Originally Posted by clarence5ybr

Well, I respectfully disagree with you on how BIG this issue potentially is for Hertz.

I switched to Hertz several years ago after I waited in line slightly over an hour to pick up a car at a competitor. Up to that point, I'd always checked around for rental costs, and Hertz was typically more expensive than other rental companies, so I didn't typically rent from Hertz. After my >1 hour wait, I decided a few extra bucks wasn't worth the hassle. I signed up for #1 Club Gold, and I've rented exclusively from Hertz since then. Over the past few years, I've averaged about 20-25 rental days per year. I've very happy with Hertz overall, in large part because I haven't had to wait to pick up or return a car.

If a 55-minute wait starts becoming routine at Hertz, there's no reason for me to stay loyal to them, as there won't be any difference between using them and another company. Sure, I'm just one person, but I suspect there are a fair number of other Hertz loyalists out there that feel the same way I do.