Las Vegas travelers looking to bypass traditional car rental services have new options—and new rules to contend with when using Turo, a car-sharing service. Recent changes have seen Turo officially permitted to operate at Harry Reid International Airport, albeit with some caveats that are causing a stir among both hosts and users of the platform. FOX5 reports that these include designated vehicle drop-off in a remote parking lot and additional airport fees tangled into the cost of every booking.
Turo hosts must now drop off vehicles in a remote lot across from the Rent-A-Car Center, a significant departure from the previous more convenient arrangements. According to statements obtained by FOX5, this has led to some customers who were hoping to quickly start their Vegas experience, to riskily dart across the road and, in attempts to avoid a cumbersome journey carrying luggage and potentially with children in tow, during the sweltering Vegas heat.
Recognizing the frustrations, Turo has proposed alternatives like curbside service, similar to what’s offered at other airports such as LAX, but the decision rests with the airport authorities. As indicated by a FOX5 interview with Turo spokesperson Catherine Mejia, while Turo does not profit from the airport-imposed fees, they are committed to improving the customer experience and have reached out to airport officials with suggestions following their hosts and customers’ concerns.
The remote lot arrangement has compounded fees that have been met with cancellations from budget-minded customers. "I don’t think they’re liking the added fees that the airport is charging," Turo Power Host Erik Lizar told FOX5. In response, several hosts are calling on the airport to reconsider its rules to better accommodate the demand for affordable and ready-to-go vehicle options offered on Turo.
An unexpected electric jolt from the ticketing machine at the Remote Lot’s entrance added injury to the insult of inconvenience, with reported incidents, including one requiring medical treatment. Though no faulty mechanisms were found by electricians, airport officials have pledged to reexamine the issue.
Despite the hurdles, Turo remains a popular choice for travelers seeking a variety of rental options. From family SUVs to flashy sports cars, the service boasts a broad inventory directly from local hosts. How Turo operates is straightforward: select a car from their website, book with the app or online, and have the option to have the car delivered or pick it up from your host. This seamless process is highlighted on Turo’s website, yet users flying into Las Vegas may find the reality less fluid than desired, at least for the time being.
