Automated internet based interactive travel planning and management system

A method of managing travel information comprising the steps of:

• receiving through a computer system member information including preference information, central identification information, contact information, and any special needs information, on each member of a planning and management service, said preference information including carrier seating preferences, travel class preferences, parking preferences, dining preferences, and rental preferences, said central identification information including name, address, telephone number, credit card information, government identification number, photograph and biometric information identifying each member, said contact information including updatable trip specific contact information;
• storing member profiles in a central database at a central server of said computer system, each member profile including member information;
• assigning a gradation level to each member based on comprehensiveness of the member information obtained, said gradation level selected from a set of predetermined plurality of gradation levels based on whether specific items of central identification information have been obtained for the member, the assigned gradation level of each member being included in each member profile with members assigned higher gradation levels being given preferential security treatment;
• receiving a request to verify the identity of a member;
• receiving local identification information from a portable access device carried by the member to complete the request, said portable access device including a microphone for receiving voice queries and commands, said portable access device including a memory in which is stored said local identification information, said local identification information including information representing biometric information of the member;
• receiving input identification information, said input information including biometric information obtained from the user coincident with receiving said request;
• verifying the identity of the member by conducting a three-way security match by confirming that the local identification information matches the input identification information and confirming the matching local identification information and input identification information matches the central identification information stored in said computer system;
• providing the member access to a secure area based upon positive verification.