Sixt is a good car rental company for travellers who want modern vehicles, premium options and convenient booking, but its customer service and rental charges can be inconsistent.
While many customers report smooth collections, helpful staff and excellent cars, others have encountered long waiting times, delayed deposits, unexpected fees and problems obtaining their reserved vehicles.
Sixt is a German car rental company operating across more than 100 countries, with locations at major airports, railway stations and city centres. It competes with established brands such as Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and Alamo.
Its premium vehicle selection makes it attractive to holidaymakers, business travellers and customers who prefer newer cars. However, the overall rental experience can depend heavily on the individual branch and the conditions attached to the booking.
To understand is Sixt car rental good, we examined independent consumer research, the company’s rental terms and actual customer feedback, including recent experiences reported by travellers in the UK and Europe.
The findings suggest Sixt can deliver excellent service, but customers should review the complete rental costs and conditions before confirming a reservation.
Is Sixt Car Rental Good and Reliable?
Yes, Sixt is a legitimate and established car rental provider. However, being a reputable international company does not guarantee that every rental experience will be straightforward.
Sixt’s strongest advantages include vehicle selection, convenient digital booking and access to premium car categories.
Its main areas of concern involve inconsistent customer support, additional rental charges, vehicle availability and disputes over deposits or damage.
A useful comparison of its strengths and weaknesses is shown below.
| Rental factor | Our assessment |
| Company legitimacy | Established international rental company |
| Vehicle quality | Generally positive customer feedback |
| Premium vehicle choices | One of Sixt’s stronger selling points |
| Booking experience | Convenient, particularly with digital check-in |
| Rental pricing | Competitive in some locations but not always cheapest |
| Customer service | Inconsistent across branches |
| Pickup and return | Can be quick, but delays and unclear instructions occur |
| Deposit handling | Generally follows a defined process, although some customers report delays |
| Overall value | Worth considering after checking the total rental cost |
The independent consumer organisation Which? awarded Sixt an overall score of 68% in July 2026.
Sixt received four stars for value for money and customer service, but three stars for collection speed.
Which? also raised concerns about the clarity of some rental conditions, particularly protection arrangements in certain European bookings.
The research was published by Guy Hobbs, principal researcher and travel writer at Which?, and included survey findings alongside independent expert analysis.
This provides an important distinction. Sixt can offer high-quality vehicles while still leaving room for improvement in how customers collect, pay for and return those vehicles.
Why Do Some Customers Recommend Sixt Car Rental?
1. Quick and Convenient Vehicle Collection
One of the strongest reasons customers choose Sixt is its digital rental process.
In supported locations, online check-in and digital key collection can reduce the time spent at the rental counter.
A customer named Kevin Mair, who left a five-star review, described a particularly quick experience.
According to his review, collecting the vehicle took approximately five minutes after retrieving his luggage. He used the app to collect the keys without waiting at the rental desk, and he also reported that returning the vehicle was straightforward.
For airport travellers, this type of convenience can be valuable, especially after a long flight.
Another customer, Andy Mac, reported a positive first rental experience. He described online check-in as helpful, received a clean BMW and found the after-hours return process easy.
These accounts indicate that Sixt’s digital services can make renting a vehicle more efficient.
However, digital check-in does not eliminate queues or vehicle availability problems at every location.
2. Friendly Staff and Good Airport Service
Staff professionalism can make a substantial difference to the overall rental experience.
Customer Derek gave Sixt a five-star rating following a rental at Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3.
He praised the friendly employees, straightforward key collection through a locker and an unexpected vehicle upgrade.
He also found the return area easy to locate and reported another positive interaction with staff when handing back the car.
Similarly, Sarah, who collected a vehicle at Bari Airport in Italy, described a positive experience involving advance registration, helpful employees and a straightforward collection process.
She reported receiving the final invoice and vehicle-condition report by email after returning the car.
Her experience demonstrates the value of receiving clear post-rental documentation.
Good customer service is particularly important when travelling internationally, where language differences and unfamiliar pickup locations can make vehicle collection more complicated.
3. Clean and Modern Rental Vehicles
Sixt’s selection of modern vehicles is another reason it appeals to travellers.
Depending on the rental location, customers may be able to choose from economy cars, SUVs, estate cars, executive vehicles and premium models.
Customer Nicholas Hood reported a positive collection experience at Heathrow Terminal 4. He praised employee Aziz for his service and described the vehicle as clean.
However, he also reported that the non-smoking vehicle had a strong cigarette smell.
Despite that issue, he said he would consider renting from Sixt again.
This illustrates an important point: a customer can be satisfied with the collection experience while still identifying a problem with the vehicle itself.
Customers seeking a particular vehicle type should also understand that most reservations guarantee a category rather than an exact make or model, unless a specific-model guarantee is explicitly included.
Sixt offers several vehicle categories, including economy cars, SUVs and premium models, depending on location and availability.
What Are the Main Problems With Sixt Car Rental?
Although many customers report positive experiences, the negative reviews raise concerns that should not be overlooked.
These complaints do not establish that every Sixt branch operates in the same way. However, they identify practical risks worth considering before booking.
1. Long Waiting Times at Pickup
Not all customers experience the quick collection process described by Kevin Mair.
Ashley Collinge gave Sixt three stars after reporting that the vehicle itself was satisfactory and the rental price was reasonable.
However, Ashley said the collection process involved a two-hour wait, despite the return being quick and easy.
That delay was significant enough to make the customer reconsider using Sixt.
This is especially relevant for travellers working to tight schedules.
For example, a business traveller who lands at 10 AM and has a meeting at noon could experience major disruption if collecting the vehicle takes two hours.
The independent Which? assessment also identified collection speed as an area requiring improvement.
What this means for customers: Check reviews of the exact branch rather than relying entirely on Sixt’s overall company rating. Airport availability, staffing and arrival times can influence the collection experience.
2. Problems With Confirmed Vehicle Availability
A confirmed reservation should provide customers with confidence that a suitable vehicle will be available.
However, some reviewers have described difficulties collecting vehicles that they believed were already confirmed.
Igor Bykov reported a particularly concerning experience involving a reservation at London Victoria Station for 13–19 October 2026.
According to his one-star review, he prepaid £890.92, which included £504 described as an age excess waiver, for a vehicle he intended to drive to mainland Europe.
He stated that employees had previously reassured him about his eligibility and travel arrangements.
However, on the day of collection, he was reportedly informed that the reserved category was unavailable, that its minimum driver age was 28 and that the car could not be driven outside Great Britain.
Igor said that Sixt refunded the rental payment, but that he suffered additional losses involving non-refundable travel arrangements.
These are the customer’s reported circumstances, and the underlying booking documents have not been independently examined.
Nevertheless, the account demonstrates why younger drivers and customers planning international journeys should obtain written confirmation of all essential rental conditions.
Another customer, Matt B, reported difficulties obtaining a reserved SUV from London St Pancras after a disruption affected the planned collection location.
According to his review, alternative arrangements involved different pickup points, changing prices and vehicle availability problems.
He said the original booking was approximately £250, while one proposed alternative cost £500.
The customer eventually collected a vehicle from Heathrow but described the experience as stressful and disappointing.
For customers whose holiday or business plans depend on reliable vehicle collection, the potential cost of a failed pickup can extend beyond the rental itself.
3. Unexpected Additional Charges
Some of the most serious complaints about Sixt involve charges that customers say they did not expect.
One reviewer, Øjvind Serup, described an experience in which a delayed flight was followed by the discovery that the reserved vehicle was no longer available.
According to the review, a replacement involved an additional £360 upgrade charge and a £120 premium location fee.
The customer considered the resulting rental considerably more expensive than expected.
It is important to distinguish between fees disclosed in a rental agreement and charges applied unexpectedly or disputed by the customer.
Not every additional charge is improper, but travellers should know exactly what they are accepting before signing a revised agreement.
A useful precaution is to ask for the final payable amount in writing before accepting a replacement vehicle or upgrade.
Is Sixt Car Rental Expensive?
Sixt is not necessarily an expensive rental company, although its premium vehicle categories can cost more than basic models offered by competitors.
Its pricing depends on the rental country, location, duration, vehicle category, demand, protection products and additional services.
A competitively priced vehicle can become expensive when supplementary charges are included.
Customers should therefore compare total rental costs rather than daily rates.
The advertised daily rate rarely tells the complete story. Understanding how much it costs to rent a car can help travellers account for insurance, security deposits, additional drivers and other expenses before comparing Sixt with competitors.
What Extra Charges Can Increase a Sixt Rental Bill?
| Potential charge | When it may apply |
| Young-driver surcharge | When a renter falls within a surcharge age group |
| Additional driver | When another authorised person will drive |
| Protection upgrade | When optional protection is selected |
| One-way rental fee | When the vehicle is returned to another branch |
| Airport or location charge | When included under the rental location’s pricing conditions |
| Fuel charge | When the fuel-return conditions are not satisfied |
| Additional mileage | When a mileage limit is exceeded |
| Late return | When the vehicle is returned outside the agreed period |
| Damage-related charges | When chargeable vehicle damage occurs |
| Toll administration | When qualifying tolls or violations are processed |
These charges are not automatically added to every booking.
The actual amount depends on the country-specific rental agreement and selected services.
Example: How Much Could a Four-Day Sixt Rental Cost?
Consider a traveller hiring a standard vehicle for four days.
The following amounts are illustrative, not live Sixt prices.
| Expense | Example amount |
| Base rental at £40 per day | £160 |
| Airport-related charges | £36 |
| Optional protection at £17 per day | £68 |
| Additional driver at £10 per day | £40 |
| Estimated fuel expense | £35 |
| Estimated total trip cost | £339 |
In this example, the base rental is £160, but the overall estimated travel expense reaches £339.
That represents an additional £179 in rental-related charges and fuel expenses.
The difference demonstrates why travellers should review the complete cost before choosing a provider.
A separate security authorization may also be required, although that should not be counted as a non-refundable expense unless a charge is subsequently applied.
Sixt rental prices can change when optional protection and additional services are included.
Does Sixt Car Rental Have Deposit Problems?
Sixt normally requires a security deposit or payment-card authorization when collecting a vehicle.
The amount depends on the vehicle category, rental location and applicable payment conditions.
The security deposit is intended to cover qualifying additional charges associated with the rental agreement.
It is different from a damage excess, which is determined by the relevant protection arrangements.
According to Sixt’s official deposit guidance, the standard deposit calculation in many locations involves the rental amount plus a surcharge determined by vehicle group.
The published general categories include the following surcharges in the applicable local currency, although country-specific exceptions apply.
| Vehicle category | Published general surcharge |
| Standard | 300 |
| Mid-range or premium SUV | 500 |
| Premium | 750 |
| Sports and luxury | 2,000 |
These are not universal deposit quotations. Customers must check the amount displayed for their particular reservation.
Sixt explains that card authorizations are generally released after the rental is settled, while the time taken for funds to become available depends partly on the payment provider or bank.
However, some customers report substantially longer delays.
What Happens When a Sixt Deposit Is Not Returned?
A reviewer identified as A T gave Sixt one star after reporting that their deposit remained outstanding six weeks after the rental.
The customer stated that they had made four telephone calls and had been asked to provide further evidence to obtain the money.
In another negative review, Graeme Selby described a delayed deposit return following a rental from Heathrow, alongside concerns about warning lights in the vehicle and slow customer support.
These are reported customer experiences rather than independently established findings about the causes of the delays.
Still, they highlight an important practical issue.
A deposit may be refundable, but customers can experience financial inconvenience if the money remains unavailable longer than expected.
Before collecting a rental vehicle, it is sensible to confirm the deposit amount, retain the rental agreement and understand whom to contact if the authorization has not been released within the expected period.
Sixt explains how rental deposits are calculated and when customers can normally expect funds to become available.
Is Sixt Car Rental Insurance Worth Buying?
Insurance and vehicle protection are important parts of the rental decision because the cheapest booking may not offer the level of financial protection a driver expects.
Different protections may cover different risks, including third-party liability, damage to the rental vehicle and theft.
The precise arrangements depend on the rental country and selected package.
For UK rentals, Sixt states that third-party liability cover and Loss Damage Waiver are included in its UK rates.
However, customers may still have an excess or deductible, and additional products may be available to reduce certain liabilities.
The independent Which? assessment raised concerns about certain Sixt bookings elsewhere in Europe where collision damage waiver protection was not included in the basic rental arrangement.
Which? reported that this could leave customers exposed to substantial financial liability following damage or theft.
Sixt indicated to Which? that it intended to improve the visibility of protection information in its booking process.
Therefore, travellers should not assume that insurance arrangements in Britain are identical to those in France, Germany, Spain or the United States.
Before paying for additional protection, confirm what is already included, what exclusions apply and whether an eligible personal policy or credit card offers relevant rental cover.
Customers should also check the conditions applying to additional drivers and cross-border travel.
Before purchasing additional protection, customers should check whether their existing policy already covers rental vehicles. Knowing whether personal car insurance covers rental cars can help prevent unnecessary spending or unexpected financial exposure.
Is Sixt Good for Young Drivers?
Sixt allows younger drivers to rent certain vehicle categories, but minimum-age restrictions and additional charges depend on the country and vehicle group.
In Great Britain, the general minimum rental age for certain categories starts at 21.
However, premium vehicles and specialist categories can have higher minimum ages.
Sixt’s UK protection information also identifies a young-driver surcharge for drivers under 28.
This matters because eligibility for one vehicle category does not guarantee eligibility for another.
The experience reported by Igor Bykov at London Victoria illustrates why it is important to verify these conditions before paying for a rental.
Customers planning international journeys should also check whether their chosen vehicle category is authorised to cross the relevant borders.
Being permitted to hire a car in Britain does not automatically mean the vehicle can be taken to every European destination.
For young drivers, the most useful precaution is to confirm the driver age, exact vehicle category, surcharge and permitted travel area before committing to non-refundable accommodation or transport reservations.
Younger travellers should compare age restrictions across different providers because eligibility and surcharges can vary substantially. Understanding how old you have to be to rent a car is particularly useful when planning a rental in the United States
Is Sixt Car Rental Good for Airport Pickup and Drop-Off?
Sixt’s airport services receive both positive and negative feedback.
Some customers appreciate the digital collection process, convenient counters and easy returns.
Others report unclear directions, queues or difficulties when returning vehicles to unfamiliar locations.
A customer named Jo Knuckey described this contrast in a review of a Spanish rental.
Jo praised the initial collection at Granada, specifically recognising the assistance provided by an employee named Javier.
However, the customer described the return process in Alicante as problematic.
According to the review, incorrect drop-off instructions created a difficult situation, and telephone support did not resolve the problem.
Jo also reported receiving a message the following day suggesting that the vehicle had not been returned.
By comparison, Sarah described an easier rental in Bari, although she mentioned that navigation difficulties made the city-centre return location harder to find.
The practical lesson is that collection and return should be treated as separate parts of the rental experience.
Before travelling, verify the precise return address, operating hours, out-of-hours instructions and whether the car must be handed to an employee or left in a designated area.
For airport rentals, adding the flight number to the reservation can also be important if arrival times change.
What Happens If a Sixt Rental Car Breaks Down?
A breakdown can turn a straightforward rental into a costly travel disruption, particularly when customers are driving abroad.
Sixt provides emergency assistance arrangements, but the level of service, included benefits and procedures depend on the rental conditions.
A customer named Katharina Stjernberg reported a negative experience after a vehicle developed a flat tyre.
According to her review, she contacted Sixt for assistance but did not receive the expected callback, despite repeated attempts over several hours.
She stated that the situation led to alternative transport arrangements and ongoing disagreements over associated expenses.
The report does not independently establish what assistance was contractually required or why the response was delayed.
However, it demonstrates why roadside assistance should be considered before collecting a vehicle.
Customers should confirm the emergency contact details, understand the circumstances in which recovery or a replacement car is provided and check whether onward travel expenses are covered.
This is especially important for travellers visiting rural areas or undertaking longer road journeys.
Is Sixt Customer Service Good When Something Goes Wrong?
Customer service is one of the most inconsistent themes in the reviews examined.
Positive experiences often involve helpful frontline employees, while negative accounts frequently relate to difficulties obtaining support after a problem arises.
For example, Ashley Grimshaw gave Sixt five stars after reporting that an employee named Octavia went beyond normal expectations to resolve an issue with a Booking.com reservation.
The customer described the assistance as reassuring during a stressful situation.
Similarly, Derek’s experience at Frankfurt and Nicholas Hood’s Heathrow review suggest that individual employees can make a meaningful difference to customer satisfaction.
However, Mulvr002 reported difficulties obtaining a refund for additional charges and described being redirected repeatedly to automated support.
Another reviewer, Sash S, said that a booking at Milton Keynes resulted in arriving at a closed branch, followed by an unresolved complaint about additional travel expenses.
These accounts suggest that customers should distinguish between receiving good service at a rental desk and obtaining effective assistance after a dispute.
For business travellers, that distinction can be particularly important because unresolved invoices, duplicate charges or delayed deposits can complicate expense management.
If a problem occurs, retain written correspondence, record relevant booking information and use the company’s formal complaints channels.
Can You Cancel a Sixt Car Rental Booking?
Sixt offers different booking options, including Flexi and Prepaid arrangements.
These have different cancellation conditions.
According to Sixt’s official cancellation guidance, Flexi bookings can generally be cancelled without a cancellation fee before the scheduled pickup time.
Prepaid reservations are subject to more restrictive conditions.
The company’s published guidance explains that qualifying prepaid reservations can be cancelled without a charge within 24 hours of booking, provided the scheduled pickup is more than 48 hours away.
After that period, cancellation fees may apply. A prepaid no-show can result in the full prepaid amount being retained.
Country-specific rental conditions and bookings made through third-party providers can differ, so travellers should check the terms associated with their reservation.
Example: Is a Flexible Reservation Better?
Suppose a traveller has two hypothetical options for a five-day rental.
| Booking option | Total price |
| Prepaid rental | £240 |
| Flexible rental | £285 |
The flexible option costs £45 more.
If the travel dates are confirmed, the prepaid rate may offer better value.
However, someone whose trip depends on a business meeting, flight connection or uncertain travel arrangement might prefer the flexibility offered by the more expensive booking.
The best choice depends on the value of cancellation flexibility, not simply the lowest advertised price.
Sixt Flexi and Prepaid reservations offer different cancellation and refund conditions.
Is Sixt Better Than Hertz, Enterprise or Avis?
Sixt competes with several major international rental companies, but choosing the best provider requires comparing equivalent reservations.
A company that offers excellent service at one airport may receive less favourable feedback at another.
Similarly, the cheapest economy vehicle at one location may not represent the best value for a premium or family rental elsewhere.
| Company | Important factors to compare |
| Sixt | Premium vehicle selection, total price and local service reviews |
| Enterprise | Branch convenience, available categories and complete rental costs |
| Hertz | Airport availability, vehicle options and booking terms |
| Avis | Business rental arrangements, total pricing and pickup convenience |
| Alamo | Airport rental experience, protection packages and overall value |
The July 2026 Which? assessment identified Alamo as a stronger option for global car hire in its review.
However, that does not mean every Alamo booking will be cheaper or more suitable than Sixt.
A useful comparison should consider the complete rental price, vehicle suitability, insurance protection, cancellation policy, deposit and branch-specific reputation.
It should also account for the consequences of a problem.
For example, a slightly cheaper rental may not offer good value if the pickup arrangements are unsuitable for a time-sensitive business trip.
Is Sixt Car Rental Good for Business Travellers?
Sixt can be attractive to business travellers because it offers executive vehicle categories and convenient airport or city-centre collection points.
However, businesses should consider more than appearance and comfort.
Vehicle rentals create several financial and operational considerations, including employee eligibility, payment-card requirements, insurance, invoice accuracy and the impact of delays.
A vehicle that costs slightly more may be justified when it provides the appropriate size, location and booking flexibility.
Conversely, a premium model may represent unnecessary expenditure when an ordinary vehicle would fulfil the same travel requirements.
Businesses should also consider how unexpected charges and post-rental disputes would be handled.
The billing difficulties described by some customers illustrate why retaining accurate booking documents and final invoices is important.
For companies hiring vehicles regularly, consistent documentation and effective problem resolution can matter as much as the daily rental price.
How Can You Avoid Problems When Renting a Car From Sixt?
Several practical precautions can reduce the risk of unexpected expenses or travel disruption.
- Read recent branch-specific reviews. Check the exact location where the vehicle will be collected.
- Confirm vehicle eligibility. Verify minimum driver age, accepted payment methods and any category restrictions.
- Calculate the complete price. Include taxes, location charges, protection and additional services.
- Check deposit requirements. Ensure the payment card has sufficient available funds or credit.
- Understand the insurance arrangements. Confirm the deductible, exclusions and any optional protection.
- Verify cross-border permissions. Obtain written confirmation before taking the vehicle into another country.
- Inspect the vehicle carefully. Photograph existing scratches, tyres, wheels, windscreen and interior condition.
- Save the booking documents. Keep the confirmation, rental agreement, inspection record and payment information.
- Check return instructions. Confirm the exact location, opening hours and procedure for returning the keys.
- Retain evidence after return. Keep photographs, fuel receipts and the final invoice in case a charge is disputed.
These steps are particularly important when booking a premium car, travelling internationally or relying on the rental for an important appointment.
First-time renters should familiarise themselves with the booking process before arriving at the collection desk. Knowing how to rent a car can make it easier to prepare the required documents, understand payment conditions and avoid common collection problems.
Who Should Rent From Sixt and Who Should Consider Alternatives?
Sixt may be a suitable choice for travellers who want newer vehicles, premium car categories and convenient digital collection.
It can also appeal to customers who find an attractive all-inclusive price and are comfortable reviewing rental agreements in detail.
However, the company may be less suitable for customers who prioritise the cheapest possible rental, have complicated cross-border plans or require complete certainty about a particular vehicle category.
Travellers with a limited financial buffer should pay particular attention to deposit requirements and protection excesses.
Likewise, customers whose entire itinerary depends on collecting a car at a precise time should examine recent branch reviews and consider backup transport arrangements.
The strongest conclusion from the customer feedback is that the quality of the rental experience depends heavily on the individual booking and location.
Final Verdict: Is Sixt Car Rental Worth It in 2026?
Sixt is worth considering, particularly if you value modern vehicles, premium choices and convenient booking, but it is not the best option for every traveller.
Positive customer experiences from Kevin Mair, Derek, Sarah and Andy Mac demonstrate that Sixt can provide efficient collections, excellent vehicles and helpful employees.
However, the negative experiences reported by Igor Bykov, A T, Jo Knuckey, Katharina Stjernberg and others reveal concerns about vehicle availability, deposits, breakdown support and rental arrangements.
Independent research reinforces the need for caution. Sixt’s 68% overall score from Which? indicates that it is a reasonable competitor, but not necessarily one of the strongest options across every category.
For travellers who find a competitive complete quotation, understand the protection arrangements and have confidence in the local branch, Sixt can offer good value.
Customers who face restrictive terms, unusually large deposits or uncertainty over their reserved vehicle may benefit from comparing other companies.
Ultimately, whether Sixt car rental is good depends on the complete booking experience, not simply the vehicle advertised or the initial daily rental price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sixt a trustworthy car rental company?
Yes, Sixt is an established international car rental provider. However, service quality varies by branch, and customers should review the rental conditions and recent feedback before booking.
Why does Sixt have bad reviews?
Some customers report problems with unexpected charges, deposits, vehicle availability and complaint handling. Others praise its cars, employees and convenient collection process.
Does Sixt charge for scratches on rental cars?
Sixt may charge for qualifying new damage under the rental agreement. Photographing the vehicle before and after the rental can help resolve disputes about its condition.
How long does Sixt take to return a deposit?
Sixt’s published guidance generally indicates that banks may take several working days to release a deposit or card authorization. The exact timing depends on the payment method, location and any outstanding charges.
Is Sixt cheaper than Hertz or Enterprise?
Sometimes. Rental prices vary by location, dates, vehicle type and selected extras. Compare the final payable amount rather than the advertised daily rate.
Does Sixt give free upgrades?
Complimentary upgrades are sometimes reported by customers, but they are not guaranteed. Availability and booking conditions determine whether an upgrade can be offered.
Can you rent from Sixt without a credit card?
Debit cards are accepted for certain rentals and vehicle categories in some countries, including Great Britain. The precise conditions depend on the location, card type and vehicle category.
Is Sixt good for airport car rentals?
It can be. Some customers report very quick airport collection and returns, while others encounter queues or unclear drop-off instructions. Check reviews for the specific airport branch.
Does Sixt have unlimited mileage?
Some rental packages include unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Customers should check the mileage allowance displayed in the booking conditions.
Is Sixt good for long road trips?
Sixt can be a good choice when the selected vehicle, mileage package, permitted travel area and breakdown arrangements suit the journey. Always check those conditions before departure.
