Hertz - private ride to terminal at IAD: I liked it!

I am not sure whether Hertz has been offering this private-ride-to-a-terminal service for a while or this is IAD-specific, but nonetheless I had a rather surprising and pleasant experience this past weekend at IAD.

We were about to take out two large suiters, one stroller, and one car-seat from our vehicle, when the return lane staff saw us and offered to give a ride to a terminal. At first I was puzzled as I had never received this type of service before, but obviously this turned out to be great. He quickly processed the return procedure and drove the car to the departure level and helped us to unload the luggage. I tried to tip him but he refused to receive it.

Kudos to Hertz!

I've had the same treatment at SFO once -- they had a car there to drive me to the terminal after I dropped off my prestige rental. (this was back when they still had the Jaguars!)

Sanosuke!

This is one of the nicest things about Platinum Service; I am glad to hear that this is sometimes being offered to others as well.

This is one of the nicest things about Platinum Service; I am glad to hear that this is sometimes being offered to others as well.

So, is this a documented benefit of being a Platinum? Thanks.

So, is this a documented benefit of being a Platinum? Thanks.

Yes; I don't have the documentation in front of me, but this has always been my experience (over 10+ years). We're either shuttled back to the terminal in the car we rented or in a courtesy car (SFO often uses a Town Car).

I have gotten a ride to the terminal at DCA multiple times. Seems to only happen about once a month, but its nice when it happens. Most of the time will combine a 2 or 3 customers into one larger car. But last week, the guy drove just me over the terminal in the mustang I just returned. Kind of surprised me that he took just me considering return area was busy.. Must of have wanted to drive the mustang or listen to Sirius.

I have gotten a ride to the terminal at DCA multiple times. Seems to only happen about once a month, but its nice when it happens. Most of the time will combine a 2 or 3 customers into one larger car. But last week, the guy drove just me over the terminal in the mustang I just returned. Kind of surprised me that he took just me considering return area was busy.. Must of have wanted to drive the mustang or listen to Sirius.

i've had this happen at DCA also, generally with a couple of others in a large SUV or minivan. i usually walk to the terminal at DCA, since it's so close, but the ride was a nice touch

Good. Does anyone know whether any other rental companies offer a similar service?

Good. Does anyone know whether any other rental companies offer a similar service?

Avis, but only if you're a Chairman's Club Member...

Thanks, THE soni!

Not to be pessimistic, but my guess is that they laid off many of their shuttle bus drivers, or the return agent is trying to avoid doing returns.

Not to be pessimistic, but my guess is that they laid off many of their shuttle bus drivers, or the return agent is trying to avoid doing returns.

all rental companies share a common shuttle bus at DCA, which ,for the distance it actually travels, takes quite some time to get from the rental garage to say the US Airways terminal. this is why i usually walk. it's faster. i don't know if DCA has laid off bus drivers.

oh, about a year ago, i asked the hertz van driver about the service and was told that they were "trying it out" and that if i liked it that i should go online, fill out the survey and say so.

again, i don't see it all the time....

In the case of DCA. I think the guys driving customers to the terminal now are the ones that take the cars to get cleaned up.

In the case of DCA. I think the guys driving customers to the terminal now are the ones that take the cars to get cleaned up.


ahhhh...that makes perfect sense!

now, if we could just get some more shuttle buses running at ORD early in the morning, the world would be a better place...

Happened to me a few months back!

Returned the Escalade and about 4 Hertz reps came up to us and asked us how we were etc etc.. We opened the boot with our 5 suitcases and skis etc and they said "We will drive you back to the terminal, get in the car"

Had a lovely chat to the rep who has been at Hertz for many years, but has to work two jobs to make ends meet!

Gave him a VERY nice tip ^

Happened to me once at LAX on returing my SUV.