The car rental company Hertz has been experiencing a surge in customers due to a global IT outage affecting various airlines and businesses. Despite not facing any disruptions to their IT software, Hertz has witnessed an increase in customer inquiries at both call centers and physical locations.
The head of customer experience at Hertz mentioned that it has been an exceptionally busy period for the company, with a notable rise in customer demand. The impact has been particularly felt on the East Coast, specifically in cities like Atlanta, Newark, Orlando, and Charlotte, especially for one-way reservations.
One instance highlighted a customer landing in Atlanta after 8 p.m. who needed to secure a car to drive back home to Richmond, Virginia, following a canceled connecting flight. To manage the influx of customers, Hertz deployed additional staff on Thursday night and throughout Friday, with some employees working extended hours to assist.
Fortunately, Hertz's operational infrastructure remained operational, allowing them to play a crucial role in helping customers find solutions during this challenging period. Customers have expressed gratitude towards the Hertz staff, recognizing that renting a car may be their best option to reach their final destination promptly.