Thrifty Car Rental at Memphis International Airport (MEM): Your Budget-Friendly Choice

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Thrifty Car Rental - Memphis International Airport Introduce

Howdy, Tennessee travelers! When your plans bring you to or through Memphis, whether for a flight, a visit to Graceland, or simply needing a temporary ride, securing affordable and convenient transportation is often a top priority. Today, we're focusing on a car rental option designed with value in mind: Thrifty Car Rental at Memphis International Airport (MEM).

Thrifty Car Rental, a brand well-known for offering competitive rates, operates as a subsidiary of the Hertz Corporation. This Memphis International Airport location aims to provide a straightforward and budget-friendly rental experience for both incoming visitors and local residents. This article will offer a clear, engaging, and factual look at this Thrifty branch, covering its convenient location, the services it offers, specific features, and considerations to help you make an informed decision for your next rental in our Tennessee community.

In a state as vibrant and diverse as Tennessee, having reliable personal transportation allows you to explore everything from the music scene of Beale Street to the natural beauty of our state parks. A rental car provides the freedom and flexibility to travel at your own pace, and Thrifty aims to offer that mobility at a price point that appeals to value-conscious renters across the region.

Location and Accessibility

Thrifty Car Rental at Memphis International Airport (MEM) is conveniently situated at 2491 Winchester Rd SUITE 100, Memphis, TN 38118, USA. This address places it directly within the car rental facility at the airport, making it exceptionally accessible for travelers arriving by air. Upon landing at MEM, customers can typically proceed to the Ground Transportation Center, where rental car counters are located, or utilize shuttle services that transport them directly to the rental car building.

Winchester Road is a significant artery in Memphis, offering good connectivity to major highways like I-55 and I-240, facilitating easy travel to downtown Memphis, various neighborhoods, and even onward to other parts of Tennessee or beyond. The location's proximity to the airport streamlines the pick-up and drop-off process for those with flights.

The operating hours for Thrifty Car Rental at MEM are generally quite extensive, often open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Sun-Wed) or 10:00 PM (Thurs-Sat). It's important to note that for after-hours drop-offs, customers may be directed to utilize Hertz key drop boxes located in the returns area, as Thrifty and Hertz are sister companies and often share facilities or after-hours procedures. Always confirm current operating hours and drop-off instructions directly with the branch to avoid any inconvenience.

Services Offered

Thrifty Car Rental is focused on providing a range of essential car rental services at competitive prices to cater to diverse customer needs. Their offerings at the Memphis International Airport location typically include:

Variety of Vehicle Classes: Thrifty generally offers a selection of popular vehicle types, including economical compact cars (e.g., Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra) for fuel efficiency, comfortable mid-size and full-size sedans for everyday travel, and spacious SUVs (e.g., Jeep Compass, Chevrolet Equinox) and minivans for families or groups. While the exact make and model cannot be guaranteed, they aim to provide a range of options to fit various space and budget requirements.
Short-Term and Long-Term Rentals: Customers can book vehicles for durations ranging from a single day to several weeks or even a month, offering flexibility for quick trips, temporary vehicle replacements during repairs, or extended stays in Tennessee.
Optional Protection and Coverage: Thrifty offers various optional protection products, such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), and Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). These are available for an additional daily charge and are designed to provide peace of mind. Renters are always encouraged to verify coverage with their personal auto insurance providers and credit card companies before purchasing additional options.
Additional Equipment: For added convenience, standard accessories like GPS navigation systems and child safety seats (infant, child, and booster) are typically available for rent, usually for an extra daily fee.
Blue Chip Rewards Program: Thrifty's Blue Chip Rewards program offers benefits for frequent renters, including expedited service, member-only discounts, and the ability to earn free rental days. This can enhance the rental experience for loyal customers.
Flexible Fuel Policies: Customers typically have choices for handling fuel upon return, such as the "full to full" option where you pick up with a full tank and return it full, or the option to prepay for fuel. This allows renters to choose the most convenient method for managing fuel costs.

Features / Highlights

Thrifty Car Rental emphasizes value and efficiency in its services, with several highlights that can appeal to local users:

Competitive Pricing: Thrifty is generally positioned as a budget-friendly option in the car rental market. Their focus on offering competitive rates makes them an attractive choice for those looking to minimize their transportation costs.
Airport Convenience: Being located directly at Memphis International Airport provides a significant advantage for both air travelers and local residents who need convenient access to airport services. This saves time and effort compared to off-airport locations.
Online Check-in and Car Selection: Thrifty offers online check-in and, at many major airport locations, allows customers to select their exact vehicle model from available options via a link sent to their phone. This feature can significantly expedite the pick-up process and provide greater choice.
Frequent Deals and Promotions: Thrifty often runs promotions and special deals, especially for online bookings or through their loyalty program, which can further reduce rental costs for savvy renters.
Association with Hertz: As part of the Hertz Corporation, Thrifty benefits from the larger company's infrastructure, fleet management, and operational standards, often providing a baseline of quality and reliability despite its budget focus.
Variety in Fleet: While focused on value, Thrifty typically maintains a fleet with enough variety to accommodate common needs, from compact cars for solo commuting to larger SUVs for family trips, allowing customers to choose a vehicle size that fits their purpose.

Contact Information

To make a reservation, inquire about specific vehicle availability, or address any questions regarding your rental at Thrifty Car Rental at Memphis International Airport, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 2491 Winchester Rd SUITE 100, Memphis, TN 38118, USA

Phone: (877) 283-0898

Mobile Phone: +1 877-283-0898

It is always highly advisable to contact the branch directly to confirm your reservation, especially if you have specific requirements or are concerned about vehicle availability. Proactive communication can help manage expectations and ensure a smoother experience, particularly in situations where customer reviews indicate potential issues.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Memphis, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas, Thrifty Car Rental at Memphis International Airport (MEM) offers a suitable option, primarily for those prioritizing cost-effectiveness and airport-adjacent convenience. Its location directly within the airport facility makes it an excellent choice for seamless transitions for local travelers flying in or out of Memphis, or for those needing a vehicle when their own is unavailable and proximity to a major transportation hub is beneficial.

The main draw for locals lies in Thrifty's commitment to competitive pricing. For budget-conscious individuals or families, finding a rental car that meets their needs without a hefty price tag is a significant advantage. The ability to perform online check-in can also streamline the process, potentially reducing wait times, which is a valuable feature for busy Tennesseans.

However, it's crucial for local renters to be proactive and informed. While some customer experiences, as seen in reviews, highlight challenges with vehicle availability, cleanliness, or service, understanding that these can occur, and taking steps like confirming reservations, inspecting the vehicle thoroughly at pick-up, and understanding all terms and conditions, can help mitigate potential issues. For locals seeking a value-driven car rental solution directly at Memphis's major airport, Thrifty can be a practical choice, providing the means to explore our great state affordably.

Thrifty Car Rental - Memphis International Airport Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

Highlights
Active military discounts

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Thrifty Car Rental - Memphis International Airport Location

Thrifty Car Rental - Memphis International Airport

Tennessee Shelby County Memphis Winchester Road

2491 Winchester Rd SUITE 100, Memphis, TN 38118, USA

Thrifty Car Rental - Memphis International Airport Reviews

An average rating of ★2 from 483 user reviews.

bookflightmanagercleanprepaidmorningmid sizehonorgarage30 minutes

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

If I could give negative stars, I would.Normally, I don’t write reviews, but this experience absolutely deserves one. This was by far the worst experience I’ve ever had with a rental car company.I reserved an SUV with Thrifty two weeks ahead of my trip. The day before, I received an email reminding me to check in, which I did. Everything was supposed to be ready that morning—all I had to do was select my vehicle and drive off.Instead, I received a text at 7 AM saying my vehicle would be ready “as soon as possible.” I arrived at the airport location only to find the booth dark and other confused customers wandering around, also trying to locate someone from the company.I waited for over an hour, and no one ever showed up. Eventually, a man appeared and said he was only there to close out tickets. I finally got in touch with a woman who claimed to be the lead. She informed me that the location was closed that day and they had no vehicles—despite my reservation and check-in confirmation. She said we “should have received an email,” but I never did.When I asked to speak with a manager, she called someone and asked, “What should I tell her?” I couldn’t hear the full conversation, but I later realized the same man who said he couldn’t help and was only there to close tickets was actually the manager—Winston. The lead demonstrated more accountability than the actual manager. Perhaps the roles should be reversed.I could go on, but I’ll keep it short: save yourself the stress and do NOT rent from Thrifty at the airport.Thankfully, I contacted Enterprise in Olive Branch and was able to pick up a vehicle within the hour. We had planned to leave at 8 AM, but due to Thrifty’s incompetence, we didn’t hit the road until 12 PM.And to top it all off, getting a refund was another nightmare. After two days, I received only a partial refund. When I called to find out where the rest was, I was transferred to three different people—only to be told I had been charged a cancellation fee. Yes, they canceled on me, and then charged me a fee.Unbelievable. More time wasted trying to recover money that never should have been taken in the first place.
Jul 10, 2025 · Michelle Turner
The dirty car and the gentleman that checks the license and paperwork prior to leaving the premises that said "Look who you rented from. What do you expect?", said it all. When they brought the vehicle around I thought they were taking it to be washed. It looked just that bad. I should not have accepted it. Check in was a breeze through. But you all have to do better.
Jun 27, 2025 · Royaltee86
It was worst car rental experience ever. The customer service clerk was extremely rude and he had a chip on his shoulder from the time I started the encounter. He took offense to me saying excuse me when I was going to ask him about the difference in the amount that being charged and what I had already paid and he raised his voice at me saying you cut me off and now I’m done talking. I rented a vehicle with manager’s choice and he chose to give me the worst car on the lot. He was vindictive and malicious. When I returned the car he was laughing at me along his coworker. I wish that there was a way to give 1 star because Thrifty didn’t deserve any stars this time. Memphis airport rental companies see quite a lot of people but they don’t know how to treat people with kindness and respect. Some of them are just plain rude and when it comes to basic courtesy they fall short. I was just asking him to explain and he took it personal. Not everything is a battle that has to be fought. That just goes to show you that the people who work there don’t always need to be in customer service!!!
Jul 11, 2025 · Starlet Wyatt
If I could I would give zero stars. the car was not completely filled with fuel when I received it. I returned it completely full of fuel and still charged $35.00. Please do not use thrifty or any affiliated companies.
May 13, 2025 · corey stewart
Worst experience with a rental car company ever. I've traveled extensively and have rented too many cars to count over the years. Thrifty at M.I.A. is without a doubt the worst car rental place I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with. Long story short, I made a reservation through a service. The service and Thrifty both sent me confirmation text/emails for a 6am pickup. Being an international airport it would make sense for them to have a least one place that was open 24 hours to take care of the late or early morning flights. Upon arrival at 5:30 there was no one at the kiosk upstairs or at the counters downstairs. Airport employees informed me that the car rental places didn't open until 7am. After calling Thrifty and speaking with airport employees I was finally put in touch with the manager for Hertz, which apparently owns/operates 3 different rental services at M.I.A. I was given conflicting information as to why no one was there to give me my vehicle, but regardless, it was almost an hour after my scheduled pickup time before anyone arrived to help me. I was given a car that did not recognize the key 90% of the time, even though the lock/unlock button on the FOB worked. I was given no paperwork because the printer was not working. And upon return I was treated rudely by both Thrifty employees I spoke with. Overall I was very disappointed with my Thrifty experience. My recommendation is use Avis or even Budget. I know Thrift is run by Hertz, not sure what the other company Hertz manages is. But save yourself some trouble and rent elsewhere.
May 19, 2025 · Jasen Dobson