I belong to an organization that has an agreement with Hertz for an automatic 5% discount on any rental in the U.S., so I always used to book with them when I traveled for business.  Despite a few overly-pushy rental counter people (but that happens with any brand), I always had great experiences - easy access to rental sites, great service, fantastic automobiles, and reasonable rates.

That changed last fall.

On a trip to New Hampshire, my colleague and I arrived at the rental counter and were told that it would be a 1 HOUR WAIT on the car I had reserved 2 months in advance.  (Reason?  They...