car rentals at phoenix airport

car rentals at phoenix airport
steering free from hidden rental costs

The next time you rent a car, read the fine print. Car are now equipped with even more creative ways of extracting money from travelers. Last year, for example, car-rental franchise secretly, quietly, the airport concession fees, the 2-10 percent on customers who drive from airport locations. The fees, work something like airport charges and are at the airports, which once by the landlord.

But not anymore. In 1997, Avis collected $ 17 million in concession fees, budget $ 8 million U.S. dollars each, and Thrifty in $ 6 million, and Hertz raked in an impressive $ 24 million.

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"Everyone looks at all other than a source of revenue," said Steve Swope, Senior Vice President for Business Consultant Talus Solutions Inc. in Atlanta. "" Look at airports car rental companies as a source of income. The car owners look at their customers as revenue sources. "

However, you can not blame the car rental industry is trying to squeeze a little more from the traveler. In the last ten years, average car prices, not even with inflation kept pace. In fact, car rental agencies do not significantly increase their prices until 1997, when prices increased by a modest 5.2 percent.

So, how can you prevent a surprise on the next rent bill? If your reservation, find out what the total cost will be. Although it may be your agent some time to match anything, it gives you a better idea of the actual costs.

Also ensure that all the fine print in the contract, including many of the "hidden" costs such as franchise fees. If there is doubt as to what you're willing to pay the landlord's website or call its toll-free number and ask a representative.

Finally, know exactly what you need and what is not. If you pay with plastic, for example, many credit cards automatically insured. If this is the case, not to let the rental agent strong arm you to purchase the expensive agency policy. Also waive the options you can not use it as prebuying a full tank of gas when you return the car. Fuel is often cheaper off-site.

Christopher McGinnis, a CNN commentator and author of The Unofficial Business Travelers Pocket Guide (McGraw-Hill), wrote the travel awards sections. Christopher Elliot, Entrepreneur's "Travel" columnist, contributed the remainder of the article.