Travel Like A Pro

Many of our members have taken advantage of using their local AAA Travel agent for all their travel needs. In fact, AAA is the largest leisure travel agency in the country. Our agents are knowledgeable about our various travel partners, as well as trained to make sure our members have the best experience possible, both during the planning process and while on vacation.

Here are some of the best tools our travel agents suggest for easier travel:

Hertz Gold Plus

In addition to rental discounts, AAA members receive free enrollment in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. This program allows members to bypass waiting at the rental counter and simply show their driver’s license and pick up their car keys at 4,000 airports. Members are guaranteed that their reserved car will be available but have the ability to choose a different vehicle if they desire. Enroll at AAA.com/Hertz.

TSA Pre✓®

TSA Pre✓® is an expedited security screening program which provides travelers with smarter security and a better air travel experience. Passengers can apply for the TSA Pre✓® Application Program via an online application at tsa.gov and in-person appointment (with background checks and fingerprinting) at an enrollment center. Once approved, passengers are eligible to receive expedited screening without the need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. TSA Pre✓® is provided at 200 airports through 42 airlines and costs $85 for a five-year membership.

Global Entry

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Travelers must apply for the Global Entry program and undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment. As an alternative to waiting in line to be processed by a CBP agent, program enrollees enter the U.S. through automatic kiosks at select airports, scan their passport or U.S. permanent resident card, and complete a fingerprint verification and a customs declaration. More details on this process can be found on cbp.gov.

Mobile Passport Control

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) allows U.S. citizen to use the Mobile Passport app to expedite their entry process back into the country when traveling abroad in certain airports and cruise terminals. Using the free app on a smartphone or tablet, eligible citizens submit their passport information and answer CBP inspection-related questions prior to CBP inspection. While the traveler is still processed by a CBP agent, the app helps enable CBP officers to focus more on the inspection and less on administrative functions. Learn more about the MPC app at cbp.gov.

This article originally appeared in Home & Away’s January/February issue in Leon Barber’s column "A Message from our Chairman & CEO”.