Consumer News: NOW is the Time to Book Holiday Travel

Following a summer of record breaking travel, AAA is encouraging anyone planning to get away over the Thanksgiving or year-end holidays to book flights, rental cars and accommodations as soon as possible to ensure availability, flexibility and savings.

“Almost every aspect of travel is in high demand. Cruises are selling out, air travel is unrelenting and hotel rooms are at a premium, especially over the holidays,” says Kara Hitchens, spokesperson for AAA. “All travel trends point to a holiday season that will be busier than ever so now is the time to book.”

AAA advises booking as soon as the decision is made to travel, increasing the opportunity for a positive, stress-free experience.

“Since May, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recorded its 10 busiest days in the agency’s history. AAA anticipates the same enthusiasm for travel through the year-end holiday period and encouraging everyone to plan accordingly,” Hitchens added.

AAA Offers 10 Tips to Ensure the Best Flying Experience and Minimize Risk of Disruptions:

1. Work with a travel advisor who will not only assist in exploring your options, but will be able to advocate on your behalf should your flights or travel plans be disrupted in any way.
2. Look for flights that leave in the morning, allowing extra time throughout the day. Flights later in the day are more susceptible to an increase in cancellations, rescheduling or delays due to weather, short staffing or other unforeseen circumstances.
3. Try to fly a day or two ahead of when your cruise or tour departs or when you need to be at your destination so if your flight is delayed or disrupted, you don’t lose the whole trip.
4. Schedule long layovers, with a two-hour minimum to allow plenty of time for unexpected delays.
5. Buy travel insurance to protect your investment and choose one that provides coverage for travel interruption and additional expenses.
6. Check in at least 24 hours in advance, print a copy of your boarding pass if possible and take a copy of your e-ticket with you.
7. Review the US DOT Aviation Consumer Protection site to understand your rights as a passenger, particularly regarding delays, cancellations and rebooking requirements.
8. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic flights and up to three hours for international flights. Parking garages, TSA security checkpoints and other airport services may have long lines.
9. Download and familiarize yourself with the app of the airline you’ll be flying. Most airlines allow you to check in for your flight, access boarding passes, track your bags, and change/cancel a flight. Plus, some airlines promote in-flight entertainment through their app.
10. Enroll in pre-screening programs for shorter, quicker lines, such as TSA PreCheck, Clear or Global Entry.

TSA Events Near You

AAA Club Alliance will host on-site Idemia TSA PreCheck® agents at select stores to enroll those who have pre-registered and scheduled appointments. 

TSA PreCheck® was created in December 2011 as a way to provide low-risk travelers with a smoother experience through airport security. It’s a great option for travelers looking to save time.  Enrolled members do not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets. They also access TSA PreCheck® dedicated screening lanes at over 200 participating U.S. airports nationwide.

To find a TSA event near you, visit AAA.com/TSA

 Family Travel Planning

The latest findings from the Family Travel Association indicate a continued, strong desire for family travel and certainly Thanksgiving and the year-end holiday period will be no exception.

Family travel planning can present unique challenges given various ages and interests. With that in mind, AAA has developed the Family Travel Passport to help parents and children explore options and preferences together, whether weighing destinations for later this year or mapping out plans for summers to come.

AAA Membership Travels with You

AAA reminds anyone planning to travel domestically over Thanksgiving or the year-end holidays that the benefits of Membership travel with the person, not the vehicle, so you are covered for Emergency Roadside Service whether you are driving your own car, someone else’s car or a rental. Travelers planning to drive any significant distance should also consider the AAA Plus Membership which includes 100 miles of free towing.