I just signed up for the Trusted Traveler program through the US Customs and Border Patrol and was wondering if you were aware of it? Given that I get the impression you and your DH do a decent amount of international travel, you might want to consider it. The enrollment processing fee is $100 per person but it's good for five years, so I think it's justifiable even if you only go international 2 or so times a year. It allows you to bypass the customs lines at most major airports (SEA, SFO, LAX, ATL, JFK, etc.) and just use that little kiosk that you may have seen off to the side when you got home from Iceland in November. Saves you a significant amount of time in line - just thought I'd let you know.
Depending on how much travel you do domestically / internationally, you also might look into the AmEx Platinum card. The yearly fee is a little steep but it's already paid for itself with us and I've only had it two months - it kicks back your $100 registration fee for Trusted Traveler, gives you $200 a year in credit on one airline (you choose it) for baggage check fees, food purchases on board, etc., gives you free Priority Pass membership (access to a ton of airport lounges), and does 2-for-1 business class tickets on international travel. Just something to consider since you seem to have the travel bug like me and DH do. ![]()
Re: ***uwhuskygirl***
Thanks for the heads up! I'll have to look into the program.
And thanks for the info on the AmEx Platinum. I have a different travel card that I really love. I couldn't stray from that card.
I have another one that I love (Alaska Airlines Visa), but I just carry both. They both pay for themselves, but I understand the attachment to your travel card. I also hear the Starwood one is great, but I don't really like Starwood properties so I haven't bothered getting it...