FlightCar Puts Idle Automobiles in Long-Term Parking to Good Use
Michael Hines — February 25, 2013 — Autos
FlightCar is a California-based startup that offers free airport parking in exchange for the right to rent out a traveler's car.
The idea behind the service is to offer cheap rental cars and to make long-term airport parking free for travelers. Users start by logging onto FlightCar and registering their vehicle and listing their travel dates. Once the car is in the system, it can be viewed by other members of the site and rented. Before someone can rent from FlightCar, their driving history is checked.
Once a FlightCar is booked it can be picked up at the airport. A staff member from the site will meet the renter at the airport and assist in loading up their luggage. Cars are cleaned each time they're rented and the person leasing the car is given a gas card when the rental period is up.
The idea behind the service is to offer cheap rental cars and to make long-term airport parking free for travelers. Users start by logging onto FlightCar and registering their vehicle and listing their travel dates. Once the car is in the system, it can be viewed by other members of the site and rented. Before someone can rent from FlightCar, their driving history is checked.
Once a FlightCar is booked it can be picked up at the airport. A staff member from the site will meet the renter at the airport and assist in loading up their luggage. Cars are cleaned each time they're rented and the person leasing the car is given a gas card when the rental period is up.
Trend Themes
1. Airport Car Sharing Services - More entrepreneurs can create similar services in other cities and countries providing diversified services like car transportation to and from the airport, concierge services and discounted airport lounge access.
2. Free Airport Parking - Companies can develop more services around the idea of free airport parking, including partnerships with airlines and airports to provide more convenience and better traveler experiences.
3. Alternative Rental Car Options - Businesses can explore new forms of rental car services, such as peer-to-peer car sharing and car subscription services.
Industry Implications
1. Transportation - This shares the same fundamental value proposition of TimeShares, and can disrupt car rental industry.
2. Hospitality - Hotels and other travel services can offer more auxiliary services like flight check-in and baggage storage to enhance traveler experience and competition among the services.
3. Insurance - Companies can develop innovative insurance plans tailored for car sharing and rental services to expand their customer base and secure partnerships with the companies.
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