Airport Pick-ups
Add your flight number when you book, follow the signs to the rental desks after collecting your bags, and have your licence ready at the counter.
Is it important to enter your arrival flight number when booking a rental car at the airport?
Yes. Your arrival flight number tells the rental company which terminal you are arriving at, domestic or international.
If your flight is delayed and the rental company has your flight details, it is more likely to hold the car for you. Without flight details, if you haven't collected the car at the booked time, the rental company may treat your booking as a no-show and give the car to another customer. See late pick-ups and delayed flights.
How do I find the rental car desk?
After you collect your bags from the carousel, follow the signs to the rental car desks. Where the desk is depends on the branch. An on-airport rental company has a desk at the airport. An off-airport rental company's branch is away from the terminal, and you may need to take a shuttle or make your own way there. Some on-airport branches also use a nearby collection area. Our guide to on-airport and off-airport car hire explains the difference. Check how your branch works before you travel.
What happens at the rental car counter?
Have your driver's licence ready, and the staff can find your booking. They will go through your booking details, the insurance liability options and any other options you want to add. They will also tell you where to collect the car, where to return it and what to do with the keys when you drop it off.
While you are at the counter, ask:
- where the nearest service station is, so you can refuel before you return the car
- what type of fuel the car takes
- how the rental company handles toll charges
Next steps
- Required documents for pick-up: what to bring to the counter
- Vehicle inspection: check the car before you leave
Part of Picking Up Your Car in the Car Hire Handbook.