Rent a car online or at the airport ? USA

castor 1

Going to US next week and wondering if I would get a better deal on arriving at the airport or would it be cheaper online ?

Only need the car for about 4 days.

Gavman84

Far cheaper online walk up rates are way more expensive. Further in advance the cheaper too!

bigtimecharlie

Next week, get typing and searching.

Ihaveanopinion

you will get taken to the cleaners if you rent on the day.

seanmacc

Try not rent at the airport if you can help it.

We usually rent with Enterprise when we go to the states. We usually get a taxi to where we are staying and pick up the rental car from a local branch near our accomadation the next day. We find that the local branch is about 20% cheaper than the airport which when our rental is usually more than 4 weeks adds up. Also try and get your insurance seperatley online. The insurance rates they charge you at the rental desk are ridiculous.

We also know that the local branch never has any economy cars so we find that we are always given a free upgrade to intermediate or standard.

Always prebook online and bear in mind that if you are under 25 a lot of companies won't rent to you.

firefly08

Also you could pitch up at the rental desks and everyone could be sold out. It happens...probably less so the bigger the city but you never know. Always book in advance.

Gavman84

seanmacc wrote: »

Also try and get your insurance seperatley online. The insurance rates they charge you at the rental desk are ridiculous. .

these companies are grand and all if you can afford to fork out the excess costs should the case arise. I personally take the insurance for peace of mind. With there 3rd parties you pay and then have to go chasing the 3rd party for the money hassle I'd much rather do without!

castor 1

Thanks all for the replies.

Usually book online for abroad but I'm getting tired of the extras etc when I get to the desk.

Good tips on the insurances.

Guess its back to the keyboard so !