Thrifty Car Rental at Tulsa International Airport: Your Efficient Choice for Oklahoma Journeys

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Thrifty Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For many Oklahomans, and especially those traveling into or out of our vibrant state, seamless ground transportation is a key part of any successful journey. When you arrive at Tulsa International Airport (TUL), or if you're a local in need of a temporary vehicle, having a reliable and efficient car rental service right at hand makes all the difference. Thrifty Car Rental, conveniently located at TUL, aims to provide just that. As a well-known brand within the car rental industry, Thrifty is often associated with value and a straightforward rental process, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers and those seeking efficiency.

Thrifty operates with a focus on getting you on the road quickly and affordably. They understand that in Oklahoma, a car is often essential for exploring our diverse landscapes, from the urban centers of Tulsa and Oklahoma City to the scenic beauty of the Ozarks or the historic Route 66. While every service provider can face challenges, Thrifty strives to offer a consistent experience, aiming to have a wide selection of vehicles ready to meet various needs. As some customers have positively noted, their staff, like "Keith" at the airport desk, can provide "excellent customer service" and make clients feel "valued," demonstrating a commitment to positive interactions that streamline your rental process.

Location and Accessibility

Thrifty Car Rental is ideally situated at 7777 E Apache St, Tulsa, OK 74115, USA, placing it directly within the premises of Tulsa International Airport (TUL). This airport location is a significant advantage for travelers arriving by air, as it allows for an immediate and convenient transition from your flight to your rental vehicle. You can typically walk directly to the Thrifty counter inside the terminal, and then proceed a short distance to the car pick-up area. This eliminates the need for additional shuttle services, which is particularly beneficial after a long flight or when traveling with family.

Even for local Oklahomans who are not flying, the airport's strategic location offers good accessibility. E Apache Street connects to major arterial roads, and its proximity to highways such as US-169 and I-244 ensures that reaching the airport for your rental is generally straightforward from various parts of Tulsa and its surrounding communities. The airport environment also typically provides clear signage to direct you to the car rental facilities. With relatively broad operating hours from early morning until late evening on most days (e.g., typically 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM on weekdays, 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM on Sundays, and 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Saturdays, though these can vary), Thrifty at TUL aims to accommodate a wide range of travel schedules, ensuring convenience whether you're starting your journey or returning your vehicle.

Services Offered

Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Rentals: Thrifty provides flexible rental durations to suit various needs, from short business trips or weekend getaways to longer-term requirements when your personal vehicle is unavailable.
Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Customers can choose from a range of car classes, typically including fuel-efficient economy and compact cars (e.g., Ford Focus, Chevrolet Spark), comfortable sedans (e.g., Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Malibu), and spacious SUVs (e.g., Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox). Specific models and availability may vary based on the season and demand.
Thrifty Blue Chip Express Line: This loyalty program is designed to expedite the rental process, allowing members to bypass the counter and go directly to their reserved vehicle, saving valuable time, especially at busy airport locations. Members can also earn free rental days.
Optional Protection Plans: Customers can choose from various additional protection options, such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), and Roadside Assistance, to enhance peace of mind during their rental.
Add-on Equipment: For added convenience, customers can rent optional equipment like GPS navigation systems and child safety seats (infant, toddler, and booster).
One-Way Rentals: The flexibility to pick up a vehicle at Tulsa International Airport and return it to another Thrifty branch, either within Oklahoma or in a different state, is often available (subject to availability and applicable fees), making it suitable for diverse travel itineraries.
Pre-Pay and Post-Pay Options: Thrifty often offers choices for payment, including options to pay in advance for potential savings or pay at the counter upon pick-up.

Features / Highlights

Airport Location Convenience: Being situated directly within Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is a significant advantage, providing immediate access for air travelers and a convenient pick-up/drop-off point without the need for additional shuttles.
Value-Focused Rentals: Thrifty often positions itself as a budget-friendly option, aiming to provide competitive rates and deals, making it an attractive choice for those looking for economical car rental solutions without compromising too much on vehicle quality.
Thrifty Blue Chip Program: This loyalty program is a major highlight, significantly streamlining the rental process for members by allowing them to bypass the counter and proceed directly to their car, a feature highly valued by frequent renters.
Diverse Fleet of Vehicles: Thrifty maintains a varied fleet, ensuring that customers have a selection of car sizes and types to choose from, ranging from compact cars for solo travel to larger SUVs suitable for families or groups.
Commitment to Customer Service: While, like any large company, individual experiences can vary, Thrifty aims to provide helpful customer service, as highlighted by positive reviews that praise attentive and efficient staff at the counter, who can make customers feel "valued."

Contact Information

Address: 7777 E Apache St, Tulsa, OK 74115, USA

Phone: (877) 283-0898

Mobile Phone: +1 877-283-0898

For the most accurate and current information regarding vehicle availability, specific rental requirements, or to make a reservation, it is always recommended to contact Thrifty Car Rental at Tulsa International Airport directly during their operating hours. Their team will be able to assist you efficiently with your car rental needs.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Oklahomans, especially those in the Tulsa metropolitan area, Thrifty Car Rental at Tulsa International Airport offers a highly suitable and often essential service for a wide array of transportation needs. In a state where personal vehicles are paramount for navigating vast distances and diverse landscapes, having an accessible and value-oriented car rental option is a significant advantage. This airport location is not just for air travelers; it's a convenient hub for locals who need a temporary vehicle when their car is in the shop, for family visits, or for embarking on a road trip across the Sooner State.

Thrifty’s commitment to providing a seamless experience, notably through their Blue Chip program, means that Oklahomans can often get on the road faster, avoiding lengthy counter waits. The varied fleet ensures that whether you need a fuel-efficient compact car for city errands or a spacious SUV for a trip to the Ouachita Mountains, Thrifty likely has a vehicle to fit your budget and requirements. While challenges can arise in any service industry, the positive feedback regarding attentive staff underscores Thrifty's aim to deliver a reliable and customer-friendly experience. For your next car rental in Oklahoma, Thrifty at Tulsa International Airport stands as a practical and efficient choice, ready to help you explore our great state with ease.

Thrifty 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 Location

Thrifty

Oklahoma Tulsa County Tulsa East Apache Street

7777 E Apache St, Tulsa, OK 74115, USA

Thrifty Reviews

An average rating of ★2.4 from 110 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

On July 4th at approximately 1:00 PM, my family and I arrived at Tulsa International Airport to pick up a rental car previously booked through Thrifty. Upon arrival, we found the Thrifty counter unattended and were redirected to the Hertz counter for assistance. Unfortunately, the experience we had at the Hertz counter was deeply disappointing and unacceptable.We were received by a Hertz employee whose demeanor was immediately unwelcoming. She greeted us with visible irritation and unprofessional behavior, including eye-rolling and a dismissive tone, without any provocation. Despite our efforts to remain patient, her conduct escalated as she began raising her voice and pointing aggressively at me and my family. At that point, I calmly asked her to adjust her attitude, as it was inappropriate and uncalled for, especially in a public setting with other customers present.Rather than de-escalating, she responded by throwing a manager’s business card at me and telling me to direct my complaint to him. I did reach out to the manager, who, unfortunately, was not much help. When he finally approached the counter, he stood by silently as I explained our concerns, including issues with a credit card transaction. Without offering any meaningful assistance or acknowledging our situation, he simply walked away.Ultimately, due to the complete lack of professionalism and support, we had no choice but to seek service elsewhere. We successfully rented a vehicle from Avis that same day. As we left, the Hertz employee made an inappropriate and sarcastic comment: “Would you feel better if I paid your credit card? Would that make you feel better?”—a remark that left us stunned and further reinforced our decision to walk away.After a long six-hour flight and while traveling with a baby, this experience was particularly distressing and disheartening. It is unacceptable for any customer to be treated in such a manner, and I strongly urge your company to evaluate the training, oversight, and professionalism of the staff representing your brand at the Tulsa Airport location.Due to this experience, we will no longer consider using Hertz or Thrifty in the future and will advise others to do the same unless corrective action is taken.
Jul 12, 2025 · Angelica Casanova
Thrifty was able to get me a vehicle as soon as I needed it..I was already at the airport. They were amazing .the guy at the desk, in the airport, Keith? excellent customer service. I felt so valued as a client. Would definitely use again. Thanks for everything, y'all.
Jun 30, 2025 · Lene Davis
On going problem!!! They will not answer their phone even if trying to call them directly to their airport phone #. I now have about 10 different Thrifty phone numbers. Advise, Never! Ever, Ever! book thru priceline. If you do happen to reach someone there, they will then tell you to contact Thrifty. 😠 the one time I magically got ahold of Thrifty, it was the wrong department. Of course, they said to contact Priceline 🙄 😠 😡. The supposed SUV they put me in is the worst model in history!! No navigation, has trouble connecting to Bluetooth. Sits so low to ground you feel every pump. And with neuropathy, you feel agony with each pump. All I want to do is trade it. I live almost 100 miles away from the airport where it was rented. Help!!!!!! Can I give zero stars to both Thrifty and Priceline. Oh, and it is impossible to make a change online!!
Apr 17, 2025 · Judy McClaskey-Walker
Thrifty has horrible customer service. We modified 1 aspect of our rental and somehow it increase our rental cost by 5 times. They also gave us a smaller vehicle than we reserved, even though our reservation was made 5 weeks in advance. The vehicle was not cleaned out before it was given to us. This has to be the worst rental car experience I've ever had. We tried to understand why, because when we spoke on the phone, I did not understand the gentleman and what I heard was much less than what they charged us. I do NOT recommend using Thrifty unless you like being taken advantage of.
Mar 31, 2025 · Amanda DeVage
Horrible experience! We rented a car for two days at Tulsa Airport. On returning the car we found out out flight was delayed and we would miss our next flight in Dallas. We decided to keep the car, drive to Dallas and return it at DFW 4 hours later.I just had a surgery the day before and needed to get home. My poor wife who has never dealt with renting a car, met with the Thrifty clerk (in Tulsa before deciding to go to DFW) who told her it was going to cost $381 to keep the car. After asking if that was the total, for the whole trip, the clear said yes. Of course they charged us for the 2 days at $174 that we originally rented the car for and $318 for the extra few hours and returning it to Dallas. So $556 for a 2 day rental.The clerk never mentioned to my wife, who was worried about getting me home that it would be cheaper for us to make a new reservation that would cost less than $150.After spending all day trying to contact a human from Thrifty Customer service, we were told very rudely that there was nothing that can be done and that my wife shouldn't have made the agreement. The service representative refused to let me speak to anyone above him and gave me a false number to call for more help.They took advantage of a woman when they new darn well there was a better option they could have given her.
Jan 31, 2025 · Mario Gurule