As a frequent traveler who’s rented countless cars over the years, I’ve learned to scrutinize every line item on my rental car bills.
One fee that often catches people off guard is the mysterious “concession recovery fee.” Let me take you through everything you need to know about this charge and share some insider tips on potentially avoiding it.
What Exactly Is a Concession Recovery Fee?
Picture this: You’re standing at the Avis counter at the airport, excited to start your vacation, when you notice an extra charge on your bill that wasn’t part of the initial quote.
That’s often how travelers first encounter the concession recovery fee.
This fee isn’t unique to Avis – it’s an industry-wide practice that rental car companies use to offset the costs they pay airports for operating on their premises.
When you rent a car from an airport location, Avis typically pays between 8% and 13% of their gross receipts to the airport authority.
Rather than absorbing this cost, Avis passes it directly to you, the customer.
The fee usually appears as a percentage of your base rental rate, typically ranging from 11% to 17%, depending on the airport. At major hubs like LAX or JFK, I’ve seen these fees climb even higher.
The Legal Framework and Justification
You might be wondering if this practice is even legal. The short answer is yes.
Airports charge rental car companies these fees as part of their operating agreements, and the companies are legally permitted to pass these costs to consumers.
Here’s what makes up the fee:
- The percentage the rental company pays to the airport
- Additional facility charges for using airport infrastructure
- Contributions to airport improvement projects
- Operating costs for rental car facilities
I remember challenging this fee once at Chicago O’Hare, only to learn that it’s actually regulated by local airport authorities.
The customer service representative showed me documentation explaining how the fee directly correlates to their airport operating costs.
Can You Avoid or Waive the Concession Recovery Fee?
Now for the information you’ve been waiting for – yes, there are several ways to potentially avoid this fee, though it requires some strategic planning.
1. Rent Off-Airport
The most reliable way to avoid the concession recovery fee is to rent from an off-airport Avis location.
During a recent trip to Denver, I saved nearly $50 on a week-long rental by taking a 15-minute ride-share to an Avis location in the city.
Consider these factors when deciding whether to rent off-airport:
- The cost of transportation to the off-airport location
- The value of your time
- The difference in base rental rates between locations
- The length of your rental period
2. Join Avis Preferred
While Avis Preferred membership doesn’t automatically waive the concession recovery fee, it can provide access to special rates and promotions that might offset the cost.
I’ve found that being a member often gives you more leverage when negotiating fees.
3. Corporate and Partnership Discounts
If you’re traveling for business or belong to certain organizations, you might have access to corporate rates that include fee waivers. Check with:
- Your employer’s travel department
- Professional associations you belong to
- Credit card travel benefits
- Warehouse club memberships like Costco
4. Negotiate During Booking
While it’s not commonly advertised, you can sometimes negotiate fees during the booking process, especially for longer rentals.
Last summer, I managed to get several fees reduced on a month-long rental simply by calling Avis directly and speaking with a reservation specialist.
Making the Smart Choice for Your Situation
When deciding whether to try avoiding the concession recovery fee, you’ll need to weigh several factors:
Time Sensitivity:
- If you’re on a tight schedule, the convenience of airport rental might outweigh the savings
- For leisure travelers with flexibility, off-airport rentals can offer significant savings
Budget Considerations:
- Calculate the total cost difference, including transportation to off-airport locations
- Factor in the value of any loyalty points or rewards you might earn
Trip Duration:
- Longer rentals make fee avoidance more worthwhile
- For short rentals, the hassle might not justify the savings
Looking back at my own experiences, I’ve found that for rentals longer than three days, it’s usually worth exploring options to avoid the concession recovery fee.
On a recent two-week rental in Phoenix, I saved over $100 by choosing an off-airport location just 10 minutes away.
Moving Forward With Your Rental Plans
As you plan your next car rental, remember that knowledge is power.
Understanding these fees and your options for avoiding them puts you in a better position to make informed decisions about your travel expenses.
Take time to:
- Compare total costs between airport and off-airport locations
- Research available discounts and memberships
- Consider your schedule and convenience needs
- Calculate potential savings against any additional expenses
Remember, while the concession recovery fee might seem like an unavoidable part of car rental, you do have options.
Whether through careful planning, strategic location choice, or savvy negotiation, you can often reduce or eliminate this extra charge from your rental car bill.
Have you checked your past rental car receipts? You might be surprised by how much you’ve paid in concession recovery fees over the years.
Next time you rent, use these insights to make a more informed choice about where and how you rent your vehicle.
