Airport Gas: Buying Guide For Travelers

If you're looking to buy gas at an airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, airport gas prices tend to be higher than those at regular gas stations. In some cases, airport gas stations have been known to charge upwards of two times the going rate for gasoline. Additionally, rental car companies at airports often offer the option to pay for a full tank of gas before driving off the lot, which can be convenient but may not always be the best deal. It's important to compare prices and consider your options before filling up your tank at an airport.

Renting a car at the airport? Pre-paying for gas may be cheaper

When renting a car at the airport, you may be pressured by the rental agent to pre-purchase gas. While this option is convenient, as it saves you from having to refuel the car before returning it, it is almost always more expensive than refuelling the car yourself.

Rental car companies typically offer a prepaid fuel option, a refueling service fee, or the option to refuel the car yourself before returning it. With the prepaid fuel option, you pay for a full tank of gas upfront, regardless of how much fuel you actually use. This means that if you don't return the car with an empty tank, you will have paid for fuel that you didn't use. Additionally, rental companies often charge higher rates for fuel than local gas stations, and they may not offer refunds for unused fuel.

For example, Enterprise's website states that if you choose their refueling service option, you will pay the local "Enterprise rate," which is typically higher than the local pump price. Similarly, Hertz and Avis note on their websites that they do not offer partial refunds for renters who use less than a full tank of gas.

To save money on fuel, it is generally recommended that you refuel the rental car yourself before returning it. You can search for gas stations near the airport or use an app like GasBuddy, Waze, Upside, or Google Maps to find the best prices. However, keep in mind that some rental companies, such as Avis and Budget, may charge a fee if you drive less than a certain number of miles and don't return the car with a full tank and a refueling receipt.

In summary, while pre-paying for gas at the rental counter may be tempting, it is almost always more expensive than refueling the car yourself. By taking a few minutes to refuel the car before returning it, you can avoid unnecessary fees and keep more money in your pocket.

Gas stations near airports can be expensive

Secondly, airport retail space is costly, and companies must pay substantial rent to the airport. This additional cost is passed on to customers through higher prices for goods and services, including fuel. Airports are also often located in remote areas, which can increase shipping and storage costs for businesses operating within the airport. These extra costs are reflected in the prices charged to customers.

Additionally, travellers, especially those on vacation or business trips, tend to have a higher budget and are willing to spend more for convenience. They may also be bored while waiting for their flights and more inclined to purchase items, including fuel, at a higher price. Furthermore, some smaller airports have stricter security measures and may require additional information, such as a tail number, for fuelling.

To find more affordable fuel options near airports, it is recommended to use fuel planning tools and apps, such as AirNav, Fly Unleaded, or Pure-Gas. These tools can help locate ethanol-free gasoline or recreational fuel distributed by specific companies at select terminals and airports. Autogas, for instance, is widely available at airports across Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, India, and several other countries.

You can buy AV fuel at some airports

When purchasing AV fuel at an airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you will need to use an approved fuel container. You cannot directly fill up a car or sled with AV fuel at the airport. However, once you leave the airport premises, you can use the fuel as you see fit. It is advisable to contact the airport manager beforehand to understand the specific procedures and requirements at that particular airport.

In some cases, you may need to provide a tail number, which can usually be found on planes at the airport. The process of purchasing AV fuel can vary from airport to airport, with some larger airports having more stringent security measures. It may be easier to access AV fuel at smaller airports, but this is not always the case. Prices for AV fuel can also vary across different airports, with some charging higher prices due to increased demand or other factors.

To find airports that sell AV fuel, you can use online resources such as the AirNav website, which provides information on local fuel prices and locations. Additionally, the Pure-Gas website and its associated app can help locate fuel stations that sell ethanol-free gasoline in the United States and Canada. By planning ahead and utilizing these resources, individuals can identify airports that offer AV fuel and facilitate their purchasing process.

You can't fill up your car directly at some airports

When it comes to buying gas at an airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to note that not all airports have gas stations on-site. This means that, in some cases, you may need to fill up your car before arriving at the airport or look for a gas station nearby.

Even if an airport does have a gas station, it may not be easily accessible to the public. Some airport gas stations are intended primarily for aircraft refueling and may have restricted access. Additionally, the types of fuel available at airport gas stations may be limited, and you may not find the same options as at a regular gas station.

Another thing to consider is that, in some cases, you may not be able to fill up your car directly at the airport. This could be due to various reasons, such as security concerns or the layout of the airport. In such cases, you may need to use alternative options, such as fuel delivery services or off-site gas stations.

Furthermore, it's worth mentioning that the prices at airport gas stations can sometimes be higher than those at regular gas stations. This is often due to the convenience factor and the captive audience of travellers. Therefore, it is always a good idea to compare prices and plan your refuelling stops accordingly.

Lastly, when renting a car at an airport, it is essential to be mindful of the rental company's policies regarding fuel. Some companies may require you to return the car with a full tank, and there may be additional fees if you do not. Additionally, it is recommended to inspect the vehicle for any damage and document it before leaving the airport to avoid any issues upon returning the rental car.

Autogas is easily available at airports in Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, India and more

Autogas is a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) used as a fuel for internal combustion engines in vehicles. It is a mixture of propane and butane and is widely used as a green fuel, reducing CO2 exhaust emissions by around 15% compared to petrol.

Autogas is easily available at airports in several countries across Europe, including Germany, Italy, Greece, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Malta. In Asia, autogas is available at airports in Hong Kong, where all taxicabs rely on autogas, and India. It is also available in Australia, with at least one autogas filling station located at the Malta International Airport.

In the United States, autogas is more commonly known as propane and is becoming more widely available, with over 2,800 autogas fueling stations as of 2013. A map of airports offering autogas is available online, which can be used to locate autogas at specific airports.

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