Everything you need to know about returning a car at the airport

Introduction

About to return a rental car at the airport? Have some questions regarding the same? Fret not, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about returning the rented vehicle at an airport.

Dropping off the car requires prior planning to avoid any last-minute hassle. And while airports are considered a comparatively convenient return spot, there are a few things every renter must know, especially if it’s their first time, making a car hire return at an airport location.

How to return a rental car at the airport?

Each supplier has a different set of terms and conditions when it comes to returning the vehicle based on the location they are serving. As far as the airports are concerned, the drop-off locations and related instructions can vary from company to company. It’s vital for you to have clarity regarding the process if you wish to ensure a fuss-free experience. While your Rental Confirmation Voucher will entail all the details, including the address for vehicle return, knowing a few things beforehand will help make the entire course simpler and easier.

Types of Airport Drop-off Locations

Wondering where to return the rental car at the airport? There are multiple points in and around the premises where the return takes place.

Following are the most common types of drop-off locations:

On-site Car Rental Return

The companies with their car rental return areas situated inside the airport are counted under this category. This is considered the most convenient way to return the car as you will be within the airport premises with quick access to the terminal building, hence saving you time.

Additionally, most airports are well-signposted with directions leading you to the return location. Some suppliers tend to have a separate space while a few of them share a common parking space with allotted areas to park the vehicle.

Rental Car Center (RCC)

RCC is a consolidated rental car center situated either in a separate building or within the terminal(s) at the airport premises. It houses multiple suppliers, making the return procedure much more convenient for renters. Free shuttles, running at regular intervals, are made available to transit customers between the RCC and terminal buildings from where you are supposed to board the flight. If your supplier has a desk at the Rental Car Center, it will be duly specified in the Rental Confirmation Voucher along with other details. All the drop-off facilities will take place within the same complex.

Only a select few airports across the world have a dedicated RCC. Therefore, make sure to check beforehand whether the airport you’re renting a car from has this facility.

Off-site car rental return

Suppliers stationed outside of the airport premises are regarded as off-site companies. They are usually located within the airport’s proximity and can be reached via a free shuttle provided by most providers. The same shuttle will transport you to the airport’s terminal when you have returned the vehicle.

While the return formalities will remain the same as on-site drop-offs, the addresses will be different for each supplier and the same will be mentioned in the Rental Confirmation Voucher. If you’re having trouble locating the supplier’s office, you can take the help of GPS.

Note: Some airports have a mix of on-site and off-site rental locations. So make sure to either check the supplier’s Rental Terms or the Rental Confirmation Voucher to find your car provider’s return address.

After-hours car rental return

If you have an early morning or late flight and are planning to return the car at an odd time and you’re unsure whether the supplier will be available or not, the best thing you can do in this situation is to check with the supplier beforehand. Based on their policies, they will instruct you about their accepted terms and conditions for dropping the vehicle outside regular business hours.

If you have an early morning or late flight and are planning to return the car at an odd time when you’re unsure whether the supplier will be available or not, the best thing you can do in this situation is to check with the supplier beforehand. Based on their policies, they will instruct you about their accepted terms and conditions for dropping the vehicle outside regular business hours.

Some companies operate 24/7, however, that can vary from location to location. For accurate information, you can either refer to the suppliers’ Rental Terms or your Rental Confirmation Voucher. Alternatively, you can gather information regarding the same from the supplier when collecting your car.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Returning the Car Rental at the Airport

Clean the vehicle

Suppliers can charge you for returning the car in an untidy state. It’s important that you return the vehicle in its original condition. Therefore, make it a point to get it cleaned from both inside and out to avoid receiving a bill for the same.

Refuel the car as per the fuel policy

Based on the fuel policy that comes with the deal, it’s essential to refuel the car accordingly before returning it. If it’s the Same-to-Same policy, you will have to return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel it came with upon collection and if it’s the Full-to-Full fuel policy, you will need to get the tank full before dropping it off. For Full-to-Empty and Empty-to-Full fuel policies, you will need to empty or refuel the car respectively while dropping it off.

If you fail to meet the required terms, you will be most likely charged extra by the supplier.

Check the vehicle for your belongings

You wouldn’t want to leave your personal belongings behind in your hired car. Therefore, before dropping the vehicle at the airport, make sure to inspect it properly so that no item of yours is left behind. Look between and under the seats, examine the storage space and trunk, or any other place that you might have used to store your belongings. Check for your important documents and luggage and then go ahead with the return formalities.

In case you have forgotten something in the car, immediately get in touch with your supplier; their contact information will be mentioned in the Rental Confirmation Voucher.

Inspect the car for damages

If you took the pictures of the vehicle during pick-up, use them to see if the car has any kind of scratch or damage. This will help you be prepared and avoid being charged for the damages you aren’t responsible for, in case the attendant questions you during the return.

Return the Car On Time

Make sure to take the car back to the rental facility on time to avoid getting charged extra by the supplier. Since the return process at airports can take some time, it’s advised that you appear at the supplier’s office a bit earlier if you have a flight to catch.

Check with the supplier for security deposit

For all your Security Deposit-related queries, you can communicate with the supplier at the desk while returning the car. For instance, if you wish to know when will the security amount be released or refunded, you can speak with the attendant regarding the same then and there only.

Early Car Hire Return is Possible

If your trip ended sooner than you anticipated and you no longer need the rented vehicle, you can choose to return it earlier. However, the terms and conditions can be different for each supplier and some companies might charge you an early return penalty fee. Also, notify the provider regarding it before driving the car back to the airport location to avoid any confusion.

How long does it take to return a rental car at the airport?

It typically takes 15-20 minutes to return the car rental at the airport depending on the supplier’s location. However, it might take a bit longer in situations where the vehicle has been found damaged or there are some additional charges that need to be covered. Therefore, you must keep extra time in hand to get done with the return formalities without having to rush.