MILWAUKEE — With thousands of flights canceled during the holiday season, some travelers at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport are turning to rental cars to make it to their destinations.

Hertz said within the last few days, there has been an increased demand for bookings, reservation modifications and one-way car rentals.

Workers from other car rental companies said the severe weather and cancellations have made inventory lower than usual.

Steve Mortel of Germantown, Wis., said he was renting a vehicle because of a canceled flight.

He said he was surprised he was able to get a rental car so quickly.

“The rental car experience was great. The reason I’m getting it is not great. They canceled our flight to Nashville so we are driving,” said Mortel. “It’s great — now I just gotta drive nine hours instead of flying an hour and a half.” 

Hertz also issued a statement about the increased demand saying, “From our frontline operations teams to our customer care agents, Hertz employees are working hard to keep our customers moving, particularly those travel plans have been disrupted.”