The best tips for renting an airport car

Renting a car straight from the airport can make your trip much easier, but only if you know what to watch out for. A rushed booking, a missed detail in the contract or a wrong return time can turn the start of a holiday into a source of stress. In this article we have gathered the best tips, from our day-to-day experience with customers at Henri Coandă Airport, so you can rent smartly, pay fairly and leave with peace of mind.

1. Book online before your flight

The most expensive and most uncertain option is to look for a car only after landing. By booking online in advance you have more choice, see the exact price and know the car is waiting for you. In the Skycar booking form you enter your dates, choose the car and send the request in a few minutes. For busy periods — summer holidays, winter holidays, Easter — we recommend booking at least two or three weeks ahead.

2. Enter your actual landing time

It seems like a detail, but it matters. The pick-up time should be the time you actually leave the airport, not the departure time. Allow time for luggage and passport control, especially on flights from outside the Schengen area. If your flight is delayed, don’t worry: we follow your arrival, and if your phone is on we can contact you right away.

3. Choose the no-deposit option

One of the biggest surprises at airport rental desks is the amount blocked on your card as a deposit. It can be several hundred or even more than a thousand euros and stays blocked until after the return. At Skycar you can avoid this by choosing the no-deposit option, for a small daily supplement. See the details on our car rental Otopeni without deposit page.

4. Choose the car based on your real needs

Don’t rent the biggest car just because it feels „safer”. Think about how many people are travelling with you, how much luggage you have and what roads you will drive on. In the city a compact car is easy to drive and park. For a family with children and large suitcases, an estate or an SUV gives you the space you need. If you are not used to a manual gearbox, choose an automatic from the start. You will find all the details in the Skycar fleet.

5. Prepare your documents in advance

You need your ID card or passport and your original driving licence, both in the driver’s name. The minimum age is 21 and the licence must have been held for at least one year. If your licence was issued outside the EU, an International Driving Permit may also be required. Keep your documents in your hand luggage, not in your checked suitcase.

6. Check what the price includes

Before signing, check what is included: third-party liability insurance (RCA, included with every car), mileage (unlimited on most cars), the fuel policy and the CASCO/SCDW conditions. At Skycar, all this information is in our Terms and Conditions and is confirmed to you by phone before pick-up. An informed customer is a relaxed customer.

7. Inspect the car at pick-up

Walk all the way around the car with our representative. Look at the bodywork, wheels, windscreen and interior. All existing scratches are noted in the handover report. Also take a few photos with your phone, including of the dashboard showing the mileage and fuel level. It takes two minutes and gives you peace of mind at return.

8. Get familiar with the car before you leave

Before leaving the airport car park, adjust the seat, mirrors and steering wheel, connect your phone via Bluetooth or cable and set up navigation. Check where the headlights, wipers and handbrake are. If you arrive at night or in the rain, these steps are even more important.

9. Know the Romanian traffic rules

A few things to know: in Romania you drive on the right, dipped headlights are compulsory during the day outside towns, the legal alcohol limit is zero, and you need a road vignette (rovinietă) for national roads and motorways. Ask us at pick-up whether the car has a valid vignette and what you need to know about the bridge toll if you are heading to the seaside.

10. Respect the return time and conditions

Return the car at the agreed time and with the same fuel level. After the grace period an extra day is charged at the same daily rate. If you know you will be late, let us know in advance on +40 765 416 139. If you want to return the car at a different location from the pick-up, tell us from the start so we can organise everything.

11. Take advantage of free cancellation

At Skycar cancellation is free. This means you can book early, at the best price and with the widest availability, without any risk if your plans change. Just let us know by phone or WhatsApp and we will change or cancel the booking.

12. Only need a car in the city?

If you are staying in Bucharest and don’t need a car from day one, you can also pick it up in the city. See our car rental Bucharest without deposit offer, with the same simple conditions: no credit card, payment at pick-up and free cancellation.

Conclusion

With a little preparation, renting an airport car becomes the most convenient part of your trip. Book early, choose the no-deposit option, check your documents and inspect the car at pick-up. For any questions, the Skycar team is available around the clock on +40 765 416 139 and at office@skycar.ro.