See how golden retrievers are taking over airports and hearts
Hertz sends golden retriever service dogs called Gold Squad to airports across the country.
- Hertz’s CEO joined airlines in pleading with Congress to end the government shutdown.
- The FAA plans to gradually reduce flights at 40 major U.S. airports due to the closure.
- Hertz has seen a spike in one-way rental car reservations as travelers change their plans.
- The flight reductions are aimed at freeing up unpaid essential airport employees and maintaining safety.
Hertz’s CEO is calling for the government shutdown to be lifted.
Gil West, CEO of the Estero-based car rental giant, issued a statement in support of airlines after the Federal Aviation Administration announced plans to reduce flights across the United States due to the prolonged shutdown.
West said in a statement:
”We join the airlines in calling on Congress to quickly pass a clean continuing resolution to restore certainty to travelers. Daily delays create unnecessary confusion. ”
As long as the closures continue, the FAA plans to phase out 10% of flights at 40 major U.S. airports starting Nov. 7.
The FAA plans to cut flights by 4% on Friday and increase the reduction by 1% per day after the weekend. Thousands of flights are expected to be cancelled.
Amid the chaos, some travelers are choosing to travel by car instead of flying. As a result, Hertz said there was an increase in one-way bookings on Saturday, Nov. 8, when traffic reductions are expected to reach 5%.
After the FAA announced the reduction plan on Nov. 5, Hertz announced that reservations for one-way rentals through this weekend had jumped more than 20% compared to a year ago.
To ensure a quick and smooth rental car experience, Hertz recommends that you:
- Add flight information to your rental car reservation.
- Please make a reservation at a store near you.
- If your travel plans are interrupted, change your reservation in the Hertz app or Hertz.com.
- When you join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, you can skip the counter and go straight to your rental car location.
The reduction in flights is aimed at reducing stress on essential airport staff, who work without pay, and ensuring the safety of flights.
Since the shutdown began on October 1, tens of thousands of flights have been delayed due to widespread air traffic control deficiencies. At least 3.2 million travelers have already been affected by staff shortages, according to affected airlines.
Details about the impact of flight restrictions on air travelers are still unclear.
Philip Mann, an aviation expert and former Federal Aviation Administration training manager, said smaller airports not on the list could also experience delays and cancellations.
“The cuts will ripple throughout the system,” Mann said, noting that if fewer flights arrive at one airport, fewer flights depart from other airports.
The government shutdown is the longest in U.S. history, with no end in sight.
USA TODAY and Reuters contributed to this article.
