Now that this group has "logged a few miles," I thought it might be time to start consolidating some of our discussions into these little files that Google provides.  The following are miscellaneous tips regarding car rentals, whether specific to certain airports or to rentals in general.  Please provide feedback as to whether this file is useful, as it was kind of a pain in the butt to put together!

HOW MUCH TIME TO ALLOW:

CHICAGO MIDWAY AIRPORT:  Many, if not all, car rental agencies have moved off the airport grounds in 2008.  Now, instead of a convenient walk to the rental garage, you've got to catch a shuttle outside Entrance #2 and drive through Cicero Avenue traffic to reach the rental facilities.  Between waiting for the shuttle and getting to the lot, this can add 20-25 minutes to your airport escape.  The good news is that there are plenty of gas stations on Cicero Avenue for a fill-up on your way to returning your vehicle.

PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (West Palm Beach, FL) :  Most rental agencies require a five-minute shuttle off the airport grounds.  I believe only Avis and Hertz are within the airport itself.

DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:  Shuttle takes you to car rental lot in approximately 7-8 minutes.  Expect to wait a bit for the shuttle bus at the airport.  Overall, from arrival gate to driver's seat, it usually takes me twenty minutes.  

To return to the rental center, take I-70 to Exit 284 (Pena Blvd) and follow signs.  There is a gas station
conveniently located on the way back to the rental lots.

PHOENIX/SKY HARBOR:  Allow approximately 1/2 hour to 45 minutes to get from your gate to the off-site car pickup facility.

DALLAS/FORT WORTH:  Be sure to leave about 1/2 hour to shuttle to and from the rental location.  The trip itself is about 12 minutes, but the wait can add another 10-15 minutes to that.

FORT LAUDERDALE/HOLLYWOOD:  If you're flying Southwest or Jet Blue, chances are you will land in the terminal that attaches directly to the car rental facility.  This makes picking up and dropping off a vehicle a real pleasure.  I've made it from the arrival gate to the seat of my car in less than 15 minutes.  Keep in mind, though, if you fly in on another airline, you will likely have to take a shuttle bus to the car rental pickup.  This can add 5-10 minutes.

BURLINGTON, VT INTERNATIONAL:  This is a tiny airport with cars right on site.  The problem is, it's easy to miss that you have to go downstairs to the car rental counter before proceeding to the rental garage at the opposite side of the airport.  (Signage makes it appear that you go straight ahead to rent a car rather than first heading to the rental counters.)  Also, there are no attendants in the garage, so if you find any dings or scratches on your car when you get there, you'll either have to walk back to the rental counter to report them or try to contact the rental desk via telephone.  Otherwise, from gate to vehicle, you're looking at, maybe, 15 minutes.  NOTE:  Be sure to get good directions BACK to this airport.  It's in the middle of a residential neighborhood, so the hoopla leading to it is minimal.  I've passed the turn for this airport multiple times before finally finding it!  Gas stations are easy to find within a block of the rental return.

FUELING UP TO RETURN YOUR CAR: 

How do you know which side of the fuel pump to pull up on so the gas cap is on the right side?  Look at your dashboard for a little arrow next to the symbol of the fuel pump.  It will usually have an arrow pointing to side the gas cap is on.

When returning a rental car at BOSTON'S LOGAN AIRPORT, you can find reasonably-priced gas (albeit it's a Citgo station) near Terminal E. Just follow the signs that say "Gas Station."

Just a note for anyone renting a vehicle at the enormous DALLAS/FORT WORTH airport... Don't panic when you are unable to find a fuel station within ten miles of the airport.  There is a station right on the airport property, just before you get to the car rental return.

GENERAL TIPS:

Today I received another letter from Hertz. The third in 2 years.  They stated that they found Damage and enclosed an accident report.  But guess what!?  I had noticed the damage (A cracked windshield) when I picked up the car, and had the gate attendant note it on my contract. I sent them a photo copy of the contract.  CHECK YOUR CAR!!!!  When I pick up a car, I do a walk around.  Any damage noticed (even slight) is reported before I leave the lot.  Before you leave the lot, have an employee note the damage on your contract and sign it.  Never give up the original.  Return a photo copy if they request it.  If they ever try to collect on damage, you'll have the original to prove your case. Check all body areas, espically around the trunk area and doors.  A tiny stone chip in the glass can result in a running crack during highway driving.  Then you're stuck for a new windshield.  I advise you all to take the "2 minute walk around check"