At least nine days have elapsed since the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards frequent renter loyalty program underwent a massive devaluation through which the redemption of points for rewards across the board increased by as much as 81.82 percent — along with the implementation of a new points cancellation policy — and I finally received notification about the changes earlier today via e-mail message…
I Finally Received Notice About Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Changes. Nine Days Later.
…and in addition to the word enhancements, the word enriched was used to describe the changes in a euphemistic light.
In case you are unable to see or read the screen shot, here is the text:
UPDATE: Point Redemption and Rewards
We’ve enriched our award-winning loyalty program this year, providing you with new ways to earn and redeem points.
Increased rewards – earn points even faster as a President’s Circle® or Five Star® member
Our best fleet ever – rent unique vehicles from our Dream Car Collection
Faster service – skip the counter and get complimentary access to Hertz Fast Lane powered by CLEAR‖
In line with these enhancements, we have adjusted point redemption values and our point cancellation policy‡. With Hertz, change scenery, but never standards.
LEARN MORE
‖Currently available at select locations nationwide.
‡Cancellation or no-show reservation penalties may apply starting May 31, 2019. See Point Cancellation Policy.
Summary
Am I the only person who is looking at the so-called “enhancements” and thinking that I will enjoy little to no benefit from them — at the expensive cost of more points to redeem for awards?
I abhor when mostly negative changes are advertised as enhancements by companies. I am surprised the typical phrase of “You asked for these changes — and we listened” was not added to this inexcusably late announcement.
Marketing departments for frequent travel loyalty programs must think we are all a bunch of idiots who are easily fooled…
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.
