What Southwest Car Rental Offers

Southwest Airlines does not operate its own car rental fleet. Instead, Southwest partners with Hertz to offer rental cars to passengers through its website and booking system. When you book a car through Southwest.com, you are booking through Hertz but may see discounts tied to your Southwest frequent flyer account or ticket purchase.

The cars available depend on Hertz's inventory at your chosen location — typically economy sedans, mid-size vehicles, SUVs, and trucks. Prices vary by location, season, and how far in advance you book. You can rent from most major U.S. airports and many city locations where Hertz operates.

Key Takeaways

  • Southwest car rentals are fulfilled by Hertz, and you book through Southwest.com or directly through Hertz's website.
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards members may receive discounts on Hertz rentals, but you must link your account or enter your membership number at booking.
  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own policy or Hertz's coverage) to complete the rental.
  • Booking directly through Hertz sometimes offers different rates or promotions than booking through Southwest, so comparing both is worth your time.
  • Cancellation policies depend on the rate you choose — some rates are fully refundable up to 24 hours before pickup, while others are non-refundable.

How to Book a Car Through Southwest

Log into Southwest.com and navigate to the car rental section, or go directly to the Hertz website. Enter your pickup location, pickup date and time, and return date and time. The system will show available vehicles and prices for each option.

If you are a Southwest Rapid Rewards member, sign in before searching so the system can explore member discounts automatically. If you are not signed in, you can enter your Rapid Rewards number at checkout. Compare the rate you see on Southwest.com with the rate on Hertz.com directly — sometimes one site offers a better price or promotion than the other.

Select your vehicle, review the insurance options (see the insurance section below), and complete payment with a credit card. You will receive a confirmation email with your reservation number, pickup instructions, and the rental agreement terms.

Insurance and Damage Coverage Options

Hertz offers several coverage options at checkout. Damage waiver (sometimes called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) limits your liability if the car is damaged or stolen. Supplemental liability covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. Personal effects coverage covers items stolen from the car.

Before you buy Hertz's coverage, check your own auto insurance policy — many personal policies cover rental cars at no extra cost. Also check your credit card's rental car protection, which often covers damage if you charge the full rental to that card. If your personal coverage is solid, you may not need to purchase Hertz's options.

If you decline all coverage and the car is damaged, you are responsible for repair costs. Hertz will document damage with photos at pickup and return, so inspect the car carefully when you arrive and point out any existing dents, scratches, or stains before you drive off the lot.

What You Need to Bring to Pickup

Bring your valid driver's license (a U.S. state license, military ID, or passport with a valid visa). Hertz requires the credit card you used to book the reservation, in your name. Some locations may ask for a second form of ID.

You do not need to bring proof of insurance if you purchased Hertz's coverage at booking. If you declined their coverage and are relying on your own policy, bring a copy of your insurance card or declaration page — Hertz may ask to see it, though many locations no longer require it.

Bring your confirmation email or reservation number. If you booked through Southwest, you may also have a Southwest confirmation number. Have both handy when you arrive.

Age Requirements and Additional Fees

Hertz rents to drivers age 20 and older at most U.S. locations. Drivers under 25 typically pay a young driver surcharge — the amount varies by location and can range from a few dollars to $15 or more per day. This fee is not always shown until late in the booking process, so check the final quote carefully.

Some locations charge extra for additional drivers (usually $10 to $15 per person per day). Hertz also charges for GPS units, child car seats, and other add-ons if you request them. These fees appear in the final quote before you complete payment.

Returning the Car and Fuel Options

Return the car to the same Hertz location where you picked it up, unless you selected a different return location at booking (which may carry an extra fee). Return it on the date and time specified in your reservation. Late returns are charged at the daily rate or higher.

Hertz offers a fuel option at booking: you can prepay for a full tank at a set price per gallon, or you can return the car with a full tank yourself. If you prepay and return the car with fuel remaining, you do not get a refund. If you do not prepay and return the car less than full, Hertz charges you for the missing fuel at a higher per-gallon rate. Most renters find it cheaper to fill the tank themselves at a gas station near the return location.

When you return the car, Hertz staff will inspect it for damage, check the mileage and fuel level, and process your return. You will receive a final receipt by email within a few days. If there are damage charges, Hertz will contact you with photos and an explanation.

Cancellation and Changes

Cancellation and modification policies depend on the rate you selected at booking. Some rates are fully refundable if you cancel up to 24 hours before pickup; others are non-refundable. The rate details shown at checkout will state the cancellation policy clearly.

To cancel or modify your reservation, log into Southwest.com or Hertz.com with your confirmation number and make the change online. You can also call Hertz directly at the phone number on your confirmation email. If you cancel a refundable rate within the allowed window, the charge will be removed from your credit card within 5 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a Southwest car rental without a Southwest account?

Yes. You can book directly through Hertz.com without a Southwest account. You will not receive Southwest Rapid Rewards discounts, but you can still rent a car. If you have a Southwest account, signing in before booking may save you money.

What if I need to extend my rental after I pick up the car?

Call the Hertz location where you rented the car as soon as you know you need extra days. Availability and pricing depend on demand at that location. Extensions are usually possible but may cost more than your original daily rate. Do not straightforward keep the car past your return date — that is considered a late return and will be charged at a premium rate.

Does Southwest offer one-way rentals?

Yes, Hertz allows one-way rentals (picking up at one location and returning at another). One-way rentals usually cost more than round-trip rentals. The extra fee appears in your quote before checkout, so you will see the total cost before you book.

What happens if the car breaks down during my rental?

Call the phone number on your rental agreement or Hertz roadside information when ready. Hertz will arrange a repair or replacement vehicle at no cost to you. Keep all receipts and documentation if you pay for anything out of pocket — Hertz will reimburse you if the breakdown was not your fault.

Can I rent a car for someone else to drive?

No. The person whose name is on the credit card and driver's license must be the primary renter. Additional drivers can be added at pickup for a daily fee, but they must be present and provide their own valid driver's license. The primary renter remains responsible for the car and any damage.