Avis Car Rental

- 1805 E Sky Harbor Cir S, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Introduction / Overview

For many Arizonans, especially those frequently traveling in and out of the state, or locals needing a vehicle for an extended journey, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) serves as a vital hub. Within this bustling environment, car rental services are indispensable, and Avis Car Rental is a prominent name at the airport's Rental Car Center. Located at 1805 E Sky Harbor Cir S, Phoenix, AZ 85034, this Avis branch offers a wide array of vehicles and services designed to meet diverse travel needs, from quick business trips to extensive road trips exploring Arizona's vast landscapes. This article will provide a detailed and balanced perspective on Avis Car Rental at PHX, covering its strategic location, the services it offers, key features, and important considerations gleaned from customer experiences, all from the viewpoint of a local Arizona user.

Location and Accessibility

The Avis Car Rental facility at 1805 E Sky Harbor Cir S, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA, is situated within the consolidated Rental Car Center (RCC) at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This state-of-the-art center is specifically designed for convenience and efficiency, streamlining the car rental process for airport arrivals and departures. For airline passengers, after collecting luggage, access to the RCC is straightforward via the PHX Sky Train. This free, automated train runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with frequent stops, directly connecting all airport terminals to the Rental Car Center. Once at the RCC, Avis has dedicated counters and vehicle stalls, often allowing Avis Preferred members to bypass the check-in counter and proceed directly to their pre-assigned car. For those not flying, reaching the RCC is also made easy by its location between 16th Street and 24th Street, south of Buckeye Road, with clear signage guiding drivers. The centralized nature of the RCC means that all major rental brands, including Avis, are housed in one convenient location, simplifying pick-up and drop-off processes for both locals and visitors alike.

Services Offered

• Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Rentals: Avis at PHX offers flexible rental periods to accommodate all types of travel, from short business trips to extended vacations or temporary vehicle needs.
• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: The fleet available at Phoenix Sky Harbor is extensive, catering to various preferences and group sizes. Options typically range from fuel-efficient economy and compact cars (e.g., Kia Rio, Kia Soul) to mid-size, standard, and full-size sedans (e.g., Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry). For families or those needing more space, Avis provides a wide selection of SUVs (e.g., Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge, Chevrolet Suburban, Jeep Grand Cherokee L), minivans (e.g., Chrysler Pacifica), and passenger vans (e.g., Ford Transit 12-Passenger Van). Luxury vehicles (e.g., Genesis G70) and even specialty cars like convertibles (e.g., Ford Mustang Convertible) may also be available.
• Avis Preferred Program: This loyalty program is a key feature, offering benefits such as expedited service, allowing members to bypass the rental counter and proceed directly to their vehicle at designated stalls, which is particularly beneficial at a busy airport location. Members can also earn points for free rentals and upgrades.
• One-Way Rentals: For travelers planning to pick up a car in Phoenix and drop it off in another city or state, Avis facilitates convenient one-way rentals within its extensive network.
• Optional Add-ons: To enhance the rental experience, Avis offers various optional equipment for rent, including GPS navigation systems, child safety seats (infant, toddler, and booster), and SiriusXM® satellite radio for entertainment.
• Protection Options: A range of optional protection plans, such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), are available to provide coverage against potential damage to the rental vehicle or third-party liability during the rental period.
• Fuel Service Options: Customers have flexible choices for fuel return, including pre-paying for a full tank, having Avis refuel the vehicle upon return (with an associated service charge), or returning the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees.
• Electronic Toll Payment (e-Toll): Avis vehicles are equipped for electronic toll collection, allowing for seamless travel on toll roads. Customers can opt into an e-toll service, which charges tolls and associated fees to their credit/debit card, or in some cases, pay a flat daily/weekly fee for unlimited tolls.
• 24/7 Operations: As an airport location, Avis at PHX typically operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, accommodating early morning arrivals and late-night departures.

Features / Highlights

Avis at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport aims to deliver a convenient and efficient rental experience, especially for those utilizing their Avis Preferred program. A significant highlight is the ability to "bypass the check-in counter and go directly to the car," which greatly speeds up the pick-up process, a major plus for travelers eager to get on their way. Customers have praised the ease of both pick-up and return when the system works as intended. However, customer reviews also reveal important areas of concern. There have been instances where confirmed car reservations were changed to different or unavailable vehicles, causing significant delays and frustration, particularly when a specific vehicle size was needed for luggage or equipment. Issues with vehicle cleanliness and maintenance have also been reported, including cars with smoke smells, "odor" notes on windows, and pre-existing "dings" or significant interior/exterior damage that customers had to meticulously document to avoid being charged. A particularly troubling report involved a rear window "exploding and shattering" unexpectedly and subsequent difficulties in receiving proper assistance and disputing charges for the damage and related tolls. While the Avis customer service team has reportedly resolved some individual concerns upon follow-up, these experiences underscore the importance of thorough vehicle inspection and diligent record-keeping (e.g., taking videos of the car before driving off) to protect against unexpected charges. The contrast between seamless experiences and highly frustrating ones suggests variability in service execution at this busy airport location.

Contact Information

Address: 1805 E Sky Harbor Cir S, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA

Phone: (602) 261-5900

Mobile Phone: +1 602-261-5900

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For locals in Arizona, particularly those frequently flying in and out of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport or needing a vehicle for longer trips, Avis Car Rental at the PHX Rental Car Center offers a highly convenient solution. Its location within the well-connected RCC, accessible via the 24/7 PHX Sky Train, ensures ease of access regardless of arrival or departure time. The extensive and diverse vehicle fleet means that Arizonans can typically find the perfect car for any adventure, from a compact sedan for city driving to a spacious SUV for exploring the Grand Canyon or a minivan for family vacations. The Avis Preferred program is a notable benefit, promising expedited service that can significantly reduce waiting times, which is invaluable for busy travelers. However, to ensure a smooth and dispute-free rental experience, local users are strongly advised to meticulously inspect their rental vehicle upon pick-up, document any pre-existing damages with photos or videos, and clarify all rental terms, especially regarding fuel and return procedures. While instances of less-than-ideal experiences exist, the overall convenience and wide range of options provided by Avis at PHX make it a viable and often preferred choice for Arizona residents seeking airport-based car rental services for their travels within the state and beyond.

Avis Car Rental

1805 E Sky Harbor Cir S, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA