Benefits Update: Summer travel

When the global pandemic shut down our country nearly three months ago, we never imagined we’d still be struggling to stay at home. While we are not out of the woods by any means, the good news is that the curve of COVID-19 is flattening as we roll into June. We hope you and your loved ones are staying positive and healthy and continue to practice social distancing.

Though travel dreams might have been put on pause the last few months, our travel partners are prepared for you when you’re ready to hit the road again. So you can get these exclusives, we are here to welcome you with 50% OFF VetRewards.

Traveling safely by air is a high priority for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). They have put in place new and important guidelines to prevent cross-contamination of the coronavirus during airline travel. They range from procedures to enforce social distancing to permitting hand sanitizers (up to 12 ounces) in your carry-ons. Be sure to review these before you travel.

• Travelers will keep possession of their boarding passes, either mobile or paper, instead of handing them over to TSA agents during security screenings.
• Food items in carry-on bags must be placed in a clear plastic bag and put in a separate bin while going through X-ray screening. This requirement allows social distancing, reducing the TSA officer’s need to touch your container of food.
• Previous rules about liquids and prohibited items remain intact, but TSA is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags. Passengers are required to remove the hand sanitizer from the carry-on bag before being submitted for X-ray screening.
• Social distancing is being enforced by increasing the distance between individuals as they enter the security checkpoint, placing visual reminders of appropriate spacing on checkpoint floors and staggering the use of lanes where feasible. No two airports are alike, so this could look a little different at each airport.
• TSA officers at checkpoints are now using facial protection. Travelers are encouraged to wear face protection to the checkpoint as well.

As the number of travelers begin to grow, airlines are increasing the number and frequency of their flights and putting important safety practices in place.

Our partner United Airlines is now blocking advance seat assignments for middle seats and adjacent seats where there are 2x2 configurations. In addition, they launched United CleanPlus, their curb-to-curb effort to ensure a clean and safe journey in partnership with Clorox and The Cleveland Clinic.

Looking for more than just a room?
If you’re looking for a change of scenery with or without flying, we offer great military discounts at extended stay hotels. Extended stay lodging or vacation rentals are designed for longer visits. They have full kitchens and laundry facilities. Here are some available to you:

• Diamond Resorts: 20% OFF
• Extended Stay America: Up to 40% OFF
• MainStay Suites: 15% OFF
• Suburban Extended Stay: 15% OFF
• Wyndham Extra Holidays: Up to 20% OFF

We hope you’ll be able to safely venture out this summer and enjoy these special offers. And we’re doing our part, so you can start saving with our 50% OFF COVID-19 sale.

On behalf of the team at Veterans Advantage, I send our very best wishes for you and your family’s health and safety during these challenging times. Stay safe and stay healthy!

Respectfully yours,

H. Scott Higgins
C-Founder and Co-CEO
Veterans Advantage
U.S. Army Veteran, Vietnam (‘67-’68)