Hot Topics: 3 Travel Tips For Your Trips

[ChazzPrattUSAA]

Wanna keep from coming unraveled while you become well-travelled? Wanna feel great with plenty of time left to reach your gate? Keep reading.

I travel extensively due to my work in medical sales. I jokingly say that you know you travel a lot when the TSA Agents know you by name! You may have felt the same.

So, let’s look at 3 things that might help you during your next travel situation. Hopefully, these tips will come in handy during travel to your next job interview.

The Inevitable Travel By Car

Even if you travel by plane, there’s a good chance you’ll begin your journey by car. Whether it’s travel by taxi, shuttle, or truck, you’ll need to get to the airport somehow.

• Avoid being asked to move your vehicle by the police at curbside luggage check-in by parking your car in the short-term parking lot. Since most short-term parking gives you around 15 minutes free parking, you can park then quickly check your bags curbside without worrying about getting a ticket or otherwise rushed.
• Use the “Last On/First Off” approach for rental car shuttles. Simply put, if you’re that last one to board the shuttle bus, you can be the first one in line to get your rental car. (Works for the trains at the airport too, as mentioned below)
• Know the parking garage, especially for long-term parking. If you know which parking levels tend to have open parking spaces, you can drive in, park, and be on your way! Make sure to take a picture of your ticket in case you lose it. Also, take a picture of your parking space number or other directional signs so you can find your car quickly once you return.
• Find a reliable Taxi or Car service to drive you to and from the airport. Knowing a specific Driver or Company can save you time. Why wait in a long line for the next available ride, when you can have a trusted, tried & true way to get where you wanna go!
• Designate a permanent pick-up point. If your Spouse, Significant Other, Friend, or Family picks you up, locate a specific Door Number as your “bus stop”. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people wandering aimlessly looking for someone – and they’re usually on a cellphone driving all over the road and close to causing accidents!

Never Be Late To Your Gate

The military taught many of us the value of using “high speed avenues of approach” in order to get to your destination as quickly as possible. So, picture yourself standing in one of those long, long lines at the security checkpoint at the airport. It somewhat resembles a line at your favorite amusement part sometimes doesn’t it?

Wanna get to your gate faster? Here’s what you can do:

• Take a slightly longer walk to another Security Checkpoint that’s lesser-known. There’s usually more than one way to get to your gate. With a little reconnaissance and a little extra foot travel, you can probably beat the crowds at the most popular Security Checkpoint.
• Take the “chauffeur-driven golf cart” to your gate. These taxi-inspired people movers can save you time – especially when you’re running late! Simply jump on one of these and ask the Driver to take you to your gate. And, don’t forget to tip the Driver!
• Check the airport’s website for clues as to where the trains are. If you’re travelling in a more modern airport, chances are there’s a train that can quickly transport you to your gate. Know before you go!

TSA Pre✓™ - One Cool Program

Just after I booked a flight recently, I got this message asking me if I’d like to participate in a special program called TSA Pre✓™. In a nutshell, this program moves you to the front of the security line, so to speak. (This “Fast Pass” at your favorite amusement park).

With TSA Pre✓™, you breeze by the longer lines. You don’t need to remove your shoes, belt, light jacket, or 3-1-1 compliant bag, or laptop!

Of course, this program is random so you may be selected on some trips and others you may not.  Learn more about this cool program here: http://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/what-tsa-precheck

What travel tips have you found helpful?

[Tiptoe1]

I rented from enterprise.  They coud not find USSA ID which is xxxxx what is up?

[USAA Social Service]

@Tiptoe1, USAA members can find discounts for rental cars and the promotion code for Enterprise at https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/rental-cars-main. -LeKisha

[PhillyBgta]

I hope all are staying safe - just some advice to save a couple bucks - do not waste your money with the USAA travel insurance product C&F Travel Insured International. A complete waste of money.   I have used them several times never having to file a claim. This one time I needed it - they jerked me around for 6 months and finally found an excuse not to pay.  A complete waste - you are better off using your USAA credit and using the insurance they offer.