When I first encountered an Avis Customer Facility Charge (CFC) on my rental car bill, I was both confused and frustrated.
Like many travelers, you’ve probably experienced that moment of surprise when reviewing your rental car receipt, wondering why the final total is significantly higher than the base rate you initially agreed to.
Today, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this often-misunderstood fee and share strategies I’ve discovered for potentially avoiding it.
The Nuts and Bolts of Customer Facility Charges
If you’ve ever rented from Avis at an airport location, you’ve likely paid a CFC without realizing it.
This mandatory fee, typically ranging from $3 to $9 per day depending on the location, isn’t actually an Avis fee at all. Airports impose these charges on rental car companies, which then pass them on to customers. During my years of frequent business travel, I’ve seen these fees vary dramatically across different airports.
- Major airports like LAX charge up to $9 per day
- Medium-sized airports typically charge $4-6 per day
- Some smaller regional airports may charge as little as $3 per day
The purpose behind these charges is actually quite practical. Airports use this revenue to fund the construction and maintenance of consolidated rental car facilities (ConRAC) and transportation systems between terminals and rental locations. You know those convenient rental car shuttles you take from the terminal? That’s partly what you’re paying for with the CFC.
Behind the Scenes: Why These Charges Exist
Let me share something surprising I learned while researching this topic: airports didn’t randomly decide to implement these fees. The rising number of air travelers in the 1990s and early 2000s created significant congestion issues at airport terminals. Rental car operations were taking up valuable space near terminals, and multiple rental car company shuttles were creating traffic problems.
The solution? Consolidated rental car facilities located away from main terminals, funded by customer facility charges. These facilities offer several benefits:
- Reduced terminal congestion
- Improved traffic flow
- More efficient rental car operations
- Enhanced customer experience through modern facilities
However, these benefits come at a cost – quite literally – to you, the customer.
Strategic Ways to Avoid or Reduce the CFC
Here’s where I’ll share my hard-earned knowledge about minimizing or avoiding these charges altogether. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered several effective strategies.
- Off-Airport Locations
The most straightforward way to avoid CFCs is to rent from an off-airport Avis location. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars over the years by taking a short ride-share to a nearby city location. Let’s break down the math:
- Airport CFC: $7/day × 7 days = $49
- Ride-share to off-airport location: ~$20 round trip
- Net savings: $29
- Loyalty Program Benefits
As an Avis Preferred member, I’ve occasionally received promotions that waived various fees, including CFCs. While this isn’t guaranteed, joining their loyalty program can open up opportunities for fee waivers during special promotions.
- Corporate Accounts and Negotiated Rates
If you’re renting for business, your company might have a negotiated rate with Avis that includes fee waivers. I’ve seen some corporate contracts that specifically address and waive certain fees, including CFCs.
- Length of Rental Considerations
Some locations cap the total CFC amount for longer rentals. For instance, if you’re planning an extended rental, you might find that the CFC is capped at a certain number of days, typically 5-7 days, regardless of your total rental duration.
The Fine Print: What You Need to Know
Before you implement any of these strategies, there are some important caveats to consider:
- Off-airport locations may have limited hours
- Some cities require CFCs even at off-airport locations
- Ride-share costs can vary significantly based on time and location
- Corporate rate restrictions might apply
Making an Informed Decision
When deciding whether to avoid the CFC, consider these factors:
- Total rental duration
- Distance to off-airport location
- Value of your time
- Local transportation costs
- Rental timing and location hours
Sometimes, paying the CFC might be worth it for convenience, especially during short rentals or in unfamiliar cities.
Looking Forward: The Future of CFCs
As rental car operations continue to evolve, we’re likely to see changes in how these charges are structured and implemented. Some airports are exploring alternative funding methods, while others are expanding their facilities, potentially leading to increased CFCs.
In my experience, the key to managing rental car costs isn’t just about avoiding single fees like the CFC – it’s about understanding the entire cost structure and making informed decisions based on your specific situation.
While CFCs might seem like an unavoidable part of car rental, you do have options. Whether through careful location selection, timing your rental strategically, or leveraging loyalty programs, you can often reduce or eliminate these charges entirely.
The next time you’re booking an Avis rental, take a moment to consider these strategies. You might find that a little extra planning can lead to significant savings, making your travel experience both more economical and enjoyable.
