Airport parking lot cars put up for short-term rent

FlightCar aims to put vehicles left in airport parking lots to use by offering them up for short-term loans.

UK vehicle owners willing to let out their car to others when it’s not in use can already do so through the easyCar Car Club scheme. Now in the US, FlightCar aims to put vehicles left in airport parking lots to use by offering them up for short-term loans. Where similar car-sharing companies aim to link owners with those requiring one-off loans, FlightCar takes advantage of the fact that most people driving to airports will be leaving the country for a fair amount of time. Owners can post details of the airport they will be departing from, how long their car will be available, details of the vehicle and how much they want to charge for rental. Those flying into the airport at the same time can then avoid more expensive rental companies by borrowing a car that would otherwise have sat in the parking lot for the duration of the owner’s break. Once a transaction is agreed, the carkeys are handed to a FlightCar representative who cleans the vehicle before transferring them to the renter. FlightCar includes an approval process for both parties through driving licence checks and is insured against damage and theft. According to the company, customers can expect a 20 to 50 percent discount compared to traditional rental routes, while owners receive 65 per cent of the agreed fee. How else could car sharing be made easier? Spotted by: Murray Orange