-trip rentals to save money.
10. Undercover Charges in Damage Fees
Even if you return the car in perfect condition, some rental companies may charge for “pre-existing” scratches or dents that were already there. Without proof, it’s hard to dispute these fees.
💡 How to Avoid It: Always take photos and videos of the rental car when picking it up and returning it. If possible, ask for a signed inspection report.
Tips to Avoid Hidden Fees at the Airport
✅ Book in advance: Last-minute airport rentals are usually more expensive.
✅ Check the final cost: Don’t just look at the base rental price—check for extra fees.
✅ Read the fine print: Know the company’s policies before signing any agreement.
✅ Use memberships & discounts: Some travel memberships, like AAA, AARP, or airline partnerships, offer discounts on rentals.
✅ Keep all receipts: If there’s a dispute, having proof of payment and fuel receipts can help.
Is Airport Car Rental Worth It?
While airport car rentals are convenient, the added fees can make them more expensive than renting from an off-site location. If you’re traveling on a budget, it’s worth comparing different rental locations and policies to find the best deal.
At Drivepro Fleet, we believe in transparent pricing and making sure you get the best value for your rental. Always research rental fees in advance to avoid hidden costs and enjoy a stress-free trip!
Would you like a free price estimate for your next airport car rental? Contact Drivepro Fleet today and get a competitive quote with no surprises!
