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After a long flight, the easiest option seems to be renting a car directly from the airport and driving off. But is that really the easiest option?
It might seem easier, but in reality, it’s less safe, less convenient, more stressful and more expensive. Let’s break down why airport transfers followed by local branch pickup is often the better move, for you and your clients.
Before we go into details, here’s why RMCs should be combining airport transfers with local branch car rentals:
Choosing an airport transfer isn’t just about saving money, it’s also the safer and more practical option for your assignees.
Here’s why:
Jet lag and safety don’t mix Asking an assignee to drive immediately after a long international flight, potentially at night, in an unfamiliar country, on unfamiliar roads, is not only stressful, but also increases risk. After a long flight, most people feel a state of fatigue, which is commonly known as jetlag. For drivers it can result in reduced concentration, slower reaction times, and poor decision-making – all of which can increase the risk of accidents (1). In fact, scholars recommend not driving a rental vehicle from the airport if the flight arrives at night or they have crossed more than five time zones. And they also found that traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for international travelers – suggesting that jet lag could be influential (1).
Logistics with luggage Many assignees travel with multiple large suitcases (often 4–6 or more). Fitting all of that into a standard rental car right at the airport can be a real challenge, especially when traveling with family, who might be bringing luggage or strollers as well. Our transfer services are specifically arranged to accommodate both the number of passengers and the volume of luggage.
Without this tailored support, assignees may be forced to organize a separate taxi for their luggage, or make two trips; first transporting the luggage while leaving the family behind, then returning to pick them up. This not only creates unnecessary stress after a long flight, but also adds logistical complications such as waiting times, coordinating pick-up points, and managing children or tired family members in a foreign airport
Navigation stress Finding the rental car desk can be surprisingly complicated. At many airports, rental facilities are located off-site and require shuttle transfers, or they’re positioned on upper levels – often far from the arrivals area. This means assignees may need to haul heavy luggage through crowded terminals, up elevators or escalators, searching for signs, and potentially waiting in long queues, all before they’ve even left the airport
Even after securing the rental car, navigation can present additional challenges. Mobile phones may not function properly if the assignee’s SIM card doesn’t work internationally, or if they haven’t had a chance to purchase one at the airport. In some cases, their phone may be out of battery after a long flight, or there may be no phone mount in the rental car to safely follow GPS directions. All of these issues add unnecessary stress to what should be a smooth arrival, especially after a long international journey.
Time wasted The time spent navigating the airport to find the rental counter, waiting in line, and locating the car adds up quickly. In many cases, it’s actually faster to take a pre-booked transfer and pick up the car the next day from a nearby local branch.
Booking a transfer first removes these barriers entirely. The assignee is greeted at arrivals, luggage is handled, and they are driven directly to their accommodation without stress.
Convinced?
When prioritizing the assignee’s comfort and peace of mind, an airport transfer combined with a local branch rental is by far the most efficient and stress-free solution. It eliminates the hassle of navigating busy terminals, locating rental desks, managing excessive luggage, and dealing with unreliable phone navigation after a long flight.
And if the convenience and safety alone isn’t convincing – airport rentals also tend to come at a premium. Rates are often significantly higher compared to local branches, with additional airport surcharges and fees. In short, choosing a tailored transfer with a local rental isn’t just smarter logistically, it’s also often the more cost-effective option.
Renting a car at the airport might feel like the quickest option, but it comes at a price. On average, it’s 18.4% more expensive to rent at the airport compared to picking up the same vehicle from a downtown or local branch nearby (2).
Why the markup? Airport rentals include added fees like:
These fees are added because rental companies pay the airport to operate on-site. That cost is then passed to you, – and ultimately to your clients. It increases the total cost significantly, without adding any extra value.
We recently compared two identical rentals for a mid-size sedan: one picked up at the airport and one from a local branch just 3 miles away.
In the first example, the airport pickup was 28.9% more expensive than the local branch option for a 30 day rental. The car, dates, and rental terms were exactly the same. The only difference was the pickup location.
In the second example, the airport booking came in 24.2% more expensive than the nearby local alternative for a 4-month rental. Again, no difference in vehicle or rental conditions, just the location.
For longer rentals, the savings become even more significant. In some cases, opting for an airport transfer and picking up the car locally can save over $1,000 on a single booking. This isn’t a one-time deal, it’s a consistent, proven way to reduce costs without compromising on quality or convenience.
For longer assignments, the most cost-effective option is often to book an airport transfer for the assignee’s arrival, then arrange for their rental car to be picked up at a nearby local branch.
Jet lag, unfamiliar roads, and the pressure of immediate navigation can create unnecessary stress. A pre-arranged airport transfer ensures a smooth landing – literally and figuratively. To learn more about why airport transfers are the optimal solution, click here.
Benefits of combining airport transfer with rental at a local branch
And if your assignee must pick up at the airport
We can of course organize that too. While local branch pickups offer greater savings, we understand that sometimes airport collection is necessary due to timing, preferences, or specific client requirements. In such cases, we recommend that assignees take a short break upon arrival, perhaps grab a coffee or another caffeinated beverage, to help boost alertness and support safer, more focused driving (1).
Ultimately, whether choosing a local branch or airport pickup, our goal is the same: to ensure a smooth, safe, and stress-free start to your assignee’s journey. We make sure your assignees are taken care of.
Sources:
(1) Chai, S. Y., & Flaherty, G. T. (2019). Lagging behind – The emerging influence of jet lag symptoms on road safety. International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health, 7(2), 39–44. https://doi.org/10.15171/ijtmgh.2019.09
(2) https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-it-cheaper-to-rent-a-car-at-the-airport
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