Fees & surcharges · Travelers
Airport surcharge
Also called airport fee, airport location fee
The short answerAn extra charge on rentals picked up at an airport, covering the higher cost of operating there.
What it means
An airport surcharge is a fee added to rentals that start at an airport location. It reflects what rental companies pay to operate there, such as concession fees, rent and facility costs. In the US it often appears as separate lines (concession recovery fee, customer facility charge); elsewhere it's usually one line or built into the price.
Why it matters
It's a large part of why the same car can cost more at the airport than across town. Compare total prices, not daily rates.
Wording by region
In Australia it's often shown as a "premium location surcharge."
Related terms
- Concession recovery feeA fee at airport locations that recovers part or all of what the rental company pays the airport for the right to operate there.
- Customer Facility Charge (CFC)A charge many airports require on rentals to pay for rental car facilities and shuttles; the rental company collects it for the airport.
- Off-airport locationA rental office outside the airport grounds, usually reached by shuttle bus.
Also related Premium location surcharge, Taxes and fees