Thrifty Car Rental

- 7150 Humphrey Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55450

For Minnesotans and visitors arriving at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), securing reliable ground transportation is often the first step to exploring our vibrant cities or heading to one of our state's beautiful natural destinations. Thrifty Car Rental, a widely recognized name in the car rental industry, maintains a presence at MSP, aiming to provide a range of vehicles for various travel needs. As an on-airport rental provider, Thrifty is positioned to offer a convenient pick-up and drop-off experience directly from the airport facilities.

Thrifty operates as part of a larger global network, often sharing operations with sister companies like Hertz. This integrated approach can sometimes mean shared counters or operational procedures. For locals, understanding the nuances of renting from an airport location, particularly one that might be co-located with other brands, is key to a smooth experience. This article will provide a detailed look at the Thrifty Car Rental branch at 7150 Humphrey Dr, Minneapolis, focusing on its location, the services it typically offers, and important insights drawn from recent customer experiences to help Minnesotans make an informed decision for their car rental needs.

The Thrifty Car Rental location is situated at 7150 Humphrey Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55450, USA. This address directly corresponds to Terminal 2 (Humphrey Terminal) of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Thrifty, along with other major car rental companies, has counters available at both Terminal 1 (Lindbergh Terminal) and Terminal 2, providing on-airport convenience.

For travelers arriving at Terminal 2, the rental car pickup is typically located on Skyway Level 2, near the purple parking ramp. This allows for direct access from the terminal, often via elevators from the ground transport center or escalators from baggage claim, leading straight to the skyway. If you arrive at Terminal 1, you can generally pick up your rental car just outside the Delta Air Lines electronic check-in area, between the red and blue parking ramps. All on-airport rental car companies at MSP allow vehicles to be returned to either terminal, offering flexibility for departures.

The direct on-airport presence is a significant advantage for Minnesotans. It eliminates the need for external shuttles or additional travel time to off-airport rental facilities, making the transition from airplane to rental car seamless. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for those with luggage, families, or tight schedules. The branch typically operates extended hours, with the Terminal 1 counter often open 24 hours, and the Terminal 2 counter generally from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., catering to various flight schedules.

• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Thrifty at MSP typically offers a wide selection of vehicles. This includes economy cars (e.g., Chevrolet Spark, Ford Focus) for budget-friendly travel, various sizes of sedans (e.g., Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, Chevrolet Malibu) for comfort, and a range of SUVs (e.g., Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox) popular for Minnesota's varied driving conditions and outdoor pursuits. Minivans are also often available for larger groups or families.
• Flexible Rental Periods: Customers can typically rent vehicles for short durations (daily, weekend) or longer terms (weekly, monthly), providing adaptability for different travel plans.
• On-Airport Pick-up and Drop-off: With counters and vehicle access directly at MSP Airport (both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2), the process of picking up and returning a car is designed for maximum convenience for air travelers.
• Optional Add-ons and Amenities: Thrifty generally offers various optional additions to enhance the rental experience. These can include GPS navigation systems (like the "NeverLost Navigator") for easy navigation across Minnesota, child safety seats (infant, child, and booster seats), and premium emergency roadside assistance.
• Protection Plans: Various protection options such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Liability Protection, and Personal Protection Packages are typically available to provide renters with peace of mind. Renters should always review their personal insurance coverage before purchasing additional protection.
• Fuel Options: Customers usually have choices regarding fuel, including pre-paying for a full tank, having Thrifty refuel the vehicle upon return (with a service charge), or refueling the vehicle themselves before returning it to avoid extra charges.
• Blue Chip Membership Program: For frequent renters, Thrifty offers its Blue Chip Membership program, which provides perks like expedited counter service, faster pick-up and drop-off, and the ability to earn points towards free rental days.
• Acceptance of Various Payment Methods: Thrifty accepts major credit cards (American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, etc.) and in some cases, debit cards at airport locations, often with specific requirements like proof of a return travel ticket and two forms of identification. Prepaid credit cards are generally not accepted for qualifying a rental.
• Age Requirements: Thrifty rents to drivers aged 20-24, though an additional daily age differential charge may apply for renters under 25.

• Direct Airport Access: Being directly at MSP Airport is a major advantage, providing unparalleled convenience for air travelers. This eliminates the need for shuttles to off-site locations, saving time and reducing stress upon arrival and departure.
• Wide Selection of Vehicles: Thrifty typically has a diverse fleet available, allowing customers to choose a vehicle that fits their specific needs, from compact cars for solo travel to SUVs for family adventures in Minnesota.
• Potential for Fast Service (Blue Chip): For Blue Chip members, Thrifty aims to offer expedited service, potentially allowing for quicker pick-up and drop-off experiences.

However, it is imperative to address the significant negative customer feedback provided, which indicates serious concerns at this specific location:

• Severe Customer Service Issues: Multiple reviews detail "Horrible customer service," citing instances where staff, including a manager named Samira, were described as unprofessional, unhelpful, and even engaged in highly inappropriate behavior ("hung up on my husband, left me at the counter, walked out the door, got in her car, and drove away"). This directly contradicts the expectation of friendly and professional service.
• Payment Acceptance Problems: A critical highlight of the negative experience was the refusal to accept valid forms of payment, including a personal credit card and a company credit card, despite the bank confirming their validity. This caused significant delays and frustration ("This whole experience took an hour and a half").
• Lack of Resolution and Accountability: The staff, including a supervisor, reportedly spoke over the customer and failed to resolve the payment issue or acknowledge their own procedural errors ("Turned out she wasn’t running the credit card machine correctly"). This indicates a lack of problem-solving and a disregard for customer satisfaction.
• Advisory to "Avoid at All Costs": The most prominent feature arising from these reviews is the explicit and strong recommendation from customers to "Avoid Thrifty Car Rental at all costs!!!" This is a direct warning to potential renters.
• Contrast with Competitors: The stark contrast in experience with a competitor like Enterprise ("Enterprise was fantastic. I highly recommend Enterprise- polite, professional, efficient, and reliable (unlike Thrifty)") highlights the severity of the issues at this Thrifty location.

These severe negative experiences, particularly regarding staff conduct and payment processing, are significant deterrents for potential renters.

Address: 7150 Humphrey Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55450, USA

Phone: (877) 283-0898

Mobile Phone: +1 877-283-0898

For Minnesotans, the idea of an on-airport car rental at MSP, like Thrifty, often promises convenience and efficiency. Its location directly within Terminal 2 (Humphrey Terminal) does indeed offer seamless access for those arriving by air, eliminating the need for off-site shuttles and reducing overall travel time. In theory, having a variety of vehicles available right at the airport is a distinct advantage for residents needing a quick rental for business, family visits, or leisure travel within our state.

However, the provided customer reviews present a stark and concerning picture that heavily impacts the suitability of this specific Thrifty location for locals. The consistent reports of "horrible customer service," including unprofessional behavior from management, issues with payment acceptance, and a lack of willingness to resolve problems, suggest a potentially highly frustrating experience. While the physical convenience of an airport location remains, the critical importance of reliable and respectful customer interaction, which Minnesotans rightly expect from service providers, appears to be severely lacking. The strong advice from multiple customers to "Avoid Thrifty Car Rental at all costs" and their positive comparison to competitors cannot be overlooked.

Therefore, while the physical location is convenient, potential Minnesotan renters are strongly advised to consider these serious customer service issues. While the brand typically aims for efficiency, the reported experiences suggest that the actual service at this specific MSP branch may not meet the expectations of professional and courteous interaction that local users deserve. For a truly stress-free car rental experience, locals may wish to explore alternatives, as suggested by the direct customer feedback.

Thrifty Car Rental

7150 Humphrey Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55450, USA