Creativity in inventing fees is not an airline monopoly. Car rental companies have set a new standard in charging their customers more fees in addition to the nickeling and diming that renters have come to expect.
Examples include charging higher rates if you return the car earlier than expected. A fee if you do not drive the car enough (in the form of a "re-fueling fee"), a premium for younger drivers, extra drivers, child safety seat surcharge and the punitive refueling fee, heaven forbid, if the vehicle is returned 100% re-fueled.
There is also a semantic issue growing as car rental companies re-define the size of the vehicle. What used to be small/compact is now defined as intermediate, and the new large is the old intermediate.
What to do: Check your insurance policy coverage. Chances are you are covered for auto rental as well with minor exceptions. Do not fall for the hard sell pitch and go for the $24.99/day coverage. Inquire about the rate if you return the car early or late, as some companies charge a full additional day for a mere one hour overage. Return the car fully fueled and avoid the exhorbitant re-fueling fee that can go as high as $6/gallon. Finally, make sure that you get a confirmation for the actual vehicle size or the "equivalent" that you desire...
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