A five-seater car is not automatically suitable for five people with luggage. On a family trip, the trunk, the child seat and the comfort on the bench matter as much as the official number of seats.
Before choosing the class, imagine the actual loading at the airport: trolleys, stroller, backpacks, child seat and items that need to be kept close at hand.
Count luggage, not just passengers
Note separately:
- large trollers;
- cabin baggage;
- foldable stroller;
- child seat;
- sports equipment;
- bags and backpacks;
- bulky objects.
Don't plan on keeping heavy luggage on passengers' knees. For a long journey, the passenger compartment must remain comfortable and safe.
The child seat takes up space
A restraint system can reduce the space available in the rear seat and make it difficult to seat three people. The choice must be made according to the age and size of the child and according to the applicable rules.
Request any necessary equipment ahead of time and confirm availability. It does not assume that a certain type of seat is automatically included.
The parent or companion must check fit and compatibility according to the restraint system instructions. Child safety should not be treated as an afterthought.
Hatchback, station wagon or SUV
A compact hatchback can be enough for two adults and a child with moderate luggage. A station wagon often offers a long and practical trunk. An SUV can provide ease of access and space, but it's bigger for parking and not necessary for every route.
Compare class sizes, not just body shape. Two SUVs can have different trunks, and a station wagon can carry luggage more efficiently than a taller model.
Automatic car for traffic
Automatic transmission can reduce the effort in traffic and can be useful when traveling with children. If both adults will drive, declare the additional driver.
Premium Plus includes an additional driver for free. For the other protections, this is for a fee. Every driver must be vetted and licensed.
Kilometers and breaks
For a holiday with several stops, calculate the route and choose between 100 km/day, 200 km/day or unlimited, depending on the protections available.
Don't turn a generous limit into a schedule without breaks. The kids and the driver need stops. Keep water and essentials in an accessible place without blocking visibility or safety features.
Pickup from the airport
Submit your flight number and an active phone. The procedure differs between locations: in Cluj there is a free shuttle to the office in Dezmir, in Craiova the car is brought directly to the communicated point, and for the other offices follow the confirmed instructions.
Say in advance thatyour children and how much luggage you have. The agent can clarify whether the requested class is realistic.
Family car check
While one adult discusses the documents, the other can supervise the children. Do not rush the inspection. Check:
- condition and cleanliness;
- the fuel;
- luggage space;
- belts;
- the requested equipment;
- time and place of return.
The fuel policy is same-to-same: you return the level received.
What documents are you preparing
Drivers need their license and ID card or passport, sent for verification and presented in original. Children's documents are the responsibility of the family according to travel and destination.
If you leave Romania, Wise Cars only allows EU member states, with approval and power of attorney requested at least 5 working days in advance.
Don't reserve the smallest car "and we'll see"
A class that is too small can mean visible luggage, discomfort and wasted time at pick-up. When in doubt, submit your luggage list and ask for a class recommendation, not the promise of an impossible-to-check luggage rack.
Consult Wise Cars fleet, the guide on car selection in Craiova and enter number of passengers and period.