Loews Hotels & Resorts, New York, Monday added complimentary enrollment in the Trusted Travel Network, which incorporates the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Global Entry and the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Pre✓™programs for YourFirst Platinum members.
Current Platinum YouFirst members were contacted via e-mail Monday with this exclusive one-time offer, which was set to expire in 60 days.
Travelers typically pay a $100 application fee for the Trusted Travel Network, which provides expedited airport security screenings via the Global Entry Pre✓™programs. Global Entry allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk international travelers upon arrival in the United States. Using an automated kiosk, travelers scan their passports and fingerprints, answer the customs declaration questions using the kiosk’s touch screen and proceed with a receipt to the exit.
TSA Pre✓™ is an expedited domestic screening initiative that is expanding to airports across the country. Implementing a key component of the agency’s intelligence-driven, risk-based approach to security, TSA Pre✓™ enhances aviation security by placing more focus on pre-screening individuals who volunteer to participate to expedite the travel experience.
“As a hospitality brand, we understand the importance of handling airport screenings as quickly and conveniently as possible,” Loews Hotels spokesperson Lark-Marie Antón told Loyalty 360. “We thought this is something our guests would like. As hoteliers, our job is to think ahead and to think of things that would make travel more convenient for our guests. Our chairman is renowned in the travel and tourism industry. He focuses a lot on public-private partnerships.”
The new reward was jointly announced by the hotel chain and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Loews Hotels is the first hotel and resort company to work in conjunction with the two offices within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to offer these programs to travelers.
“Partnerships are integral to the way we do business as a brand,” Loews Chairman Jonathan Tisch said in a prepared statement. “Our collaboration highlights the importance of the public and private sectors working together to improve hospitality for all our guests, whether that be at our hotels or traveling through an airport.”
“As the Loews Hotels portfolio continues to expand, we are dedicated to improving our guests’ complete travel experience from airport security checkpoints to hotel check-ins,” added Paul Whetsell, Loews president and CEO in announcing the program. “To be the first hotel brand to offer this service demonstrates that we understand the needs of travelers, especially those who travel frequently for business.”
Platinum is the highest level for the Loews Hotels loyalty program, which bases rewards on number of stays. Among other benefits members can earn are: Free Internet, free fitness center access, free room upgrade, late checkout, guaranteed availability, custom-created destination packages, “special” welcome, and $100 credit for spa, golf, or food and beverage.