RICHMOND, VA (Monday, June 14, 2021) — As travel numbers increase, TSA checkpoint lines get longer and airline seats fill up; appointments are also booking up at local pop-up events where travelers can enroll in TSA Pre✓® to help them navigate airport security faster and with ease. AAA’s event in Richmond, today through this Thursday, is completely booked, however, a second event next week in Richmond and an upcoming event in Fairfax, VA still have appointments available.

Climbing travel numbers are likely spurring the increased demand. Since March 11^th of this year, TSA has scanned more than one million passengers a day at Security Checkpoints across the nation. In recent weeks, those numbers were approaching nearly 2 Million passengers, or about 70% of what the TSA saw in June of 2019 pre-pandemic. According to a recent survey by Destination Analysts, 77% of Americans saying they plan to travel in the next three months.

“As travel numbers continue to increase due to pent up demand, missed trips and confidence from the vaccine roll out, AAA has experienced a parallel surge in the popularity of local pop-up TSA Pre✓® enrollment events,” said Martha Mitchell Meade, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Many travelers are ready and willing to do what it takes to travel again. Enrolling in TSA Pre✓® allows them to be processed through airport security faster and more smoothly.”

Recent and widely reported TSA staffing shortages across the country are also resulting in long wait times at some airport TSA check points. Travelers who are enrolled in TSA Pre✓® can not only get through checkpoints faster, but will also help with the overall speed and flow for others. The shorter amount of time each person spends navigating the checkpoint, the more efficient the process can be for everyone.

TSA Pre✓® offers lower contact, expedited processing through airport security to minimize health risks. With TSA Pre✓®, travelers have no need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, light outerwear or belts. Today, TSA Pre✓® has more than 450 lanes at 200+ U.S. airports including Richmond International, Norfolk International, Newport News Williamsburg International, Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airports. TSA Pre✓® is valid for five years.

  “AAA has helped thousands of travelers throughout the country obtain this coveted travel credential since launching this partnership with TSA in 2019,” said Meade. “Travelers looking toward future air travel can take steps now to reduce the number of contacts at the airport.”

AAA events with IdentoGo TSA Pre✓®  agents will allow travelers to enroll for screening approval with ease. AAA members and the general public can pre-schedule appointments and pre-register to participate at these locations: 

• AAA Swift Creek Car Care Insurance Travel Center, 13732 Hull Street Road, Midlothian VA 23112
• Monday, June 14^th- Thursday June 17th, 9 a.m. -12 p.m. & 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• ALL APPOINTMENTS NOW FULL

• AAA Chesterfield Car Care Insurance Travel Center, 11261 Mall Ct, North Chesterfield VA 23235
• Monday, June 21st – Thursday, June 24th 9 a.m. -12 p.m. & 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• Friday, June 25th, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• APPOINTMENTS STILL AVAILABLE
   
• AAA Fairfax, 4100 Monument Corner Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
• Monday, June 28 - Thursday, July 1, 9 a.m. -12 p.m. & 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• APPOINTMENTS STILL AVAILABLE

The IdentoGo mobile van will be stationed in the parking area of the AAA Retail location for ease of access for participants. Enrollment agents are frequently sanitizing their hands and all surfaces of contact within the van and following strict guidelines, including social distancing.

Appointments are limited and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so register as soon as possible. Proof of identity and U.S. Citizenship is required at all appointments. Your name on the documents must match exactly with your proof of identity. If they do not, bring an original or certified copy of a court ordered name change document (to include marriage certificates and divorce decrees).

If you have a valid U.S. passport, that is all you need for ID. Applications will be processed onsite.  Follow these steps to pre-enroll:

1. Click here to access the application page.
2. Click “Start Application Now,” then click “New Enrollment.”
3. Fill out steps and choose “Next” at the bottom of each screen.
4. Type in your location at Zip Code/City/Airport Code box and then search.
5. Choose the AAA Chesterfield location and click “Next.”

Select your desired appointment time (Please be sure to make note of your appointment time; no reminders will be sent out). Mobile IdentoGO agents will process TSA Pre✓® applications onsite. 

You will finish the process onsite by providing your fingerprints for a background check. The application fee is $85 and can be paid by credit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier's check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.

Children ages 12 and younger may use the TSA Pre✓^® lane when traveling with a parent or guardian who has the indicator on their boarding pass. Travelers 13 years of age and older without a TSA Pre✓^® boarding pass must go through standard security lanes. 

For more event details, visit AAA's website.

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 62 million members nationwide and more than one million members in Virginia.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, access a COVID travel restriction map, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.