• Many people say to book the smallest car and hope for a free upgrade, but this doesn't always work. If a small car is available you'll get it ! 

• Larger cars mayl be booked or an upgrade charge may be more costly than if you had reserved the bigger car in the first place.

• During peak rental times, many car and van categories are sold out. By law every passenger must have a seat belt available, so you can only put four in a four-passenger car. 

• Consider trunk space. A small car may hold everyone, but don’t forget the luggage and items that you may be bringing home.  

• Remember, convertibles are fun, but they have smaller trunks. Reserving the right size car in the first place is the best bet.

They must cover the costs of people who reserve cars, never show up, but don’t cancel. At certain times, often during holidays and other peak travel times, they may get be guilty of overbooking.  In those cases, they will be quicker to cancel late arriving reservations. Below are a few ways to avoid losing yours.

• Ask the agent to guarantee your reservation. To get this guarantee you will be charged a fee if you don’t show up or cancel within a certain time frame.

• Re-confirm your reservation. Make sure everything is correct and that they know you’re coming.

• Try to rent from the same company as often as possible. Many reservation records show frequent renters and they will know that you are reliable.

• Consider joining their VIP club. They include high volume renters and big corporate accounts. If it comes down to the last few cars, VIP club members usually won't be left behind.

• If are afraid that your chances of losing the car are high, call the location and ask to speak with the manager. Indicate that you will be there at a certain time and ask that he assure that you’ll have a car waiting. By making that extra effort they know thatyou’ll be looking for them. Most managers will try their best to have a car for you. If you do produce, remember to thank them for their efforts.

• Each company is different. Ask for examples of cars that you know. The classifications of models varies and an explanation will help you to compare rates and the size of the vehicle that you are booking. 

• Rental companies’ categories differ from car manufactures’ classifications. A car’s manufacturer may classify a model as a "mid size", while a rental company may call the same model "full size". Ask for clarification.

• Check the company's website to determine the location of that particular rental facility.

• Off-airport facilities may be cheaper, but travelling to an off airport property will add extra time to your rental.

• Find out how long the trip will take If they use a shuttle.

• Verify locations.  Some companies have an on-airport facility at one airport, but off-airport locations at others.

• Determine where you should meet the agent.  Find out if they have a set pickup place or do you need make a call upon arrival.

• Ask about shuttle service Both on and off airport facilities may use shuttles.

• If they do, find out how often it runs and the hours of operation. Be sure that they will still be open if you are delayed. You may need a 24-hour location.

• Check to see how far your rental car is located from the terminal. Ask for an estimate of the time it will take to get to your car.

The page contains web links to many major U.S. and foreign airports. Each airport’s site is different.  Many contain airport layouts and other information that should save you time and help make your visit a safe one. This links page also lists many airport codes that can be helpful when making Airline reservations so you and your luggage will be heading to the right airport.

• Ask for an estimate of the total charges including all taxes, extra fees or mandatory charges. Remember, the government gets a big piece out of  every rental car bill.

• The total may change depending on your choice of coverage and fuel purchase options.

• Usually, the rate quoted includes only the daily or weekly rental charge.

• Unlimited mileage is normally included, but check first.  Be sure to re verify the policy if you get an upgrade. Many companies that normally offer unlimited mileage,  have limits on specialty or luxury cars.

• This is a question that you should ask the Rental Company in the event of a delay.

• Notify them if you are late and confirm that they will still have a car available for you.

• Make sure that they only update the pick-up time and don’t rebook the reservation at a new higher rate.

• If your flight is arriving close to when the car facility closes, consider a company with a 24-hour operation. That way a delayed flight won’t ruin your trip.