Phoenix Airport Car Rental

Question

We will require a car rental for first week in March from Phoenix Airport.

Any recommendations of which car rental companies to stay away from.

And your recommendation to go directly with company or go thru wholesaler. And if so what's your experience with the different ones, i.e. Costco Travel, Autoslash, Priceline, Hotwire, Expedia.

Also when doing searches the rental agencies away from airport are less. renting off site from Airport which company would be the easiest to get to from the airport. And what would the cost be to get there.

Answer

Renting a car from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in March is generally straightforward, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind regarding rental companies, booking channels, and off-site locations.

Rental Companies to Consider or Avoid:

Avoid: Some travelers report issues with smaller, independent rental agencies that may offer very low rates but charge hidden fees or have inconsistent customer service. Examples vary, but check reviews carefully on sites like TripAdvisor or Google Maps before booking.
Reputable companies: Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo, and Dollar/Thrifty are generally reliable. Enterprise is often praised for customer service but may be slightly higher in price. Alamo and National are popular for airport rentals due to efficient processes and loyalty programs.

Booking Directly vs. Through Wholesalers:

Direct booking: Going directly through the car rental company’s website may offer better flexibility for changes, loyalty program benefits, and clearer policies regarding insurance and fees.
Wholesalers/third-party sites: Costco Travel, AutoSlash, Priceline, Hotwire, and Expedia can sometimes offer lower rates, especially if you book early. Experience varies:

Costco Travel: Often includes extra coverage, free additional driver for spouses, and generally reliable pricing.
AutoSlash: Tracks your booking and may apply rate drops automatically, useful if you book early.
Priceline/Hotwire/Expedia: Can have discounted “opaque” rates but may restrict vehicle choice or cancel/change policies.

Off-Airport Locations:

Some car rental companies have off-airport locations that may be cheaper but require a shuttle from the airport. Most off-site locations are within a 5-15 minute ride. Common shuttle services are free for customers, but check in advance.
Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis have multiple off-airport locations; Enterprise is known for having a shuttle and smooth pickup process.
Cost-wise, off-airport pickups may save $10-$30 per day, but factor in the shuttle time and convenience.

Recommendations:

If convenience and time are your priority, book directly with a major company at the airport. Enterprise, Alamo, or National are good choices for efficiency and customer service.
If cost savings are important, consider Costco Travel or AutoSlash, but check fine print regarding insurance, additional driver fees, and cancellation policies.
Off-site rentals are feasible, especially with Enterprise or Hertz, but make sure the shuttle schedule is convenient for your arrival time.

In summary, for a smooth experience in Phoenix, a major airport rental company with direct booking is usually the best balance of convenience, service, and transparency. Wholesalers like Costco Travel can provide savings and additional perks, but always read the terms carefully. Off-airport locations are an option if you want slightly lower rates and don’t mind a short shuttle ride.

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