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CINCINNATI – Travelers stripped of carryon toiletries because of heightened airport security will find a consolation gift when they pick up Avis Rent A Car vehicles in the nation’s major airports.
Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble (PG) has donated “smile packs” with its Crest toothpaste, mouthwash and floss that Avis will leave on the front seats of cars at 25 U.S. airports starting Wednesday, Avis spokeswoman Susan McGowan said.
She said P&G contacted the rental car company Friday to discuss a partnership, in reaction to the stepped-up security that dramatically expanded carryon bans in the aftermath of a thwarted plot to blow up U.S.-bound planes using liquid explosives.
“It’s the least we can do after a long day of travel and losing products that you’ve paid for,” P&G spokeswoman Tonia Elrod said.
She said the packs are full-size products, not travel sizes, worth a little more than a total $10 each at retail stores, not including P&G’s costs for shipping them. Elrod said at least 25,000 packs are being shipped initially.
“It was something that was put together very quickly in response to what travelers are gong through,” McGowan said. “This will save them a trip to the store; just something nice to do.”
Some U.S. hotel chains also are offering more free toiletries to help soothe travelers.