We're flying into San Diego in April, spending a night with family and then driving to Palm Springs in the morning. We'll be flying back out of San Diego. Is there a big price difference between renting a car at the airport and renting one from outside the airport? I know some places charge more fees for airport rentals. I am a Hertz member, BJs member, and I have an Entertainment book, so I'll check out those discounts, but just wondering on location and if one company is better than others. Your help, as always, is appreciated.

Thanks!!

I don't think you will need much help hockeymom as you seem to have a very good grasp of the rental process.

But if it helps any this is what I do...

I check the Orbitz and the others for prices. Keep in mind some of these sites will not show you the cheapest rate but only their "preferred" companies rates. Sometimes you can click a box that says something like "show all companies, or show all rates".

A good site I use is onetravel.com

Then I also check the rental company websites and compare the airport locations to downtown locations. We have to keep in mind also of the cab fare to pick up a car in a downtown location as opposed to getting it at the airport, both for getting the car and returning it. Also, on returning the car sometimes if the airport location is right at the airport and no shuttle bus involved that can be important to me.

Let us know how you make out.

Swain

If renting from city location, check hours of operation carefully - sometimes just M-F business hours. Do not rely on what is printed on car rental company website - call local office directly - we have been unpleasantly surprised in past in other cities.

Thanks for your help.

We just got back from San Diego and I found the best rate to be Enterprise using my Entertainment book for a full-size rental. Also, all of the airport rental car locations in San Diego are off-site and require shuttle service to the airport. We didn't have any problems with our rental from Enterprise and I would recommend them.

When we were in SD and rented a car, we rented from Dollar, which was off site. I think all of the rental companies are off site.

Thanks for the help. I'll start looking at prices.