Just in time for the Labor Day travel surge, Hertz is enlisting some four-legged helpers to ease airport stress. The car rental company has introduced its “Gold Squad,” a team of highly trained Golden Retrievers making surprise appearances at select airports across the U.S.
The dogs first debuted at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport last week, where thousands of travelers were greeted by wagging tails and a little extra calm before hitting the road. Hertz says the initiative will expand to other busy airports, including Chicago, San Diego and Atlanta, with future stops determined in part by traveler votes on social media.
“With the Hertz ‘Gold Squad’ making surprise appearances across the country, we’re aiming to delight customers with something unexpected,” said Kari Birdsall, vice president, operations excellence at Hertz. “Whether it’s a warm welcome from a Golden Retriever or the ease of skipping the counter with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership, we’re focused on making every step of the rental experience feel convenient, seamless and a little more golden.”
The effort comes as Hertz leans into a stress point many travelers know well: the airport rental car counter at the end of a long travel day. According to a YouGov study cited by the company, 70 percent of Americans say booking a vacation is stressful—especially when it comes to arranging flights and transfers. With more than 17 million travelers expected to take to the skies over the holiday weekend, Hertz is betting that a friendly retriever may be just what customers need to shift gears into vacation mode.
In addition to surprise canine encounters, select airports hosting the “Gold Squad” will offer giveaways and enrollment opportunities for Hertz’s free Gold Plus Rewards program. Members can skip the counter at select locations, access exclusive rates and earn points redeemable for free rental days.
Travelers can follow along with the “Gold Squad” on Hertz’s social channels or share suggestions for future stops by commenting on the company’s recent posts.
For more information, visit www.hertz.com/goldsquad.
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