<p>These stories make me sad. I will contribute a tip about rental cars that may occasionally brighten your day. Sign up for the “club” that the rental company has. This is generally free, and it entitles you to wait in a different (and often much shorter) line at the airport. I have this with Dollar, and it has saved me time several times, as well as making me feel like a big shot when I stroll past the lesser beings waiting in the long line.</p>