What are the fuel return policies and cost implications at the SeaTac Rental Car Facility?

When renting a vehicle from the SeaTac Rental Car Facility, understanding the fuel policies is crucial to avoid unexpected local fees. The most common and economical option is the Full-to-Full policy. You receive the car with a full tank and must return it full. If you fail to refuel before returning, rental companies will charge a refueling surcharge, often exceeding $9. 00 per gallon, plus a flat administrative fee. The Prepaid Fuel option allows you to pay for a full tank at the local market rate at the time of rental. While this sounds convenient, it is rarely cost-effective because you are unlikely to return the car completely empty; any unused fuel is essentially a donation to the rental company, as they do not refund unused fuel. The Full-to-Empty policy is similar, where you are charged for the tank upfront and can return it empty, but the per-gallon rate often includes a premium service charge. To avoid these extra costs, always opt for the Full-to-Full policy and refuel at a gas station near SeaTac, such as the Costco located approximately 3 miles from the facility, before returning your vehicle.