A few weeks ago, I flew to Jackson, Wyoming. Being familiar with post-9/11 security, I arrived 2-1/2 hours ahead of “buckle your seat belts and turn off your electronic equipment” time.
The shocker was when I rolled my carry-on through those automatic lobby doors at the Austin-Bergstrom terminal , what did I see but a line stretching down, down, down the hall. In fact, so far down that I thought I would be standing outside the building. My first thought: “Have I missed a national holiday? Is this the wrong line?” No. This was a normal, MID-WEEK, kind of day.
Ridiculous lines at airports
I took my place in line. Kids were crying. People fidgeted, stressed, wondering if they would make it through security in time to board the aircraft. Me, too. I pushed my bag along the floor with my foot as we snail-paced in lock-step down the hall.
You know the drill. You’ve gritted your teeth, pulled off more clothing in public than you did when you were a teenager making out on Friday night. Wondered if it’s the purse or jacket that goes in a separate bin? Ding! Ding! Spread your arms and the magic wand begins dancing over your body. Quick, re-dress, gather your belongings, run for the gate!
Global Entry (international) and PreCheck (domestic) can mitigate some of these hassles.
International: If you are a frequent international traveler (no minimum trips required), Global Entry allows expedited clearance for travelers who qualify as low-risk. When you arrive at international customs, you use an automated kiosk. You scan your passport, fingerprints and declare customs. The machine prints a receipt. You pass to baggage claim (present your receipt) and exit. Be sure to wave at all the people standing in those zig-zaged lines as you leave the immigration hall.
How do I apply and am I qualified?
Step #1: There is a website (www.globalentry.gov) on-line application available. It is not the easiest nor most intuitive application; but, it is workable. Be sure your information is accurate because making changes requires a Herculean, in-person, effort. The application fee costs $100.
Step #2: Schedule an interview. This is done at one of the Global Entry Enrollment Centers. There is a center at MOST large airports. Interest in this program is increasing and with the increase, centers are being added. The interview is to determine your eligibility, take your fingerprints, a photo, and gather information about you. If privacy is an issue for you, this might be a sticking point.
Step #3: Be sure you have a valid passport and corroborating identification, such as a driver’s license or birth certificate.
Step #4: If you qualify, you receive a PASS ID number.
Since I travel more domestically than internationally, the Global Entry program is necessary because it makes me eligible for the TSA PreCheck program.
TSA PreCheck Program
The advantage of the PreCheck program is that at designated airports, qualified passengers (this means you are a Global Entry Trusted Traveler) can expedite the screening process. You would not be required to remove your shoes, belts, outer-wear, inner-wear, bra or panties or… remove your laptop.
When you book your flight, you provide your PASS ID number or make it part of your frequent flyer profile. Important Note: Participating airlines can invite Select frequent flier customers to join PreCheck. Airlines include Alaska, American, Delta, United and US Airways.
No guarantees! Just because you have a PASS ID does not mean you will always be allowed to take advantage of the PreCheck screening benefits.
So, travelers, if you are fed-up with the long lines, tedious and inconsistent screening procedures, Global Entry might be at least some measure of relief to make travel a less frightful experience.
A very nice article! Thanks for sharing my link….
For frequent travelers, Global Entry and PreCheck are time savers. Thank you for your article to help Fab Placez’s subscribers to be more informed.