Free European Rental Cars Available for Air Travelers

Complimentary rental cars are available in Europe through tie-ins between Kemwel, the Harrison, N.Y.-based company that specializes in European auto rentals, and four major airlines--Delta, Northwest, Air France and Iberia.

To qualify, two people traveling together on regular or advance-purchase fares have to take round-trip transatlantic flights to Europe on specific airlines and share the car. The program is good through March 31, 1993. The return flight to the United States can take place after March 31, as long as the travelers depart for Europe before that date.

Cars used for the programs by Kemwel are subcompacts. There is unlimited mileage, and no value-added tax charges. Gas is extra.

The tie-in between Kemwel and Delta Airlines allows three days’ use of a Kemwel car in 17 countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The arrangement with Northwest is also for three days and is good in England, Scotland, France, Germany and the Netherlands. The Air France tie-in is for three days and applies to eight countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland. Seven days’ use of a rental car in Spain is offered with Iberia air tickets purchased through Kemwel.

The rental car has to be returned within the same country, but not necessarily at the same station it was picked it up. Expect to pay a drop-off fee if you return the car in a different country.

Reservations must be made with Kemwel at least seven days prior to departure from the United States. If an advance-purchase fare is involved, the tickets have to be issued and paid for as much as 21 days before departure.

Single travelers can get the rental car by paying a supplemental charge of $50 under the tie-in with Delta; $67 with Northwest; $95 with Air France, and $85 with Iberia.

Contact travel agents, Kemwel at (800) 678-0678, Northwest at (800) 447-4747, Air France at (800) 237-2747, Delta at (800) 241-4141 and Iberia at (800) 772-4642.