What it is Want to build a new stadium? Have out-of-towners pay for it! The most annoying car-rental fee might be the one you pay to support a project you'll only drive by. Excise taxes typically add 2% to 5% to your bill.

What's so bad You're a captive visitor: You can't fight the fees (either in the voting booth or at the rental counter). And you likely won't benefit from them.

Ouch! Boston, Kansas City and Seattle give renters the biggest sticker shock: According to a 2006 Travelocity study, those three airports have the largest difference between base rate and total price because of taxes.

What you can do Rent off-airport. Travelocity found that taxes are dramatically lower at neighborhood car-rental locations, which often provide free shuttle service.