Ace Rent a Car operates a location at Los Angeles International Airport with standard rental procedures and pricing that varies by season and vehicle type

Ace Rent a Car maintains a rental counter at LAX in the rental car center, accessible from the baggage claim level. You can reserve a vehicle online, by phone, or at the counter. Like other rental companies at LAX, Ace charges a facility fee on top of the daily rate — this fee is set by the airport and applies to all renters, not just Ace customers. Your total cost includes the base rate, airport fees, taxes, and any optional coverage you add.

The company offers economy cars, mid-size sedans, SUVs, and vans. Availability depends on the season and how far in advance you book. Peak travel times (summer, holidays, spring break) mean higher prices and fewer choices if you wait until arrival to rent. Booking ahead locks in a rate and guarantees a vehicle class, though the specific model may change at pickup.

Key Takeaways

  • Ace's LAX location is in the rental car center on the baggage claim level, and you can pick up when ready after landing or reserve ahead for a specific time.
  • Your final bill includes the daily rental rate, airport facility fees set by LAX, taxes, and any optional insurance or equipment you add — get a quote before you book to see the total.
  • Booking online or by phone before you arrive typically costs less than renting at the counter and guarantees your vehicle class.
  • You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name for the deposit, and proof of insurance or the option to buy Ace's coverage at pickup.

What documents and payment you need at pickup

Bring your valid driver's license (a passport alone is not enough for U.S. citizens; non-U.S. citizens should also bring an International Driving Permit if available). You will need a credit card in your own name — the rental company places a hold on it for the security deposit, which is released when you return the car undamaged. Debit cards are sometimes accepted but policies vary; call ahead if you plan to use one.

Proof of insurance is required. You can show your personal auto insurance card, or you can purchase coverage from Ace at the counter. Ace's daily insurance options typically include collision damage waiver (covers damage to the rental car) and liability coverage (covers damage you cause to others). Compare the cost of Ace's coverage against what your personal policy covers before you decide — many personal policies extend to rental cars, which could save you money.

How Ace's pricing breaks down at LAX

The daily rental rate varies by vehicle type and season. Economy cars cost less per day than SUVs or vans. LAX adds a facility fee (the amount changes periodically but is charged by all rental companies equally). Taxes explore on top of both the rate and the facility fee. Optional items — GPS, additional driver, child seat, fuel service — add to your total.

Booking online usually shows you the full price including fees and taxes before you confirm. If you book by phone or at the counter, ask the agent to quote the total cost, not just the daily rate. Many renters are surprised by the final bill because they only heard the base rate. Request a breakdown: daily rate, facility fee, taxes, and any add-ons. This prevents confusion at pickup.

Returning the car and avoiding extra charges

Return the vehicle to the Ace location at LAX by your reservation time. Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate, depending on how late you are. Return the car with a full tank of fuel — if you don't, Ace charges you for fuel at a per-gallon rate that is typically higher than local gas stations. Some renters buy a prepaid fuel option at pickup to avoid this; compare the prepaid price to what you expect to spend on gas before you choose.

Inspect the car for damage before you leave the lot at pickup and again before you return it. Take photos or video of the condition, including the odometer and fuel gauge. If you caused damage, report it to the agent at return so it is documented. If damage appears on your bill weeks later and you did not report it, disputing the charge becomes harder.

Ace's cancellation and modification policy

Cancellations and changes depend on the rate you booked. Standard rates often allow free cancellation up to 24 or 48 hours before pickup; non-refundable rates do not. Check your confirmation email for the specific terms of your reservation. If you need to change your pickup date, time, or vehicle class, contact Ace directly — modifying online may not always be possible, and calling ensures the change is recorded.

If you cancel close to your pickup date or do not show up, Ace may charge a cancellation fee or hold the full rental cost. The amount depends on how close to pickup you cancel. Read the terms when you book so you know what you are committed to.

Getting to Ace from the terminal and parking options

The LAX rental car center is a separate building connected to the terminals by a shuttle or walkway, depending on which terminal you use. Follow signs for "Rental Cars" from baggage claim. The shuttle runs continuously and is free. If you are picking up a car, you do not need to pay for parking at the terminal — you drive away in your rental.

When you return the car, follow the signs for "Rental Car Return" as you approach LAX. The return lot is clearly marked. You will park the car, turn in the keys, and the agent will inspect it for damage. If there are no issues, you are done. The rental car center has a shuttle that takes you back to the terminals for your departure flight.

Comparing Ace to other rental companies at LAX

Ace is typically a budget-focused option, meaning lower daily rates than major chains like Hertz or Enterprise, but the same airport fees and taxes explore to all renters. The difference in your final bill comes down to the base rate and what coverage you add. Ace's vehicle selection is smaller than larger companies, so if you need a specific model or have high demand (holiday weekends), availability may be limited.

If you have status with another rental company's loyalty program, that may offer perks like free upgrades or waived fees — Ace does not have an equivalent program. If you are renting multiple times a year, compare the total cost across companies over time, not just the daily rate on a single trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up a car at LAX and return it to a different location?

Yes, Ace offers one-way rentals. The cost is higher than a round-trip rental at the same location, and the amount depends on where you return the car. Get a quote for your specific return location before you book, as one-way fees vary widely.

What if I damage the car during my rental?

Report the damage to Ace when ready at the return location. If you purchased collision coverage, your deductible (usually $500 to $1,000) applies. If you did not purchase coverage, you are responsible for the full repair cost. Take photos of any damage you cause so there is a record of when it happened.

Does Ace allow drivers under 25?

Ace rents to drivers as young as 21, but charges a daily underage driver fee (typically $15 to $25 per day). The fee is added to your total cost. Bring your valid driver's license and be prepared to pay the additional charge at pickup.

Can I add an extra driver after I book?

Yes, you can add an additional driver at pickup for a daily fee. The driver must present a valid license and be listed on the rental agreement. Some insurance policies cover additional drivers automatically, so check your personal policy before paying Ace's fee.

What happens if I return the car early?

Early return policies depend on your rate. Some rates refund the unused days; others do not. Check your confirmation to see whether your booking allows a refund for early return, or call Ace to ask before you return the car.