4 Essential Travel Programs You Need to Make Your Next Trip a Breeze
Picture this: You arrive at the airport, you’re greeted by friendly airport staff who help you glide right through security; once cleared, you head to a lounge where you enjoy a glass of cold sparkling wine before boarding your plane to your next destination.
Sound like a dream? It isn’t!
It’s possible with the help of four essential travel programs I always take advantage of when I travel:
If you’ve been on the fence about any of these programs, then allow me to put your mind at ease.
Here’s an overview of each one as well as why I think they’re a travel must.
1. Global Entry (includes TSA PreCheck)
Save yourself time by getting Global Entry (it includes TSA PreCheck).
Together, they cost $100 (until September after which the price increases to $120) and are valid for 5 years each.
AVIOTHIC TIP: Premium credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve (which I have an love) and American Express Platinum, among others, actually cover the cost as part of your annual fee.
Global Entry
Global Entry can be a godsend in cutting down on customs screenings for US travelers re-entering the country from a trip abroad.
You just head to the marked kiosks at your arrival airport and following the instructions:
- Scan your passport
- Share your biometrics (might be fingerprinting and/or face scan)
- Grab your ticket (which you’ll take with you to the US CUstomers & Border Control agent who will screen you)
Just be sure to plan accordingly as you will need to submit an online application (it can take 4-6 months to process) and then you’ll need to attend an in-person interview at a designated airport for final clearance (approvals take far less time – about a week or so on average).
TSA PreCheck
As for TSA PreCheck, it helps you zip through security screenings (within the US) through a specially marked line. The best part is, you don’t have to remove your shoes, laptop, or liquids from your bag.
While PreCheck is not always guaranteed, you’ll probably rarely have an issue. Your PreCheck clearance will be indicated on your boarding pass (be it digital or paper copy).
2. Frequent Flyer Programs
Always sign up for frequent flyer miles with an airline, regardless of how often you fly with them. Most airlines are part of alliance programs with other carriers, allowing you to easily transfer miles from one to another (that are part of the same program).
One of my favorites is Star Alliance, which includes the likes of Delta, Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, and others.
Saving those miles over time can benefit you immensely, allowing you to fly free or upgrade you flying class, depending on your intended destination.
3. CLEAR
I am a huge fan of CLEAR; I have been moved to many a front line because I was a program member.
CLEAR is a complement to Global Entry/TSA PreCheck; a representative is always on hand to help with your biometric data scan, which takes the place of verifying your identity over routine documents (think passports, driver’s licenses, etc.).
Once cleared, they escort to the front of the TSA PreCheck (assuming you have that) for a quick boarding pass scan before heading through security.
The membership, which costs $189/year for individuals (or $189/year + $99/person for families), is intended to minimize the hassle of security clearance.
Several credit cards cover the cost like AmEx Platinum. Alternatively, if you don’t have those cards, you can receive a special rate through frequent flyer programs like Delta SkyMiles; depending on your status, you can get as much as $40 off.
4. Priority Pass
Lord knows, I love a good lounge.
I receive Priority Lounge access for free through Chase Sapphire Reserve, as a perk. I am able to enjoy lounge locations all over the world – from Bangkok to Boston. Admittedly some lounges (e.g., Madrid) are better than others (e.g., Porto).
Tangentially, Chase has their own branded lounges – Sapphire Lounge x The Club – in these cities:
- Boston Logan International
- Hong Kong International
- LaGuardia Airport
- JFK International Airport
- Las Vegas International Airport (coming soon)
If you’re an AmEx Platinum card holder, you can visit one of their Centurion Lounges (total bucketlist for me).
Lounges are great for preflight bites and restful layovers (where you can shower and freshen up before your next leg).
Hope you found that helpful! If there are other travel programs you belong to, then please drop a comment below and share which ones you love.
xoxox
*Photo by Briana Tozour on Unsplash
