I live near a major airport and occasionally rent from there without flying. As described in
this thread, National updated their terms of service last year:
At certain locations, the fees and other charges described in Section 3(b)(11), above, may not apply in the event Renter did not arrive at certain airports by plane within a specified period prior to the commencement of a rental transaction. Certain other fees and charges described in Section 3(b)(11) may not be applicable to vehicles rented as temporary replacements for vehicles unavailable due to mechanical breakdown, repair, service, damage or loss. These fees and charges may not be assessed if (A) Renter advises Owner at the counter at the time of the rental transaction that either (i) the Renter did not arrive at the airport by plane prior to the commencement of the rental transaction or (ii) Vehicle will be utilized as a replacement vehicle, and (B) the Owner determines that the fee and/or charge is not applicable to such Renter as a result of same. In the event Renter bypasses the counter at the time of the rental transaction without advising Owner of the foregoing facts, Renter acknowledges and agrees to incur certain fees and charges that may not otherwise have been applicable.
Has anyone tried to get the fees waived, or know which "certain locations" this qualifies to? Any experience with this clause? Airport-related fees can be pretty hefty so this would amount to a savings of $10-$20 or more in some places.