Car Rental Tips While Flying
Traveling by air is one of the most luxurious ways to reach your destination. After you arrive, though, you may still need to rent a car so that you can move around in your new city. Even when you're watching your spending, you can enjoy the convenience of renting a car if you know how to find the best deals. Consider these tips for obtaining a rental without sacrificing your budget.
Compare Prices
If you know you're going to need a rental car, compare prices online before you leave. Looking on the web allows you to take your time and compare the values of different car rental services. It can also provide extra savings. Some rental websites offer special online-only coupons and package deals for travelers who reserve their vehicles early.
Go Local
A recent Travelocity study shows that you can be charged up to 25.8%* in taxes and fees by airport-based car rental companies. Car rental companies local to your destination may be able to offer you a better deal. If the local company is not affiliated with your airline, or if it's completely separate from the airport you're flying into, it is probably exempt from airport fees for rentals and returns. Before deciding on a vehicle, check to see if a smaller rental company could save you money.
*See "Edmunds.com Provides Money-Saving Car Rental Tips" (August 2006; http://www.edmunds.com/help/about/press/116709/article.html).
Buy What You Need
Some car rental companies encourage the purchase of extra services and policies to go along with your vehicle. Insurance, prepaid gas, and vehicle delivery are convenient, but may not be necessary. Your personal auto insurance policy may already cover you for any unforeseen accidents while driving your rental car, and unless you know for sure that you will be using a whole tank of fuel, you may want to pass on the prepaid gas.
Watch Out for Vehicle Upgrades
With the recent instability of fuel prices, travelers are demanding smaller and smaller vehicles to save money at the pump. Your car rental provider may offer to "upgrade" your original choice of vehicles to a larger model. However, these larger models will most likely end up using more fuel. If you're on a budget, pass on the upgrade, and stick with the smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle.
Even if you're satisfied with your car rental plans, you may still need to find airfare that works for your budget. Luckily, there are plenty of great deals out there for great tickets. Head over to our Airfare for Less page to find more ways to save.