Car Rentals at Salt Lake City Airport

Salt Lake City International Airport is a busy airport in the state of Utah, North America, and is rated as one of the largest in the country, handling approximately twenty million passengers per annum. It is recognised by its official IATA code of SLC, and is located about five miles to the northwest of downtown Salt Lake City. Passengers of the airport have many options for ground transportation, both public and private, and have a choice of several car hire companies as well. The Salt Lake City International Airport car rental companies all offer competitive prices, high quality vehicles and a wide range of beneficial services.

This American airport is the fourth largest hub for Delta Air Lines, and is also a hub for the Delta Connection carriers of SkyWest Airlines and Compass Airlines. The airport mainly handles domestic flights, but there are several daily international flights as well. The two terminal buildings of the airport (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) are well equipped with the necessary facilities for their passengers, and are accessible to disabled passengers. They have five concourses between them that are referred to as A, B, C, D and E. The concourse of arrival will depend on the airline carrier in use, and whether the flight is domestic or international. The ground transportation services are found outside of the two terminal buildings, and the car rental companies can be located in the nearby parking garage of the airport. They are on the lower level of this construction, and within walking distance of the baggage reclaim areas. The vehicles of the companies are also parked nearby, therefore there is no need for any further form of transport.

The Salt Lake City International Airport car hire companies include Hertz, Avis, National, Alamo, Thrifty, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Easycar and Europcar. They accept over-the-counter reservations as well as online reservations, which are often considered as more convenient. Passengers could also telephone their chosen company in advance of their arrival and ensure that a car will be ready. For a busy airport location such as this one, an advanced reservation is recommended.

A car hire company could be selected for many different reasons. Some travellers may choose a company for their low car rental rates, while others may prefer one that has a wider range of vehicles for hire. Certain companies, such as Alamo, are also dedicated mainly to leisure travellers, while companies such as National have programs and benefits that are ideal for business travellers. The majority of the companies, however, offer services for all types of travellers, and have frequent-renter programs that may include discounts and additional benefits. For example, Avis Preferred from Avis, the Blue Chip membership from Thrifty, Fastbreak from Budget and the Hertz #1 Club from Hertz. Some of these programs are accessible to occasional renters as well. They are free of charge, and generally allow quicker reservations, rentals and returns.

Once at the rental counters, the primary renter will be asked to show a valid driving license and a major credit card. Licenses issued in the United States are accepted, as well as Canadian-endorsed licenses. Persons from foreign countries will need a passport, and perhaps an International Driving Permit. Credit cards accepted include American Express, Diner’s Club Int’l, Sears, PHH, GE Capital, AT & T Capital, Discover, MasterCard and Visa. A debit card with the MasterCard or Visa logo may also often be used, but only by renters who are over the age of 25. Underage drivers are persons between 21 and 25 years of age, and although they may rent a car, they will be subject to higher rental fees, for young drivers insurance. Younger renters may also not have access to all vehicle categories, especially those that contain larger or specialty type vehicles. The extra amount to pay will differ between the various car hire companies at Salt Lake City Airport, but will be applicable per day of car hire, and per underage driver listed on the rental agreement.

Deciding which car category to hire can be tricky at times (cars from the majority of companies are arranged into various categories, and are therefore chosen accordingly, rather than by their specific makes and models). You will need a car that is affordable, but one that is spacious enough for your passengers and luggage items as well. A more elegant car could be required for business purposes, and a high occupancy vehicle is ideal for groups of travellers. The more affordable cars are often similar to the Chevrolet Aveo, Nissan Versa, Hyundai Accent, Ford Focus and Chevy Cobalt, but cars such as the Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Impala have more room for luggage items, and may be considered as better family cars. Many of the cars mentioned are also eco-friendly and light on fuel.

Premium and Luxury cars are quite expensive, but will create an excellent impression. They include the Toyota Avalon, Lincoln MKS, Cadillac DTS, Lincoln Towncar and Ford Crown Victoria. Standard, Midsize, Fullsize and Premium SUVs can be hired as well, similar to the Ford Escape, Jeep Liberty, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Traverse, Chevrolet Suburban and Lincoln Navigator, and for up to seven or eight passengers, the Dodge Grand Caravan and Toyota Sienna are ideal. Even larger passenger vans are sometimes available, such as the Chevrolet Express and Ford Econoline, with room for twelve or fifteen people.

From Salt Lake City International Airport, one way hires can be arranged, allowing the customer to deliver their vehicle to a different rental location, and items of equipment such as child seats and satellite navigation systems can be requested. Hand controls for a person with a lower limb disability are offered by many of the car hire companies as well, and this device is free of charge from Salt Lake City Airport. Hand controls will require an advanced reservation, and all other items of equipment are recommended to be booked early as well.

Driving in Salt Lake City is quite easy, as there is a good road network and a number of places where vehicles can be parked. The city centre’s roads are also arranged in a grid-like pattern which is easy to navigate. Always follow the road rules, and stay within the speed limits, which are 30mph in urban areas, 65mph on open roads and 70mph on motorways and highways.

Contact your favourite Salt Lake City International Airport car rental company for further information.