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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Thrifty in Salt Lake City include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating in Salt Lake City, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:
- Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your hire period
- Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
- No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification
All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected car hire experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Salt Lake City.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Thrifty counter in Salt Lake City when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Salt Lake City are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the counter in Salt Lake City charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with the hire partner to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.
The only costs outside this guarantee are:
- Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
- Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
Where is the Thrifty counter at Salt Lake City International Airport?
The Thrifty counter at Salt Lake City International Airport is located at 3920 Terminal Drive, inside the consolidated hire car facility known as the Gateway Centre, which is adjacent to the airport parking garage.
After collecting your baggage, follow the signs towards the hire car centre. The Gateway Centre is accessible from the terminal via two pedestrian bridges, so no shuttle bus is required for most arrivals. Once inside the Gateway Centre, look for the Thrifty desk among the other hire brand counters.
The Thrifty airport counter in Salt Lake City is open daily from 07:00 to 23:00. If you are arriving late in the evening, plan to be at the counter before 23:00. Reviewers have noted that the Salt Lake City airport location can experience long counter queues, particularly during peak travel periods, so factor in extra time between baggage claim and driving away.
What are the Thrifty operating hours at the Salt Lake City downtown location?
The Thrifty downtown Salt Lake City location is at 750 S. Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, and operates on a more limited schedule than the airport counter.
- Monday through Friday: 08:00 to 17:30
- Saturday: 09:00 to 12:00
- Sunday: closed
If you are staying in central Salt Lake City and do not need to pick up or return a vehicle at the airport, this downtown Thrifty location can be a convenient option. However, the restricted weekend hours mean you should plan your pickup and return carefully, especially if your trip includes a Sunday. No after-hours key-drop details are confirmed for this location, so contact Thrifty directly if you need to return outside posted hours.
The airport Thrifty counter at 3920 Terminal Drive remains open daily from 07:00 to 23:00 and may be a better fit if your schedule does not align with the downtown Salt Lake City hours.
Are there toll roads near Salt Lake City that affect a Thrifty rental?
Yes, there are toll roads near Salt Lake City that can affect your Thrifty hire. The main toll system is the I-15 Express Lanes, a cashless managed-lane network running approximately 62 miles from Spanish Fork in the south to Layton Parkway in the north, passing through the Salt Lake City metro area.
- Tolls are collected electronically; there are no cash toll booths on the Express Lanes
- Solo drivers pay a variable rate ranging from a minimum of US$0.25 to a maximum of US$1.00 per segment, depending on traffic conditions
- Carpools with two or more occupants can qualify for a 100% exemption by switching an Express Pass transponder to HOV mode
- Regular I-15 lanes remain free and untolled
Thrifty vehicles in Salt Lake City are equipped with a PlatePass toll device. You can enrol in the PlatePass programme at the counter for US$3.95 per day, capped at US$19.75 per rental period, plus the actual toll charges. If you do not enrol and still use the Express Lanes, Thrifty will bill the tolls plus administrative fees to your card after the hire ends.
Utah has no congestion charges or emissions zones, so the I-15 Express Lanes are the only toll consideration for most Salt Lake City driving.
Can I get cashback on tolls paid during my Thrifty hire in Salt Lake City?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Thrifty hire in Salt Lake City.
This benefit is especially relevant in Salt Lake City because the I-15 Express Lanes are fully cashless and tolls can accumulate across a multi-day hire. Whether you pay through the Thrifty PlatePass programme or a personal transponder, you can submit a claim after returning the vehicle.
To claim your cashback:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning the vehicle
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - HOLA[your confirmation number]
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals confirmation, the signed hire agreement, and a toll receipt or itemised invoice showing charges paid during the hire period
The refund is issued to the same payment method used for your booking and typically processes within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted, so keep your Thrifty Salt Lake City toll receipts and submit promptly.
What documents do I need to pick up a Thrifty hire in Salt Lake City?
To pick up a Thrifty hire in Salt Lake City, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:
- Your original, unexpired driver’s licence in the main driver’s name
- A major credit card with the driver’s name printed on the card, used for the authorisation hold
- A valid passport or government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting from abroad
If your driver’s licence is not in English and does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. For licences in other non-English scripts or languages, an IDP is strongly recommended. The IDP is a translation document only and must be carried alongside your original licence; it is not accepted on its own.
All documents must be physical originals. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at the Thrifty Salt Lake City counter. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the authorisation hold.
Does Thrifty in Salt Lake City charge extra fees for young drivers under 25?
Yes, Thrifty in Salt Lake City charges a young-driver surcharge for renters between the ages of 21 and 24. The standard Thrifty underage fee in the United States is US$13.50 per hire day plus applicable taxes, with a maximum cap of US$189 plus taxes for the hire period.
Drivers must be at least 21 years old to hire from Thrifty at the Salt Lake City airport or downtown location. Drivers aged 18 to 20 are generally not eligible to hire in Utah outside of the specific state exceptions that apply only to New York and Michigan.
In addition to the daily surcharge, renters under 25 at the Salt Lake City Thrifty counter are typically restricted from hiring certain vehicle classes, including full-size SUVs, premium, luxury, convertible, and minivan categories. Economy, compact, and intermediate vehicles are usually available to eligible young renters.
The young-driver surcharge is paid directly at the Thrifty counter in Salt Lake City and is not included in your prepaid booking total. Budget for this additional cost before you arrive.
How does the fuel policy work for a Thrifty hire in Salt Lake City?
Thrifty hires in Salt Lake City follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid fuel charges.
At pickup, check the fuel gauge with the Thrifty agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on your hire agreement. Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge before leaving the Salt Lake City lot.
When returning your vehicle, refuel within approximately 10 miles of the Thrifty return location at 3920 Terminal Drive or 750 S. Main Street, depending on where you picked up. Fuel prices in Salt Lake City average around US$3.20 per gallon, which is generally below the national average due to regional refineries, making it cost-effective to fill up before return.
If you return the vehicle below the recorded starting level, Thrifty will charge you for the fuel shortfall at their own refuelling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus a refuelling service fee. Keep your final fuel receipt as proof in case of any dispute.
Is travel assistance included with a Thrifty booking in Salt Lake City?
Yes, most bookings made through Hola Car Rentals include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection, and this applies to Thrifty hires in Salt Lake City as well. However, this benefit is available only to non-North American customers; residents of the United States and Canada do not qualify.
For eligible renters, the coverage typically includes:
- Travel and medical insurance for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of a road accident
- Compensation for baggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
This can be particularly useful if you experience a medical emergency or an accident while driving in the Salt Lake City area, including on canyon routes such as SR-210 where winter conditions can be hazardous.
To utilise the assistance, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day at +1 888 980 9992 or via WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready. Check your booking confirmation for the exact coverage limits and terms that apply to your specific Thrifty Salt Lake City reservation.
What airport fees and taxes apply to a Thrifty hire at Salt Lake City Airport?
Picking up a Thrifty hire at Salt Lake City International Airport (3920 Terminal Drive) involves several mandatory fees and taxes on top of your base hire rate. These charges are standard for airport locations in Salt Lake City and are not unique to Thrifty.
- Airport concession recovery fee: approximately 10 to 12% of the base rate
- Customer facility charge (CFC): approximately US$4.50 per day
- State hire tax: approximately 10.25%
- City concession fee: approximately US$5.00 per day
Combined, these surcharges can add 25 to 35% on top of your prepaid rate. Your booking confirmation will indicate which taxes and fees are included in your prepaid total and which are due at the Thrifty Salt Lake City counter.
If you want to avoid some of these airport-specific concession fees, off-airport Thrifty locations in the Salt Lake City area, such as those in Murray or near Southtowne Automall approximately 10 to 15 miles south, typically do not carry the airport concession recovery fee, though you would need to arrange your own transportation to reach them.
Do I need a credit card to pick up a Thrifty car in Salt Lake City?
Yes, a physical major credit card in the main driver’s name is required to pick up a Thrifty hire in Salt Lake City. The card must have the driver’s name printed on it and must have sufficient available credit to cover the authorisation hold.
For standard vehicles at Salt Lake City locations, the typical authorisation hold is approximately US$300 to US$400, though the exact amount is set by Thrifty at the counter and may be higher for premium vehicle classes or longer hires.
The following card types are not accepted for the deposit hold at the Thrifty Salt Lake City counter:
- Debit cards
- Prepaid cards
- Virtual or single-use card numbers
- Digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay as a substitute for a physical card
Even if you have fully prepaid your booking, you must still present a physical credit card at the Thrifty counter in Salt Lake City for the authorisation hold. The hold is a temporary authorisation, not a charge, and is released after you return the vehicle, though your bank may take up to 15 business days to reflect the release. Bringing a backup credit card is recommended in case your primary card is declined.
Can I add an additional driver to my Thrifty hire in Salt Lake City?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Thrifty hire in Salt Lake City, but the additional driver must be present at the counter at the time of pickup with their own valid driver’s licence.
When the additional driver fee is not included in your rate, Thrifty in Salt Lake City charges US$13.50 per hire day plus taxes for each additional driver, with a maximum cap of US$189 plus taxes for the hire period. Check your booking confirmation to see whether an additional driver is already included in your rate.
Key requirements for adding a driver at the Thrifty Salt Lake City counter:
- The additional driver must be physically present at pickup
- They must present a valid driver’s licence, and an IDP if their licence uses a non-Latin alphabet
- They must meet the minimum age requirement; drivers aged 21 to 24 may incur a young-driver surcharge
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the hire agreement
Only drivers listed on the Thrifty hire agreement in Salt Lake City are covered by the vehicle’s protections. Anyone not named on the contract who drives the vehicle may void coverage and result in additional charges.
Are there winter driving rules that affect a Thrifty hire in Salt Lake City?
Yes, winter driving conditions in the Salt Lake City area can directly affect your Thrifty hire, particularly if you plan to drive into the surrounding canyons between November and March.
Utah enforces traction laws on certain mountain routes near Salt Lake City during winter months. Routes such as SR-210 leading to Little Cottonwood Canyon are subject to traction requirements that may mandate snow tyres or chains. These laws can result in road closures or restrictions that prevent access without compliant tyres.
Standard hire vehicles from Thrifty in Salt Lake City are not guaranteed to come equipped with snow tyres or chains. If you plan to drive canyon roads during winter, ask the Thrifty agent at the Salt Lake City counter about available tyre or chain options before leaving the lot.
Within the city itself, Salt Lake City’s grid-based street layout is generally well-maintained in winter, but the abrupt transition from the flat urban grid to steep canyon roads can catch first-time visitors off guard. Allow extra travel time and check UDOT road conditions before heading into the mountains during your Salt Lake City hire period.
Can I pick up a Thrifty car at Salt Lake City Airport and return it downtown?
Yes, it is possible to pick up a Thrifty hire at Salt Lake City International Airport (3920 Terminal Drive) and return it to the downtown Salt Lake City location at 750 S. Main Street, or vice versa. However, a one-way drop-off fee may apply depending on the route and the rate you select.
When booking, the Hola Car Rentals checkout page will display any applicable drop-off fee under the "To pay at destination" section. If no fee is shown, the route does not carry a one-way surcharge. The fee is paid directly at the Thrifty counter in Salt Lake City and cannot be prepaid.
Important considerations for a one-way Thrifty hire in Salt Lake City:
- The downtown location at 750 S. Main Street is closed on Sundays and closes at 12:00 on Saturdays, so plan your return accordingly
- Confirm the drop-off fee shown on your booking confirmation matches what the Thrifty agent presents at pickup
- If the counter charges a fee that was not disclosed on your confirmation, keep all paperwork and contact support after the hire ends
For same-city airport-to-downtown routes, one-way fees are often minimal or waived, but always verify during the booking process before confirming your Thrifty Salt Lake City hire.
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