You’ve just landed after an early-morning flight, you’ve got a business meeting across town, and the last thing you want is to stand in a rental car queue while the minutes tick away. Or maybe you’re on holiday with the family, wrangling luggage and kids, and your patience is already running thin before you even reach the car park.
Sound familiar?
The truth is, hiring a car should be simple, but depending on the airport, the timing of your flight, and how prepared you are, collection can either be smooth sailing or a slow crawl through paperwork and queues.
That’s why we’ve put together these 10 expert tips for a faster car rental checkout — practical, real-world advice that will save you time, frustration, and even money. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, these tricks will help you hit the road sooner.
1. Use Online Check-In Before You Fly
Just like checking in for a flight, many rental companies (including Redspot) now offer online check-in. During booking, you can enter your driver’s licence details, ID, and optional extras in advance.
By the time you arrive at the counter, most of your paperwork is already processed, which means fewer forms to fill out and less typing for the staff. In busy airports, those saved minutes can mean the difference between getting ahead of the queue or waiting behind a full plane-load of passengers.
💡 Pro Tip: Complete online check-in at least 24 hours before your trip to ensure your details sync correctly with the booking system.
2. Join a VIP Loyalty Program
Frequent traveller? Then this one’s a game-changer.
Redspot’s Show & Go membership program works like a VIP fast lane. Instead of lining up with everyone else, members can head straight to their reserved vehicle with minimal paperwork. For regular business travellers, this means:
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No wasted time at the counter.
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Pre-saved preferences for vehicles and cover options.
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Priority service if queues build up during peak hours.
Think of it like the rental equivalent of airline priority boarding. If you travel regularly for work, this is one of the smartest investments in convenience you can make.
3. Prepay Your Rental Online
If the option is available, prepay your car hire online before arrival. Not only does this sometimes unlock discounted rates, but it also saves one extra step at the desk — no payment processing, no fumbling for a card, and no extra minutes lost.
With Redspot, prepaid bookings also guarantee your vehicle is ready and waiting, so you’re not left hanging around while staff reshuffle the fleet.
4. Choose Your Vehicle Strategically 🚙
Yes, it’s tempting to go big and flashy with a luxury SUV, but here’s the catch: specialty vehicles are limited. During peak travel periods, your luxury option might need a quick turnaround (wash, refuel, inspection) from the last rental, which can add delays.
If speed is your priority, consider choosing a category with high availability, such as economy or compact sedans. These are usually in greater supply, meaning less waiting and a faster pickup.
💡 Pro Tip: If you really want a premium car, book well in advance and confirm your arrival time.
5. Know Your Airport Layout
Every airport is different. Some rental counters are inside the arrivals hall, others are a short shuttle ride away, and some (like Redspot’s Sydney Domestic Terminal desks) involve a quick check-in before a shuttle to the ready bays.
Researching where your rental counter and car park are located before you land saves you from wandering around aimlessly — and potentially losing your spot in line to faster passengers.
Most major airports publish maps online. Take a quick look before your flight and you’ll hit the ground running.
6. Keep ID and Credit Card Handy
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many delays are caused by travellers digging through backpacks and carry-on luggage for their driver’s licence or credit card.
The first thing staff will ask for is your licence and payment card. Keep them in a pocket, passport holder, or wallet that you can access in seconds.
💡 Pro Tip: Redspot accepts both credit and Visa/Mastercard debit cards for security bonds, so even if you don’t have a credit card, you won’t get stuck.
7. Pre-Select Your Extras
Need additional damage cover, a child seat, or toll options? Don’t wait until you’re at the counter. Selecting extras during the booking process means they’re already loaded into your contract.
This not only speeds up checkout but also guarantees availability. Last-minute requests (especially for child seats) can take time to organise and may not always be in stock.
8. Use a Credit Card in Your Own Name
This one catches people out. If your boss or partner prepaid for the rental using their credit card, you may still need to present a card in the driver’s name to cover the security bond or any additional charges (like tolls or late fuel refills).
Sorting this out on the spot can mean extra paperwork or even a contract reissue. Avoid the delay: always carry your own card as backup.
9. Check Your Funds for the Bond
Every rental requires a security bond (pre-authorisation) to be placed on your card. For Redspot, it’s usually $200 on top of the rental cost — far less than some companies that hold $1,000 or more.
If your card doesn’t have enough available funds, you’ll be stuck transferring money or finding another card, which can delay you by 20 minutes or more. Always check your balance before travelling.
10. Avoid Peak Collection Times
Sometimes the easiest way to beat the queue is to avoid it altogether. Airport rental counters are busiest during:
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7am–9am (morning flight arrivals).
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4pm–6pm (afternoon peak).
If your schedule allows, try to collect outside these windows. If not, using the other nine tips above will give you a serious head start.
Bonus Tip: Allow Yourself a Buffer
Even with the best preparation, delays can happen: late flights, baggage hiccups, or peak-season queues. If you’ve got a business meeting or family event to reach, plan a 30-minute buffer between your rental pickup and your next commitment.
That way, you’ll travel stress-free, knowing you’ve allowed for life’s little delays.
Redspot’s Commitment to Fast, Stress-Free Rentals
At Redspot Car Rentals, we know your time is valuable. That’s why we’ve invested in:
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Digital check-in and photo capture of vehicle condition, emailed to you at pickup for complete transparency.
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Show & Go membership for express collection and loyalty perks.
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Convenient locations at all major Australian airports and city centres.
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Low security bond requirements ($200, not $1,000+).
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Acceptance of both credit and debit cards.
We follow strict standards as a proud member of the AFIA Car Rental Code of Practice, which ensures fairness, transparency, and customer protection across all our services.
Final Word
Hiring a car doesn’t have to be stressful. By preparing in advance — from online check-in to choosing the right vehicle — you can breeze through the rental process and be on the road faster.
So next time you land in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or beyond, remember these tips. And when you’re ready to book, choose Redspot for a fast, transparent, and hassle-free experience.