Last Updated on February 12, 2023 by Elizabeth
Photo credit: ShutterstockAre you still waiting in line every time you pick up a rental car? There’s often no reason to join the queue when you pick up a rental car, especially at a major airport location. Here’s how to save time and skip the counter most of the time.
Car Rental Rewards Programs That Let You Skip the Line
The easiest way to skip the line or or stand in a shorter line at the rental car counter is simply to join that company’s rewards program. Here’s the scoop at the major rental car companies:
Alamo Rent-a-Car
The much-advertised “Skip the Counter” option is available at over 45 participating airport locations. To take advantage of this line-skipping program, you simply need to check in online. You will be prompted to provide a few details, such as your driver’s license information and date of birth. Next, you will confirm your protection options, agree to the rental agreement terms and conditions, and enter a valid credit card. You will not be charged until you return your vehicle.
When you get to the airport location, you’ll see Alamo’s self-serve rental kiosks. But since you’ve already checked in online, you can go straight to your car.
Not renting at an airport location? Joining the Alamo Insiders rewards program is a good idea. Insiders members usually have access to a faster line, and having your information on file greatly speeds up the rental process once you’re at the counter.
Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental
Forgot to check in online? Alamo’s automated kiosks are a great fallback option to avoid the queue. It takes only a few minutes to scan your credit card and driver’s license, and the kiosk will print out a ticket you can take to the lot to choose your vehicle from a designated section.
Avis Car Rental
Avis’s free loyalty program, Avis Preferred, is both an express rental program that lets you bypass the rental counter at major and midsize airport locations and a rewards program to earn free days. Once you’ve signed up, you simply find your name on the board and proceed to your car in its assigned parking spot. Drive to the exit gate, flash your license, and you’re on the road.
At smaller locations, the process involves stopping at a rental counter to show your license and retrieve your keys. Depending on the size of the branch, there will either be a dedicated Preferred counter or priority Preferred lines, so waits are rarely too long.
Note that, even you haven’t taken the time to check in online, you can still save time when returning your car by taking advantage of the kiosk check-out.
Budget Rent a Car
The Budget Fastbreak program is mainly an express rental service rather than a rewards program. At many major airports, Budget Fastbreak members can proceed directly to the lot, choose their own car, drive to the exit gate, and show their license. On the tail end of your trip, returns are just as easy. Drop the car in the designated area and go, and Budget will email you the receipt.
Dollar Car Rental
The free Dollar Express program serves primarily as an express rental program and you can also earn points toward free award days. Most major airport locations have dedicated Dollar Express counters and smaller outlets have at least a priority Express line. Some locations post your name on a board with a pre-assigned car in a designated parking stall. With the keys and contract waiting on your dashboard, you just need to hop in and show your license at the exit gate.
Most neighborhood Dollar locations still require you to stop at a counter to take care of your paperwork, which can make the process take longer, especially if the office is busy.
Enterprise Rent-a-Car
Membership in the free Enterprise Plus program lets you skip the queue with Enterprise ReadyPass, a digital pass that is similar to an airline boarding document. It lets you skip the counter and go directly to the vehicle after flashing the pass to an agent.
Hertz Rent a Car
Membership in the free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program lets you skip the counter and earn points toward free award days. At most major airports, Hertz offers its Ultimate Choice service, which lets you choose your own car.
National Car Rental
Counter-skipping is available at over 60 participating Emerald Aisle locations in the U.S. and Canada. Join the Emerald Club rewards program and reserve a midsize car. Go to the Aisle section, and choose any size, color, make, or model of vehicle available—convertible, SUV, take your pick—and you’ll only pay the midsize car rate. The keys are in the car, so it’s the easiest way to get on the road fast.
Payless Car Rental
If you want to skip the line, steer clear of Payless, which offers neither online check-in nor an express service.
Thrifty Car Rental
The complimentary Blue Chip rewards program serves primarily as an express rental program and you can earn points toward free award days. Most major airport locations have dedicated Blue Chip counters and smaller outlets have at least a priority Blue Chip line. Some locations post your name on a board with a pre-assigned car in a designated parking stall. With the keys and contract waiting on your dashboard, you just need to hop in and show your license at the exit gate.
Most neighborhood locations still require you to stop at a counter to process your paperwork, which can cause delays if the office is busy.
Priceline: How to Earn Points and Skip the Line
But what if your best-price quote is with Priceline? There’s no need to chase down loyalty program points when you book through AutoSlash. Just follow the following steps:
- Choose the “Free Cancellation” / “Pay Later” rate that matches the discounted rates we send.
- Enter your loyalty program number on the same screen as you enter other reservation details, before you confirm the reservation. Then read and accept the rules and submit the reservation.
Related:
- The Best Car Rental Rewards Programs
- How to Earn Rental Car Points and Skip the Counter When Booking Through Priceline
The post How to Skip the Line at the Car Rental Counter Almost Every Time appeared first on AutoSlash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do European rental cars have automatic transmissions
The answer is yes. It is a rule that rental agencies will not rent vehicles without an automated transmission. This is because it can be costly to repair any damage caused by driving around. It would be far too costly to replace all these parts every time you drive away with dents in the bodywork.
You can rent a car with an automatic transmission in Europe if you wish to.
Which countries accept US driver’s licenses
The United States does NOT recognize driver's licenses from other countries as valid on its roads. However, Canada, Mexico and District of Columbia recognize them.
Canada recognizes American driver’s licenses issued in all 50 states and District of Columbia.
Mexico also recognizes American driver’s licences. However, they are currently only recognized in Chihuahua.
The District of Columbia accepts American driver's licenses from all 50 states except Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and West Virginia.
Can I use my credit card to rent a car?
Yes. However, you should be aware of the possibility of additional fees when using your card overseas. Compare rates before you make a reservation. Many websites let you reserve your space without making payment until you get there, which can save you money.
Chase Sapphire covers car rental insurance in Ireland
You can insure your car for an additional EUR15 each day. There are many optional extras that you can access, such as breakdown assistance, theft insurance and personal accident insurance.
What is the difference of a national and international rental car?
Cars made in domestic are generally cheaper, but they offer fewer features than cars made abroad.
International cars are more expensive but offer better comfort and safety equipment such as air conditioning, seat belts, anti-lock brakes, etc.
It is important to consider how much you travel each day when choosing the right car.
You should consider a domestic car (local) if you are traveling more than 100 miles from the airport. These cars are usually cheaper.
If you plan to drive around large cities and go off-road often, you might consider an international model.
Statistics
- For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 3 percent cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations (terms apply), and the Citi Premier® Card earns three points per dollar at gas stations, too. (afar.com)
- You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.com)
- The perks vary from partner to partner, but you can expect discounts of up to 35 percent on some rentals and the ability to earn anywhere from 50 bonus American AAdvantage miles per day or 500 per rental. (afar.com)
- In 2019, the most crucial factor is the cost and fees of the rental (accounting for 28% of overall satisfaction with the rental experience), followed by the rental car itself at 25% and the pick-up process at 23%. (cnet.com)
- Save up to 30% on your rental car in Europe when you book with us today. (autoeurope.com)
External Links
sixt.com
jdpower.com
- 2021 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study
- 2019 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study | J.D. Power
autoslash.com
kayak.com
How To
How to report an accident in a rental car
If you rent a vehicle to travel in, there is always the possibility of something happening while driving. You can get in an auto accident, your luggage may be stolen, or someone could be hurt. To avoid any financial loss, you will need to file a claim against your insurance company.
In the United States, if you were involved in a car accident, it should be reported right away. Police will then be able record the details of your crash and inform you about their findings. They will issue you either a ticket or keep a record of the incident. They will then file a claim against you driver's licence.
After you are involved in an accident, call 911 immediately. The dispatcher will ask you basic questions about the accident and whether any injuries were sustained. Afterward, he/she will tell you where to go and who to talk to next. In most cases, the first thing you'll do when dealing with an accident is to exchange contact information with the other party. You will likely get the name and number of the other party. Next, make sure that everyone is safe. If someone is hurt or unable to move on their own, you'll try to help them out.
Documenting everything is important even if there was no injury. Make sure you write down the date, time, location, weather conditions, road conditions, type of collision, names of people involved, injuries sustained, and anything else that seems pertinent. It is important to get medical attention for anyone who was hurt. You will also need to keep track and record your damages, which may include damage to your car or the vehicle of the other party.
Afterward, you'll want to follow up with your insurer. First, submit an online claim form. Most insurance providers will offer to pay the amount of the deductible before paying the rest. Once the claim has been settled, you and your other driver must sign an agreement. The insurer will send you a check.
Now that you've filed a claim, you'll want to stay within the guidelines set by your insurer. If your policy covers renting a car or allowing you to drive it yourself, these are the rules.
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