Phoenix, Ariz., May 27, 2009 – Summer is one of the most popular times to travel, especially considering the abundance of travel bargains and opportunities that are available this year.  However, Arizona travelers need to take note – new border requirements and the rollout of a new airport security program could adversely affect your summer travel plans if you are not prepared.

“It is important for travelers to take the time to research and understand the changes that have taken place since last summer,” said Don Gleason, vice president of travel for AAA Arizona. "Many Arizonans will enjoy their vacation this summer without incident. However, others will experience trip delays if they aren’t prepared.”

One of the biggest changes taking place this summer is the implementation of the final phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative on June 1. After which, forms of identification that were previously accepted at land crossings, such as original birth certificates, will no longer be acceptable to gain entry or re-entry to the United States. Rather, U.S. citizens returning from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda by land or sea will be required to have one of the following documents:

• Passport book. Valid for land and sea crossings as well as air travel anywhere in the world, the cost of a passport book is $100 if age 16 or older and $85 for minors under age 16.

• Passport card. Introduced last summer to expedite the travel of citizens living in border communities, the passport card is not valid for air travel. However, it can be used on cruise trips for re-entry at U.S. ports and at land border crossings from Canada and Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The card costs $45 for a first-time adult applicant and $35 for all minor applicants under age 16.

• Other approved travel document. In intricate cases, another travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security will suffice new border requirements. To learn what these documents and eligibility requirements, visit http://travel.state.gov/.

“While passports and passport cards are currently being processed in four to six weeks, there are other options for travelers who need to obtain an approved travel documents in a hurry,” Gleason added. “In fact, AAA Arizona partners with a company called Travisa, though which travelers can obtain a passport in as little as 48 hours.”

Through AAA’s partnership with Travisa, travelers can pay $199 for same day passport processing, $179 for 48-hour processing and $99 for 3-10 day processing. These charges are in addition to regular passport fees.

Another change that could impact summer travelers this year is the implementation of the Transportation Security Administration’s “Secure Flight” program. The program requires passengers to provide their gender, birth date name as it appears on the government-issued ID upon the purchase of airline tickets. If the information does not match, passengers could face delays when checking-in for their flight. For more information on this program visit http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight/index.shtm.  

Aside from providing members passport photos and expedited processing services, AAA Arizona also provides additional resources which are particularly beneficial for abroad-bound travelers. These services include:

• Mexico auto insurance. U.S. auto insurance is not valid in Mexico. If a collision occurs, a Mexico auto policy is the only form of insurance the authorities will accept as evidence of financial responsibility. If you cannot provide Mexico auto insurance, you could be arrested and jailed. Motorists interested in purchasing Mexico auto insurance can do so at any AAA branch office or by visiting http://www.aaaaz.com/insurance/mexico.htm.  

• International Driving Permit. When traveling overseas, AAA Arizona recommends that travelers carry an International Driving Permit, even if you are not planning to drive. Valid in more than 150 countries, the permit contains your name, photo and driver information translated into ten languages – which can help to expedite communication with foreign authorities, if the need arises. AAA is one of the only organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to sell permits to valid U.S. driver’s license holders age 18 and above. The permit costs $15 and can be purchased at any AAA branch office or by visiting www.AAA.com/vacation/idpc.html.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.