Traveling can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to renting a car. Sheryl Cherico recently experienced a nightmare scenario at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport when she arrived at the Dollar/Hertz rental counter, only to be told that there were no cars available. Cherico, like many others, faced long wait times and chaos at the rental counter, with only two employees trying to handle the influx of customers.
After waiting for three hours, Cherico finally received her car, although it was not the one she had originally booked. She expressed her frustration at the situation, stating that it was not just about the money but also the time and stress that she had to endure. This experience is not unique to Cherico, as the rental car industry is currently facing unprecedented demand post-pandemic.
According to Auto Rental News, the surge in demand has led to shortages in rental cars across the country. To avoid similar situations, The Points Guy recommends booking as far in advance as possible, calling ahead to confirm your reservation, and looking at rental locations outside of the airport. These proactive steps can help travelers secure a car and avoid unnecessary delays and frustrations.
In the event that a rental car company runs out of cars in your reserved class, industry practice dictates that you should be offered an upgrade at no additional cost. If the company completely runs out of cars, they are expected to pay for a car rented from a competitor. These rules are in place to protect consumers and ensure that they are not left stranded without a vehicle.
After reaching out to Hertz about Cherico’s situation, they responded by crediting her $200 and stating that operations had returned to normal at the airport. In a statement, Hertz acknowledged the operational delays on the day in question and apologized to those affected. They reassured customers that steps were being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Overall, Cherico’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for travelers, highlighting the importance of being prepared and informed when renting a car. By following best practices and knowing your rights as a consumer, you can navigate the rental car process with confidence and avoid unnecessary stress and inconvenience.