Navigating Airports Made Easier

 

Most of us travel by air several times a year.  Are you aware that there are programs that can speed you through security lines at most major airports? 

 

 

 

The first one, Global Entry, is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the U.S. Participants may enter the U.S. using automated kiosks located at select airports.

 

At airports, participants proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present your machine-readable passport, place fingertips on the scanner for fingerprint verification, and make a customs declaration. The kiosk issues a transaction receipt and directs you to baggage claim and exit.

 

To apply for the Global Entry program, go to https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/main/goes.  Click on "New GOES user and Register" to begin the application.  Questions include current passport info, travel history and personal information.  It costs $100 and good for 5 years.  A conditional approval will be sent online within two weeks, asking to make an appointment for a personal interview at the nearest Global Entry office.  Qualifying airports are listed and our closest is the Orlando Airport. 

 

During the interview, you will be finger printed, have a photo I.D. taken, asked questions verifying some information from your application.  That's it.  Within a short time, you'll receive your Global Entry card in the mail with your Known Traveler Number (KTN). 

 

This KTN is key to domestic and international travel, allowing for pre-check fast passes through security.  When you make any air reservations, put your KTN into your personal profile and it will automatically print a TSA Pre✓ on your boarding pass, known as  "TSA Pre-Check" status.    

 

 

 

 

The TSA Pre✓ is a second program.  This is the Transportation Security Administration's program for fast tracking security lines at participating U.S. Airports.  Global Entry is administered by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection versus the TSA.  This pre-check status is good for domestic travel, costs $85 for five years.  Global Entry members are automatically members of the TSA Pre✓ program. 

 

To apply for the TSA Pre✓ program, go to www.TSA.gov/tsa-precheck, complete the application, pay your fee, schedule an interview, similar to the process above for GOES.  As a frequent flyer of certain major airlines, they will sometimes give you a pre-check clearance for domestic travel.  Check with your airline for qualifications.

 

As a group leader of mostly international trips for the Solivita Travel Club, I became a Global Entry member over a year ago.   Coming  into the U.S. from a foreign country and breezing through customs is a real plus.  Domestically, it is a major convenience to be pre-screened, taking the fast track line through airport security.  You don't have to take off your shoes, remove jackets, show your laptop or your quart bag of liquids, and,  there is rarely anyone in the line! 

 

 

 

 

 

A third program that Canadians can qualify for is called NEXUS.  Go to the GOES website above and find out more about this program for fast tracking into the U.S.