Fill the gas tank before going to the airport. You may be able to find a gas station near the airport. If you do not fill the tank you will be charged a premium rate by the rental company to fill the car with gas. Another option at some agencies is to pay for a full tank of gas when you rent the car. This will allow you to return the tank almost empty. However, it will cost you more if you return the car with a full tank, or even half a tank.
Return the car on time. If your rental contract says are supposed to return the car at noon, you will be charged extra if you return the car at 2 p.m. Car rental companies work on a 24-hour system. If you return your car after the 24-hour period you will be charged more, too.
Call the rental agency and ask where its lot is at the airport. This will make your return a little easier. When you get close to the airport, look for signs that say "Rental Car Return," or something similar. Follow the signs to the rental return area, then look for your specific rental company, such as Avis, Budget or Enterprise. Some agencies operate offsite, meaning they are not on the airport property. This is another reason to call the company ahead of time. If its lot is away from the airport, it will take longer to reach your terminal. The rental car company probably gave you a map that includes its location along with the documents you got when you rented the car. This is another valuable resource.
Clean the car of all your belongings and any trash. Keep the car as clean as possible so the rental company does not try to charge you for any interior damage.
Give the car keys to an attendant at your rental company. He will typically record the current mileage on the car and give you a final receipt. If you are returning the car after hours, you can drop your key in a key drop slot and leave the car in the designated return area.
