Landing in the United States is always a bit of a whirlwind but our recent trip was more of a hurricane. After a long fourteen hour haul from Australia, we finally touched down, but not at our final destination. If you are planning to hire a car for your Southern California trip or holiday, this Avis Car Rental LAX review covers exactly why you need to build a massive buffer into your travel schedule.
The SFO Detour Customs Delays and Missed Connections
Our journey into the States actually began at San Francisco International (SFO). We had planned a standard transit, but US Customs had other ideas. On the international visitors side of the terminal, there were only a few officers checking passports for a sea of travellers. Meanwhile, the USA citizen side was moving double time with about five to ten booths open.
The wait was brutal. We, along with pretty much the entire flight, got stuck in the queue and watched our connecting flight to LAX depart without us. It is a classic trap where travel agents or airlines often book tight connections that do not account for the reality of US Border Protection.
We had to scramble to find a solution. We eventually managed to snag the last five tickets on a flight later that afternoon, and only because the airline was offering passengers cash to get off. It was a stressful introduction to the country and a reminder that even the best plans can go pear shaped when the airline decides your transit time.
Planning the Journey and Booking Online
The key to a stress free arrival starts months before you even board the plane, which is a lesson that saved us when our flights went haywire. I made sure to organise my booking online about three months prior to landing in LA. Once we had our full trip itinerary sorted, locking in the car early gave me peace of mind that the specific model I wanted would be ready and waiting regardless of our delay.
Booking well in advance is a smart move for any Aussie traveller. It not only secures a better rate but ensures you are not left scrambling for whatever is left on the lot during the busy holiday season. In my experience, leaving it until you land is a recipe for ending up in a compact car that will not fit all of your suitcases.
Getting from the Terminal to the Avis Hub
Because of the flight drama and the last minute dash at SFO, we finally landed at LAX just as the sun was starting to dip. Once you have grabbed your bags from the carousel at the domestic terminal, follow the signs for ground transportation. You need to head outside and look for the purple signs marked Rental Car Shuttles.
The shuttle bus ride took about ten minutes. It is a bit of a frantic experience because when the bus pulls up to the rental centre, everyone is in a massive rush to get off and up to the rental car offices. My advice is to stand near the doors if you can(and if you’re travelling light), so you are not the last one in the queue at the desk. We were travelling with our family, so we waited for everyone to get off before hauling our suitcases off to set off up to Avis rental lobby.
The Check in Process and Long Queues
Even with an early booking, be prepared for a wait. We picked up our vehicle on the 20th of December at dusk, and the office was packed with holiday travellers, and also unusually people that were just seated there for the whole time for whatever reason. We had to wait quite a while for an available Avis representative simply because of the sheer volume of people arriving at that hour.
One thing to note in this Avis Car Rental LAX review is the Preferred service. If you can, join the Avis loyalty programme before you leave Australia as it can save you from the general queue, which took us about forty five minutes. Once we finally reached the representative, the process was straightforward. We were directed to the lift to head down to the collection area to find our ride.
The Vehicle Black Lincoln Navigator Luxury SUV
I had booked just a SUV that would be large enough to carry all of us and the suitcases for the holiday. They rented us a Black Lincoln Navigator, and let me tell you, it was an amazing vehicle. If you are doing a bit of driving around California, having a luxury SUV makes a world of difference. It felt like driving a lounge room on wheels with heaps of space for luggage and all the modern tech you would expect from a high end American motor.
The Navigator is a beast of a car. Coming from Australia, the scale of American SUVs is something you have to see to believe. It made our standard 4WDs back home look like hatchbacks.
Brace for the Southern California Winter
One thing I quickly realised as we stepped out of the air conditioned airport was the bite in the air. People often think of Los Angeles as a tropical paradise year round, but December is a different story.
Coming from the humid Queensland heat to LA in late December is a massive shock to the system. You will definitely need a proper jacket for the cold at this time of year, especially as the sun goes down and that desert chill kicks in. Do not leave your warm gear in your checked luggage but keep a jumper or jacket in your carry on for the trek to the rental office just in case.
The First Drive From LAX to Montebello
After collecting the rental SUV, we hit the road. Our first destination was the Home2 Suites by Hilton in Montebello, LA. Navigating out of the airport at dusk means dealing with that classic bumper to bumper traffic, but the Navigator handled it like a dream.
The drive took us east through the heart of the city. While the freeways can be a bit intimidating if you are not used to driving on the right side of the road, the elevated driving position of the SUV made it much easier to keep an eye on the traffic flow ahead.
Mastering the Wrong Side of the Road
The real challenge for any Aussie in this Avis Car Rental LAX review isn’t the rental process itself, but the driving. Manoeuvring a vehicle of that size around tight corners while sitting on the left side of the car takes serious concentration.
The hardest part was definitely the intersections. Your brain wants to turn into the left lane, but you have to constantly remind yourself to aim for the right. Manoeuvring around corners and judging the distance to the kerb was the most technical part of the drive, especially when you are jet lagged.
Getting used to the sheer size of the vehicle was probably the most daunting part. It feels much wider than what we are used to in Australia, but it was well worth it for the comfort on the long highways.
Aussie Traveller Tips for LAX
- Connection Gaps: If an airline or agent books your connection, check the times. You need to budget extra time for US Customs.
- The Shuttle: Look for the Purple Rental Car Shuttle pillars outside the terminal.
- The Size: Be prepared for the sheer width of a Lincoln Navigator as it takes up the whole lane.
- Pack Layers: Transitioning from Queensland summer to an LA winter requires a sturdy jacket.
Final Thoughts on the Avis Experience
Overall, the entire process of booking and picking up the car was quite simple, even if our arrival was delayed by hours. Despite the crowds at the airport and the wait for the lift, once we had the keys in hand, everything flowed smoothly.
If you are looking for a reliable way to start your California road trip, I hope this Avis Car Rental LAX review helps you plan your arrival. Just remember to pack a jacket, book early, and keep your eyes on the right side of the road!
Finally, don’t risk your entire trip by being an easy target for pickpockets. I’ve personally relied on Pacsafe Anti-Theft bags for over a decade to keep my passport and gear locked down. In a city like LA, a decent travel satchel isn’t just an accessory, it’s an absolute necessity. Check out the full range here to secure your gear before you fly.
