What to expect when you rent a car at an airport location
Airport car rental counters operate differently from off-airport branches. You'll find them in the baggage claim area or a nearby rental facility, and they're staffed during all flight arrivals. The process is faster than booking online beforehand — you can walk up, show your driver's license and payment method, and drive away in 15 to 30 minutes if the location has cars available.
Airport locations charge a facility fee on top of the daily rental rate. This fee covers the cost of operating a counter in the terminal or nearby building and varies by airport and rental company — it can add $5 to $15 per day to your total cost. Some airports also charge a concession recovery fee, which is separate from the facility fee. Both appear as line items on your final bill.
You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own policy card or the rental company's coverage). If you're under 25, most companies charge an underage driver fee and may restrict the types of vehicles available to you. International visitors need a passport and, in most cases, an International Driving Permit alongside their home country license.
Key Takeaways
- Airport rental counters charge a facility fee in addition to the daily rate, which typically adds $5 to $15 per day depending on the airport.
- You can rent on the spot at an airport counter without a reservation, though booking ahead guarantees a vehicle type and locks in the rate.
- Bring your driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance — your own policy or the rental company's coverage.
- Airport locations are open during all flight arrivals, but off-airport branches nearby often have lower rates and no facility fees.
- Underage drivers (under 25) face additional fees and vehicle restrictions at most rental companies.
Airport facility fees and what they cover
The facility fee is a mandatory charge that every rental company at the airport must collect. It's set by the airport authority, not the rental company, so you'll pay roughly the same amount whether you rent from Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, or Avis at the same airport. The fee covers the cost of the counter space, staffing, and airport operations.
Some airports also charge a concession recovery fee, which is a separate line item. This fee reimburses the airport for the discount it gave the rental company to operate there. Together, these fees can add $10 to $25 per day to a basic rental rate. If you're renting for a week, that's $70 to $175 in fees alone.
Off-airport branches — locations a few miles from the terminal, reachable by shuttle or rideshare — do not charge facility fees. If you have time and flexibility, renting from an off-airport location can save you money, though you'll need to arrange transportation to the branch and back to the airport when you return the car.
Booking ahead versus renting on arrival
Booking a reservation before you travel locks in your rate and guarantees a vehicle type. When you arrive at the counter, you show your confirmation number, hand over your license and credit card, and the process moves quickly. If the rental company oversells that vehicle class, you're protected — they must provide the car you reserved or upgrade you at no charge.
Renting without a reservation at the airport counter is possible but riskier. If the location is busy or running low on inventory, you may be offered a different vehicle type at a higher rate, or told to wait. During peak travel times (holidays, summer weekends), walk-up rentals can face long waits or unavailable cars.
Most people book online or by phone a few days before travel. This takes five minutes, costs nothing extra, and removes the uncertainty. If your plans change, you can usually cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before pickup.
Insurance and damage coverage at airport counters
The rental company will ask whether you want to purchase their damage waiver, called a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This covers damage to the rental car if you're in an accident or the car is vandalized. The cost is typically $15 to $30 per day.
Before you buy the rental company's coverage, check whether your own auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars. Many personal policies and premium credit cards include rental car coverage at no extra cost. If you're covered, you can decline the rental company's waiver and save money. Bring your insurance card or a letter from your credit card company stating that rental cars are covered.
If you don't have outside coverage and decline the rental company's waiver, you're personally liable for any damage to the car, including dents, scratches, and mechanical damage. The rental company will charge you for repairs, which can be expensive. Read the damage waiver terms carefully — some have high deductibles or exclude certain types of damage.
Returning the car and avoiding extra charges
Return the car to the same airport location where you picked it up, unless you booked a one-way rental to a different city. Fuel is the biggest source of extra charges at return. Most rentals come with a full tank and require you to return it full. If you return it empty or partially empty, the rental company will refuel it and charge you a premium price — often $5 to $8 per gallon, which is two to three times the pump price.
Fill the tank at a gas station near the airport before you return the car. Don't rely on the rental company's fuel option, where you prepay for a full tank and return the car empty — you'll pay for gas you didn't use if you return it with fuel remaining.
Return the car on time. Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate, depending on how late you are. If you're running behind, call the rental location as soon as you know — some companies will extend your reservation without penalty if you call ahead.
Underage drivers and vehicle restrictions
Drivers under 25 pay an underage driver fee, typically $15 to $25 per day. This fee is mandatory at most rental companies and is set by the company, not the airport. Some companies have a minimum age of 21; others require drivers to be 18 with a higher fee.
Underage drivers are often restricted from renting luxury vehicles, sports cars, or large SUVs. You may be limited to economy or mid-size cars. Some companies require an underage driver to provide a credit card with a higher credit limit to cover potential damage charges.
If you're under 25 and renting at an airport, budget for the underage fee and ask about vehicle restrictions when you book. The fee is non-negotiable, but knowing it upfront helps you plan your total cost.
International visitors renting at U.S. airports
You'll need a valid passport and your home country driver's license. Most rental companies also require an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is a translation of your license issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority. An IDP is not a separate license — it's a document that confirms your home country license is valid.
Some rental companies will rent to you with just a passport and home country license, but having an IDP removes any question. You can obtain an IDP before you travel through your home country's automobile association or equivalent body. It typically costs $15 to $30 and takes a few days to arrive.
Credit card requirements are the same for international visitors: the card must be in your name and have a U.S. billing address, or the rental company may decline it. If your credit card is issued outside the U.S., call the rental company before you arrive to confirm they'll accept it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car at the airport without a reservation?
Yes, you can walk up to any rental counter and rent on the spot. However, you may face a wait or be offered a different vehicle type if the location is busy. Booking ahead guarantees your vehicle type and rate, which is why most people reserve a few days before travel.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late returns are charged at the daily rate or an hourly rate, depending on how late you are and the rental company's policy. If you're running behind, call the location as soon as you know — many companies will extend your reservation without penalty if you call ahead.
Do I have to buy the rental company's insurance?
No. If your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars, you can decline the rental company's waiver. Bring proof of your coverage (your insurance card or a letter from your credit card company) to show the counter agent.
Why is airport rental more expensive than off-airport?
Airport locations charge a facility fee set by the airport authority, which covers the cost of operating a counter in the terminal. Off-airport branches don't charge this fee, so their base rates are lower. The trade-off is that you'll need to arrange transportation to an off-airport location.
What if the rental company won't accept my credit card?
Some rental companies decline credit cards issued outside the U.S. or cards without a U.S. billing address. Call the rental company before you travel to confirm they'll accept your card. If they won't, ask whether they accept a debit card or whether a co-renter with a U.S. card can provide the payment method.