Car rental at airport

Question

Arriving Oct5. Leave Oct 12. Staying Hilton Head Island. Reading many unhappy stores about car rentals at Savannah airport. We need a car for the week. 4 adults. What are other options?

Karen

Ohio

Answer

Hi Karen, I understand your concerns about car rentals at Savannah Airport, as there have been reports of long lines, limited availability, and higher prices at the airport rental counters. Fortunately, there are several other options for renting a car in the Savannah area that might offer a better experience. Here are a few alternatives to consider:

1. Renting a Car from a Location Outside Savannah Airport: If you’re open to a quick shuttle ride or drive, you could consider renting a car from one of the rental agencies located outside of the airport, which might offer better availability and rates. These locations often have a smaller crowd and can provide a more personalized service. You might want to explore the following:

Downtown Savannah Rental Locations: Many car rental agencies have offices in downtown Savannah, which can be easily accessed by a short drive or taxi from the airport. This might give you a more pleasant experience with shorter wait times.
Rental Locations Near Hilton Head: Some car rental agencies are located in the Hilton Head area, and it may be worth checking if they offer pickup or drop-off services for a reasonable price. Renting in Hilton Head could save you some hassle when you arrive.

2. Booking in Advance: While booking at the airport can sometimes lead to frustrations, booking your car rental well in advance can help guarantee availability and lock in a better price. Many agencies offer flexible cancellation policies, so you can adjust your reservation if you decide to try a different location later. Some popular car rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, or Avis allow you to select your preferred car model and set up your pickup in advance to avoid issues upon arrival.

3. Ride-Sharing or Taxi for the First Day: If you only need a car for part of your trip or want to avoid the hassle at the airport, consider using a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft for your first day in Savannah. You could spend the first night exploring the city and then rent a car from a less busy location the following day. This way, you get to avoid the airport rental chaos and still have access to transportation for the rest of your stay.

4. Alternative Car Rental Platforms: If traditional rental agencies don’t seem appealing, you might consider using peer-to-peer car rental services like Turo. Turo allows you to rent cars directly from car owners in the area, often with more flexibility in terms of pick-up and drop-off locations. It can be a great option to explore if you want something different from the usual rental experience, and it may offer better prices or availability.

5. Rental Agencies with Airport Pickup & Delivery Services: Some car rental companies, such as Enterprise, offer "pick-up" services from the airport, meaning that they can bring the car to you at the airport or a nearby location. It’s worth calling ahead to check if this service is available and what the costs might be. This could save you time and avoid the long lines at the airport rental counters.

Conclusion: While Savannah Airport can sometimes be a hassle for car rentals, there are definitely alternatives. Renting from an off-site location in Savannah or Hilton Head, booking well in advance, or considering peer-to-peer services like Turo could all provide a smoother experience. Also, if you only need a car for part of your trip, using a ride-share service for the first day can be an easy solution. I hope this helps you have a more enjoyable trip and a smoother car rental experience!

Car rental at airport

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