Is it cheaper to hire a car online or at the airport?
Going on holiday and wondering how to save on car rental? We set the record straight in our guide.
Summer is upon us and the siren song of a trip abroad is in the air. And what better way to take the stress out of holiday planning than by renting a car at the other end?
Car rental on holiday is a winner for a number of reasons. It lets you try out different car makes and models. It opens up new routes for exploration that public transport doesn't allow. And above all, it takes the stress out of driving your own vehicle in an unfamiliar environment.
When you come to hire a car, however, you're faced with options. One of the biggest choices you need to make is between hiring a car online or hiring it when you land at the airport.
If you want spontaneity and don't mind the cost, hiring at the airport can work out just fine. But if you want to get the best rates, you should always book online.
This is especially true when travelling at peak times (like summer) or going to a popular destination. You're far more likely to get a promotional deal that's not available at the airport desk.
Why is it more expensive to hire a car at the airport than online?
Ever noticed how food and drink at train stations, airports, museums and galleries are more expensive than on the high street?
The reason is simple enough. Retailers know you're likely to put up with a higher price when you're effectively stuck in one place. You're a captive audience – not like someone in a city centre who will go elsewhere if prices are too high.
The same goes for car rental. If you arrive needing a rental car, you're far less likely to argue with the price than if you plan ahead. Airport car rental companies exploit this by increasing prices.
It's not just a case of price gouging, though. Car rental companies at airports also have to pay higher taxes and fees. These are passed on to you, the customer.
Booking online, you're more likely to get a good deal – and more likely to get the car you want. Essentially, you're not at the mercy of the company. You can shop around, ask questions and get a vehicle that meets your requirements.
Advantages of booking your car rental online
The key advantage of booking your car online is that you can snag a better deal than if you do it at the airport. Ideally, you should secure your rental at the same time that you book your holiday – especially if you're going to a popular destination at a peak period.
You also get more of a chance to communicate with the car dealer and check everything is above board. If you book at the airport, you're more or less stuck with whichever company is based there – with no way to check whether they're trusted.
Other ways to get a good deal on car rental
1. Know when a deal is too good to be true
Car rental companies at airports have one thing in common with budget airlines: the deals are often too good to be true.
The upfront price may look good. But scratch the surface and you'll unearth all sorts of hidden charges, wriggling like worms beneath a hissing summer lawn.
These could be anything from sneaky admin fees to extra mileage charges, from late drop-off to refuelling. Remember: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Stick to one driver
Many car rental companies charge fees for extra drivers – and this applies regardless of the type of car. If you can, stick to one driver and you'll have a little more money to spend on your trip.
3. Choose an economy vehicle
This is one of those life hacks that works some but not all the time.
Economy cars are the cheapest and therefore the most likely to be booked. Some say you should reserve the smallest and cheapest car on the assumption it will be booked and you'll get an upgrade.
This isn't a dead cert – and you should obviously prioritise getting a vehicle that can carry your passengers and luggage. However, it's worked for some and could work for you.
4. Pick up your rental car outside the airport
Let's say you're flying to Malaga – or Newcastle International Airport in our neck of the woods.
Picking up your rental car at the airport is likely to cost more than picking it up from a train station or the dealership itself.
That's where a firm like ours excels. We're more affordable than the big names because we can provide pick-ups from destinations that are convenient but not on the airport's doorstep. And, with prior arrangement, we may be able to arrange to collect your from the airport too. Win-win!
5. Check the fuel policy
Different car rental companies have different fuel policies – in other words, different ways to calculate how much you pay for fuel. Here at MVH Rental, we use a full-to-full policy.
This means that when you pick up and return the vehicle it should have a full tank of petrol. This is more cost-effective than a full-to-empty or "pre-purchase" deal.
Full-to-empty is recommended on the basis that you don't need to find a petrol station before you drop the car off. But unless you use all the petrol in the tank, you stand to make a loss. Full-to-full lets you pay for the fuel you use and not a penny more.
6. Use a trusted local car hire firm
This is a big one. Local car hire firms are usually cheaper than big brands. If a local firm has experience, testimonials and jargon-free marketing, you should be in safe hands.
This is where we come in. If you're flying to Newcastle International Airport this summer, why not
get in touch for a quick, competitive
vehicle hire quote? We guarantee you'll pay less than at the airport. Happy holidays!
