Car hire at London Luton Airport

Be prepared for a bumpy ride to save money

Pros: The car was new and the original cost was low.

Cons: While the heathrow branch is a different experience, renting in Luton is quite a headache, to say the least. For first time visitors, it is extremely difficult to find. Then, there are far too few people working, doing b oth the rental agreements and payment, and giving out/recieving cars. The worst though is the apparent directive they have been told to create extra income almost by any means necessary. This means they overcharge for everything they can (my plane was delayed, had to pay extra for arriving late. Others couldnt find the place, also had a late fee. Charged more for taking a debit card, etc.). Possibly the worst is the "damage" control on the car, where they quickly lead first time renters to look past small scratches in the car when taking them out and then amazingly find them upon return and demand exorbitant fees (150 GBP for scratches on a hubcap?). You can prepare yourself and take pictures of the car while still in the lot before you take it, but be prepared to joust with the fees they try to tack on both at the beginning and upon return.