Car rental — pickup, return, and ‘don’t get stuck at the desk’ steps
All the micro-steps: where to walk, what to check, what to photograph, and what to do before you drive away.
Rental summary (from screenshots)
Car: VW Touran + 3 booster seats
Pickup: Munich Airport (MUC) — Sat, Aug 15 @ 12:30
Return: Munich Airport (MUC) — Fri, Aug 28 @ 19:30
Reservation: 782766806
At MUC: the exact walking instruction
- Exit customs.
- Follow signs for “Mietwagenzentrum” (Car Rental Center).
- It’s in the Zentralbereich between Terminal 1 and 2.
- Expect a 5–10 minute walk (or short S‑Bahn hop depending on gate).
Desk success checklist (do this before they hand keys)
- Have the passport, Israeli driver’s license, and the credit card used for booking (in the driver’s name).
- Confirm you’re getting the VW Touran (or same class).
- Booster seats: you ordered 3. Verify they’re clean, latch properly, and fit.
- Ask about fuel policy (full-to-full is simplest).
Before you drive away (2 minutes that save 2 hours later)
- Photograph all sides, wheels, windshield, and the dashboard with fuel level + mileage.
- Pair phone Bluetooth and set up a “front seat kit” (wipes, trash bags, tissues, charger).
- Austria vignette check: look at the windshield for a sticker. If missing, buy a 10‑day digital vignette at the first gas station after leaving MUC (~€11.50).
Return day (Fri Aug 28)
- Fill up near (not at) the airport — the guide suggests Erding area.
- Follow signs for “Mietwagen Rückgabe” (car rental return).
- Park in your supplier’s row, hand keys over, and get a receipt.