Page 9 - AAA Now! – AAA Shelby County – January/February 2020

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See the USA with Amtrak Vacations
Amtrak Vacations combines the thrill of riding the rails with inclusive travel packages for one- of-a-kind vacations throughout North America.
We specialize in Independent Rail Journeys, Rail Getaways, Rail and Sail Vacations, and more. Amtrak Vacations offers hundreds of rail vacations to amazing cities, scenic landscapes and spectacular national parks with options to depart from more than 500 Amtrak rail stations across the country.
Our knowledgeable vacation consultants provide unparalleled service while planning your rail vacation inclusive of accommodations, sightseeing tours, dining options and entertainment. They
are full of tips and details about life on the train and keen to share their passion for travel with you to help you make the most of this memorable experience. From cross-country bucket list experiences to fun city getaways, Amtrak Vacations is the perfect choice for your next vacation.
Why Amtrak Vacations?
Bucket List Experience – The journey will be the highlight of your vacation as you discover landscapes and scenery only accessible by train.
Avoid Long Airport Lines
Check into the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck Program
Room to Roam – Get up, stretch your legs and enjoy all the train has to offer, including dramatic views of the passing scenery from the lounge car.
Satisfy your Hunger – Enjoy chef-prepared cuisine or grab a quick bite in the snack car while on your scenic journey to your next destination.
City to City Service – Amtrak brings you right to the heart of your destination, so you can maximize your time and save money.
Customizable Packages – With daily departures from any of the 500+ Amtrak stations, we'll help you organize the perfect train vacation.
Hassle-free – Sit back, relax and let our Rail Vacation Specialists do the planning for you, including scheduling hotels, activities and tickets.
AAA Member Benefits
AAA members save $50 per booking on packages 5 nights or longer. Book an Amtrak Vacation through your AAA travel agent and receive a $100 Bounce Back Coupon valid towards your next Amtrak Vacations trip inclusive of three destinations or more.
Let the IDP Speak for You
Traveling the world?
Before you go, purchase an International Driving Permit for peace of mind while you’re out exploring.
Translated into 10 languages, the IDP is valid in more than 150 countries — mandatory in some and highly recommended in others.
U.S. residents apply at AAA offices. Or visit us online at: AAA.com/IDP
If you don’t like waiting in long airport lines (and who does), consider applying for membership in the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA)
PreCheck program. This is an expedited security- screening program connecting travelers departing from airports within the United States with smarter security and a better air travel experience.
The TSA PreCheck program is available when you depart from a U.S. airport to a foreign country, and for domestic, connecting flights after you return to the United States. It is currently available at 200 airports, with 37 participating airlines nationwide.
If you travel to foreign countries even once a year, the Transportation Security Administration suggests enrolling in Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck. With Global Entry, you will receive expedited customs processing when entering the United States, plus you will receive TSA PreCheck when flying from U.S. airports.
Members of the PreCheck program can take advantage of dedicated screening lanes at airports, plus you can keep shoes and light jackets on, and toiletries and laptops stay in bags, so there’s no fumbling around as you approach the conveyor belt. The TSA PreCheck application program is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent
residents. Passengers considered low-risk who qualify for the program are given a known
traveler number “KTN” to use when making flight reservations. Participating airlines will print an indicator on your boarding pass. When you arrive at the airport, look for signs for the lanes.
The cost of program membership is $85 and
it’s good for five years. Kids 12 and under can get PreCheck screening for free as long as they travel with a member parent or guardian. Older kids must enroll on their own. For solo travelers who fly just once a year, the cost breaks down to a mere $17
a year; families with young children benefit even more. While it’s true some passengers are still being selected for random PreCheck screening – for free – these perks are rare and can’t be counted on.
HOW TO APPLY:
Online enrollment is easy at tsa.gov/tsa-precheck and takes less than five minutes, or you can complete the entire process in person at an application center. Schedule an appointment online or by calling (855) 347-8371 weekdays, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments take priority.
VISIT AN APPLICATION CENTER TO:
• Provide required documentation and be fingerprinted. Bring your current U.S. passport or a driver’s license and birth certificate.
• Pay a non-refundable $85 fee valid for five years with a credit card, money order, company check or certified/cashier’s check.
• You can check your status online at any time.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020
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