Should you rent a car at the airport for holiday travel?

Why rent a car instead of using rideshares over the holidays?

Holiday weeks are the busiest times of the year at US airports. Rideshare prices often surge at airports and around big family days, and drivers can be hard to find late at night or outside big cities.

A rental car gives you one predictable cost for the whole trip. You can carry the presents, the food and the car seat without asking anyone for a favor. If your family lives in the suburbs or a small town, a car is often the only practical way to get around.

Rideshares can still win for a short city stay where you'll barely drive. Count your likely trips. If it's more than two or three a day, price a rental.

Which holidays are the busiest for rental cars?

• Thanksgiving week, especially the Wednesday before and the Sunday after.
• Christmas to New Year, when many families travel for a week or more.
• Spring break, from March into April, above all in Florida, Arizona and other warm-weather spots.
• Summer, with July 4th and Labor Day weekends the sharpest peaks.
• Long weekends, such as Memorial Day.

At these times the most popular sizes, minivans and SUVs, go first, and prices tend to climb as the dates get closer.

When should you book a holiday rental car?

As soon as your flights are booked. Pick a booking you can cancel for free if you can. Then, if prices drop, you can rebook. Our team includes people who've worked car-rental reservation calls, and the day before a big holiday is when "no cars left" calls pile up.

What can go wrong at the airport counter?

These are the problems we see most at peak times:

• A late flight. Some counters close at night, and a booking can be released if you don't show. Add your flight number and check the counter's hours before you fly. See flight delayed.
• No car of the class you booked. On peak days a counter can run short. Know your options before you get there. See car sold out at pickup.
• A card problem. Most companies want a credit card in the main driver's name and place a deposit hold. A debit card may not be accepted at the airport.
• A driver under 25. Young-driver fees and restrictions apply at most companies. Check before you book.

Is it cheaper to rent away from the airport?

Often, yes. Airport locations usually add extra fees and taxes. A branch in town can cost less, but it may close on the holiday itself and on Sundays, and you'll need to get there. For a short trip the saving may not be worth it. For a week, it often is.

Can you drop the car at a different airport?

Usually, but one-way rentals often carry an extra fee, which can be large. If you're flying in to one city and out of another, compare the one-way total against booking two separate trips.

Which car should you get for a family holiday?

Think about bags, not just seats. Five people with holiday luggage and gifts won't fit in a five-seat sedan. A minivan or a 7-seat SUV is the safer choice for a family of five or more. If you need child seats, reserve them early, or bring your own, because counters can run out. For winter holidays in snowy places, ask about an all-wheel-drive car and read our winter driving tips.

How OneCall helps with a holiday rental

Call us before you book, and one agent compares real totals across companies, fees included, and checks the rules that matter for your trip: debit cards, young drivers, one-way fees and late arrivals. If your flight is delayed or the counter says there's no car, call us from the airport. We'll work out your options while you wait. Advice is free. If your case needs paid work, your agent tells you the fee first, and nothing happens without your yes.

Questions people ask

When is the busiest time to rent a car?

Holiday peaks: Thanksgiving week, Christmas to New Year, spring break and summer, especially long weekends.

Will the rental counter be open on a holiday?

Most major airport counters stay open, but some close early, and many neighborhood branches close for the day. Check your location's hours before you travel.

What happens if my flight is late and the counter is closed?

Your booking could be released as a no-show. Add your flight number when you book and call ahead if you know you'll be late.

Related help

• How to rent a car at a US airport
• Flight delayed, pickup time wrong
• No car at the counter
• Rental car fees explained
• Pay less: memberships, military and card cover

Written and checked by the OneCall Rental team on 1 November 2026. Our team includes people who've worked car-rental reservation calls. Rules differ by company and location, so check your own rental agreement too.

OneCall Rental is an independent service and is not affiliated with any rental company or travel site.