Book early to secure nonstop flights and avoid layovers. Choose morning departures to reduce the risk of delays or cancellations. When possible, travel a day or two early to build in buffer time in case of delays. Always allow extra time between connecting flights to avoid missed connections. It also helps to be flexible and compare options across airlines, airports and dates.

Most airlines allow online check-in beginning 24 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure time. It can be 48 hours before the flight for some international airlines - check with your airline. Complete the online check-in and print your boarding pass or use the airline's app for digital boarding passes.

Be sure to reconfirm flights prior to leaving your home and put all your travel and health documents together in one place in your purse or carry-on.

When to arrive at the airport:

• For international departures, arrive at the airport 3+ hours prior to your flight.
  
• For domestic departures, arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your flight.
• If your flight is during a peak travel time, like a holiday, or during a period where there are fewer TSA personnel, you will need to allow additional time to help alleviate the stress of rushing and longer security lines.

Not having travel insurance can lead to huge medical bills while abroad if something goes wrong. Most U.S. health insurance plans (including Medicare) do not cover medical expenses outside of the United States and medical evacuations can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. AAA recommends getting travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

If you plan to travel outside the United States, the U.S. Department of State requires a passport or passport card for departure from and re-entry to the U.S. If you do not have a passport, you should apply for a passport as soon as possible.

Many countries require at least six months of passport validity before they will allow you to enter or issue you a travel visa. If you have less than six months remaining on your passport, you should renew it as soon as possible. Renew online, by mail or in person.

Don't delay! You should submit your passport renewal or apply for a new passport several months before your planned departure. Routine processing time is 4 to 6 weeks, sometimes more, depending upon the time of year or situation.

If you have urgent international travel within 14 calendar days, you may request to schedule an appointment with a Passport Agency or Center.

Passport Photo AAA Member Benefit

Most full-service AAA Branch locations will provide a set of passport photos for free or at a nominal charge, depending on your level of membership.

Learn more about passport services offered at AAA.

If you need your passport or travel visa as soon as possible, AAA Members save 10% on expedited U.S. passport and travel visa services online with RushMyPassport.

Benefits include the ability to:

• Avoid common mistakes that may typically cause a delay
• Save time by skipping the long lines and hold times
• Know where your passport or travel visa is in the process

Learn more about RushMyPassport.

^{*Savings applicable for RushMyPassport service fees only. Government fees and shipping not included.}

You can renew your passport online if you meet these requirements:

• The passport you are renewing is (or was) valid for 10 years. It must be expiring with the next year or have expired less than 5 years ago.
• You are not changing your personal information (such as your name).
• You are physically located in a U.S. state or territory (your most recent passport will be invalidated for travel).
• You have your previous passport in your possession and have not reported it as lost or stolen.
• You are age 25 or older.
• You do not have immediate travel planned or require expedited service.

Always use the official site opr.travel.state.gov (ending in .gov) to avoid potential third-party scams.

When you renew your passport through Online Passport Renewal, you do not need to mail in your old passport. However, be mindful that your old passport will be cancelled automatically and cannot be used for international travel (even before your new one arrives).

AAA is authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue an IDP (International Driving Permit), also commonly referred to as an International Driving License or International Driver's License.

An IDP is a valid form of identification in 150 countries worldwide and contains your name, photo and driver information.

Learn more about IDP services offered through AAA.

As of May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

Federal agencies, including DHS and TSA, may only accept state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards as identification for purposes of accessing federal facilities - including TSA airport security checkpoints - if the license or card was issued by a REAL ID compliant state in accordance with the REAL ID security standards (meaning the license or card must include the REAL ID compliant star marking). Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes. Most EDLs do not contain the star marking and this is acceptable.

Visit the DHS REAL ID website to learn more or determine if your license is compliant.

As of Feb. 1, 2026, the TSA charges a $45 fee for passengers 18 or older who arrive at a U.S. airport security checkpoint without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification. The fee covers an application through TSA’s ConfirmID identity verification process, but approval is not guaranteed and travelers may still be denied access to the security checkpoint if their identity cannot be confirmed.

^{Information and links are from the REAL ID website and are provided as helpful resources to aid in travel planning. The requirements may change at any time and without notice.}

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service from the U.S. Department of State that allows you to enroll your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to receive safety information while traveling and help the embassy contact you in an emergency.

One person can register multiple travelers. Learn more or enroll your trip in the STEP service.

Travelers with a United States passport will need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for travel to the United Kingdom.

• U.S. travelers will need to apply for and be approved for an ETA before their trip. 
• Each person traveling needs one, including children.
• After applying, a decision should be received within 3 working days. 
• An ETA will cost £20 British pounds per person, including children.
• The ETA will be linked to the traveler's passport and permit multiple trips to the U.K. for stays of up to six months at a time.
• Be sure to apply early to avoid any potential disruption to travel plans.

Learn more or apply on the U.K. ETA website or the U.K. ETA app, available to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

^{Information and links are from the ETA program website and are provided as helpful resources to aid in travel planning. The requirements may change at any time and without notice.}

Beginning in September 2026, travelers with a United States passport will need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) for travel to 30 European countries, including popular vacation spots like France, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Greece, Portugal and more.

NOTE: Per the ETIAS website, operations will start in the last quarter of 2026. No action is required from travelers at this point.

Learn more about the ETIAS program.

Information and links are from the ETIAS program website and are provided as helpful resources to aid in travel planning. The ETIAS program is still in the implementation phase in the EU, and dates, participating countries, voluntary or obligatory traveler participation and program requirements may change at any time and without notice. 

Once the ETIAS 'European Travel Information and Authorization System' (planned) is launched in the last quarter of 2026, both an ETIAS travel authorization and an ETA 'Electronic Travel Authorization' (active) will be required if American citizens are touching down in 30 European countries and the United Kingdom. 

^{Information and links are provided as helpful resources to aid in travel planning. The requirements may change at any time and without notice.}

As of October 12, 2025, the EES (Entry/Exit System) will be gradually introduced at border-crossing points, with full implementation by April 10, 2026. The EES is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay each time they cross the external borders of select European countries. 

• Short stays are defined as up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
• The system will gradually replace passport stamps with a digital system that records when travellers enter and exit.
• This is intended to modernize, secure and speed up the border process.

You will provide your personal data each time you reach the external borders of the European countries using the EES, including: 

• Data listed in your travel documents (e.g., full name, date of birth, etc.)
• Date and place of each entry and exit 
• Facial image and fingerprints (called ‘biometric data’)

Learn more about the EES program.

^{Information and links are from the EES program website and are provided as helpful resources to aid in travel planning. The EES program is still in the implementation phase in the EU, and dates, participating countries, traveler participation and program requirements may change at any time and without notice.} 

TSA’s Families on the Fly program provides dedicated screening lanes and support to ease checkpoint travel for parents and children age 12 and under.

Key features & tips:

• Dedicated “families” lanes at participating airports help reduce congestion and stress.
• Children under 17 can go through TSA PreCheck when traveling with an adult who has PreCheck status.
• Strollers, baby carriers, car seats and booster seats are allowed and screened via X-ray.
• TSA Cares can assist families with navigation, special needs and checkpoint questions.
• Use signage at TSA checkpoints to find the family lane.

Visit the TSA's Families on the Fly website to find out if your departure airport offers this program and to learn more. 

Planning and packing properly can streamline the screening process and make your airport experience smoother. Know what you can pack in your carry-on and checked baggage before arriving at the airport by visiting the TSA - What Can I Bring? website.

TSA PreCheck® is a program designed for domestic travel that expedites screening for travelers at participating TSA security checkpoints at more than 200 airports, with around 100 participating airlines nationwide.

Benefits include a dedicated screening line with no need to remove your:

• Shoes
• Belt
• 3-1-1 Liquids
• Laptop
• Light Jacket

With the program, you simply add your KTN (Known Traveler Number) to your airline reservation to enjoy faster, more seamless screening.

Children 17 and under can join an adult in the TSA PreCheck lane for free.

• For children 12 and younger, the child’s boarding pass does not need to show the TSA PreCheck indicator.
• Children ages 13 to 17 may use the TSA PreCheck lane only when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on their boarding pass.

PRO TIP: Opt-In to TSA PreCheck Touchless ID for the fastest way through security using only your face as ID.

Learn more or apply online at TSA PreCheck® | Transportation Security Administration.

Eligibility: U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program, designed for international travel, that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Program members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.

Benefits:

• No processing lines
• No paperwork
• Access to expedited entry
• Available at major U.S. airports
• Reduced wait times

Learn more or apply online at Global Entry | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov).

Eligibility: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and select foreign nationals.

A Travel Advisory is a report from the U.S. State Department that describes the risks and recommended precautions for U.S. citizens, not foreign nationals, in a foreign destination. Advisory levels 1-4 are assigned for all destinations (not just dangerous ones). The level is assigned based on risk, and determinations are made using many factors, including information from U.S. embassies and consulates located in the destinations. The level explanations include:

Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions. This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risks. There is some risk in any international travel, and conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States.

Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution. Be aware of increased risks to safety and security. Specific risks are described in the Travel Advisory.

Level 3 – Reconsider Travel. Reconsider your travel to the destination due to serious risks to safety and security. Specific risks are described in the Travel Advisory.

Level 4 – Do Not Travel. This is the highest advisory level due to life-threatening risks. Specific risks are described in the Travel Advisory.

Even popular tourist destinations can be under a Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” Advisory. This doesn’t mean don’t go, but it does mean that you should prepare. Before you go, check the latest Travel Advisory at travel.state.gov/destination for your destination to plan with confidence and enjoy your trip to the fullest. 

You can make your travels more rewarding with the AAA Cashback Visa Signature^® Card.

• Up to 4% cash back on your qualifying travel purchases with intro offer
• No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees

Learn more about the AAA Cashback Visa Signature^® Card or apply online today.

Equal Credit Opportunity Lender.

AAA Vacation Triple Check^®  is a free service that ensures you take advantage of all savings and member benefits when you book with AAA Travel.

We help you stretch your vacation budget with all the money-saving opportunities available to you, including combinable in-market offers, exclusive AAA Member benefits, AAA Vacations^® Amenities and more.

If you didn't receive this when you booked or would like to request a Triple Check for a future trip you're planning, contact your AAA Travel Agent today.

With the AAA Diamond Program, you can be certain properties meet a high standard for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality - whether it’s a budget hotel or luxury resort. Look for the 'Best of Inspected Clean' badge or filter property results with the 'AAA Best of Inspected Clean' option online at AAA.com/Hotels.

AAA Members can access exclusive savings or cash back on luggage, travel gear and everyday travel essentials through trusted retail partners, helping you get trip-ready for less with AAA Discounts & Rewards.