AAA Today

[#1]

 I love to hear stories from members on how they use their membership, who they are and why they joined in the first place. Share your story. I'd love to feature you in an upcoming blog.

VelmaK, a member for over ten years, shared with me her birding story. An avid photographer, she travels around the state and to other destinations to capture the perfect shot of her feathered friends. (Check out a slideshow of her photographs.)

This photo is VelmaK with a friendly Scrub Jay, a bird native to Florida. A friend captured the moment at Merritt Island on the east coast of the state near Titusville (also home of the Kennedy Space Center) during the Annual Spacecoast Birding & Wildlife Festival. The National Wildlife Refuge on Merritt Island is a perfect destination for bird lovers-and wildlife lovers of all kinds. There are over 117 species of fish, 330 types of birds, numerous sea turtles and other marine life.

What's VelmaK's favorite thing about her AAA membership?

"I love the discounts on the hotels. In fact, I bought the membership to always be sure I could get the best rate. Since I drive a lot, I never want to get stuck on the side of the road in some remote location without help at hand. One of my favorite benefits is to simply show my card to save at restaurants, shopping and online."

What's next for VelmaK? She'll focus on the Florida spring migration which celebrates the return of Warblers, Sparrows, Yellow-breasted Chats and other species of birds as they make their way back home to Florida.

Have a story? Share it here! I'd love to hear about your interests and experiences.

[#2]

I joined AAA one year after I got married - right after I found out my husband didn't know how to change a tire. Somehow he never got that father/son moment. Now my father was the opposite, he put me through tire changing boot camp! However, he had me so worked up - I thought for certain I'd put the car jack right through the floor board. I vowed never to change a tire on my own. 

As an 8 yr member of AAA - I like the dining discounts the best. I have a 1 yr old son now, and I enjoy introducing him to different food. My family makes a point to eat local, so we can support neighborhood businesses. Sigon Bay is our favorite Vietnamese restaurant. They know my kid's name and our favorite dishes to order. My AAA membership card saves me money every time we go.

As for my son Evan, when he's old enough we'll teach him the right way to change a tire. But I'll sign him up for a AAA membership too. As a mother, I'll want one less thing to worry about.

[#3]

Thanks for sharing your story.  Like you, I also learned how to change a flat tire when I was young...but who wants to!  I'm so happy you reminded everyone about all the dining discounts AAA offers.  It's a great benefit, just show your card at one of the many participating restaurants and voila...instant discount. 

I'm impressed that you have a 1-year old who's willing to try such a variety of food...you're raising him right! 

[#4]

I just had the worst experience with the road side service . At 8:04 pm I called for my wife whose vehicle had a flat tire . I was advised that a tech had the call and would be there shortly. I advised if it was going to take awhile I would drive to Casselberry and change the tire myself. The call was transfered to a different tech at 8:20 pm. At 8:50 I was advised that the driver was 1/2 mile away. At 8:55 I was advised that the driver was infront of the business where my wife was at. At 9:14 pm the driver showed up.

Had I not have been lied to by the numerous AAA employees I would have driven the 21 miles and changed the tire myself. I've been a member since 1986 and this poor service should never be accepted nor tolerated. Please do not use any slogan using the word "trusted". AAA needs to review what customer service is all about . And not hold or jump calls in order for a driver to make $. The reference number is 8479. I could not locate a complaint department on this web site and it is no wonder.

I pray that no one gets lied to by the Heathrow "aaa"  employees the way I was tonight. If this is what the quality of service has become then maybe a new automobile club needs to take the place of this one. I would really like to know why so many people in one night told so may LIES. And no I willl not use the PC terms like misundersttod or mis informed.

[#5]

Hi, Mr. Frazier,

I'm extremely sorry about the delays and frustration your wife experienced. I've asked our Road Service supervisors to look into what those delays might have been. I'll be honest and say I don't know how the communication between our dispatchers and the actual truck works, how often they update each other on status, etc. But I'm sure no one was deliberately trying to mislead you. We normally have a very good response time, as many, many members can attest to. When I discover what caused your delay, I'll report it to you honestly.

Again, I apologize for the frustration and upset this caused you and your family. We will continue to work to improve.

[#6]

I've been a member since 1991 and I have used the road service so many times.  It has really saved me when I had a flat tire and I had to be somewhere or I accidentally left on my lights and my battery went dead.  I wouldn't be without it.  It has paid for itself many times over.

I also enjoy all the maps and discounts being a AAA Member provides.  I always ask when making reservations anywhere whether or not they give the AAA discount and most places do. 

 I have enjoyed many wonderful trips and cruises I purchased through AAA.  It is possible to save a lot of money that way and in this day and age, I try to save everywhere I can.

Keep up the good work!!  I really like the AAA Going Places Magazine too.

Reenie