Julie's Adventures In Wanderland

So Many Travel Programs, So Little Time

Figuring out which security line you belong in has become something you almost need a map to figure out. There are lines for so many travel programs it can be confusing. If you find yourself standing in the middle of a terminal wondering, “where do I fit in, where do I belong?” Keep reading for a guide to the most commonly used programs that can take some of the hassle out of your airline travel.

TSA PreCheck

One of the most popular programs that can speed up your security experience is TSA PreCheck. This is for the low risk traveler who undergoes screening in advance. You can apply online, set up a visit at an enrollment center where you will be fingerprinted, photographed (say cheese) and, of COURSE, pay (currently $78, and you are good for 5 years)! Once you have been approved, you will be sent your “Known Traveler Number” or KTN and suddenly, your shoes stay on, laptop and airline size liquids remain in your bag, and you are now breezing through that TSA line. You will find PreCheck noted on your boarding pass and this allows you to pass through the lane that is MUCH shorter than that general population security lane. You can save your KTN in your airline profiles to make it quick to add as you make new reservations. You can begin your application here: TSA PreCheck

CLEAR

CLEAR is the also used to let you skip the line and speed up the security process. It uses biometric data to identify travelers, eyes, facial recognition and fingerprint, and gets you literally escorted the line of people who will undoubtably wonder what makes YOU so special? Well, that $189 enrollment fee, (making it the most expensive program since it is good for only one year) and not having to take out your ID makes you kind of special! The one caveat is that unless you also have TSA PreCheck, you will find yourself removing shoes, laptop, and liquids because you will still use the general security lanes. The best results happen if you have both CLEAR AND TSA PreCheck. This will get you escorted to the front of the line then quickly through the PreCheck lane where disrobing and unpacking are not necessary. You can apply for CLEAR either online or in-person at the airport. We literally did it at beginning of the PreCheck security lane and it only took a few minutes. Representative are at security and once they have verified your government identification, they will take your fingerprints, scan your eyes and take a headshot and you are good to go! Additional relatives are able to be added at a reduced rate to your CLEAR account. CLEAR

Global Entry

If you are an “International Lover”, Global Entry is for you! Once you have your accreditation this will get you expedited immigration preclearance. If you are a low risk traveler who likes to get that passport stamped, this is your ticket to a smooth reentry into the USA. A U. S. Customs and Border Protection Program (CBP) enables you to use Global Entry lanes to verify your membership via photo. Once cleared, you can skip those long lines and catch your connecting flight to your final destination in quick fashion.

For only $100, your membership lasts for 5 years. Often, certain credit cards and frequent flyer programs reimburse application fees and you can get both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck at the same time. Application for Global Entry requires you to create a Trusted Traveler Program TTP account, complete the application paying the $100 fee and schedule your interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. You must bring a valid passport and one other form of identification ie. driver license or state id card. We applied online on a Thursday and were conditionally approved and able to schedule our in person interview the following Tuesday. We were in and out of our interview in around ten minutes. After being finger printed, asked a few questions confirming information on our application and past travel out of the country, they explained that we would lose our Global Entry privilege if we failed to declare goods brought back into the country then were approved immediately. We were able to input our new Known Traveler number into our upcoming vacation reservation as soon as we got back home. We are good for five years and will no longer have to stand in long reentry processing lines to fill out paperwork. Wait time will be greatly reduced.

NEXUS

A lesser known and not widely used program is NEXUS. This allows pre-screened travelers who travel between the United States and Canada expedited passage. At a cost of only $50, whether you travel by land, sea or air, you will speed up your entry process between the two borders as a trusted traveller. You will undergo a background check implemented by both US Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency. Many people who live along the border travel back and forth for work so this would be most ideal for them. You can utilize Global Entry kiosks at the airport as well. Unless you travel regularly between the two countries, this is something you can skip. NEXUS

Up To Speed

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a seasoned jet-setter, there’s a program out there for you. Mixing and matching these programs can whisk you through the airport with less headache and more speed. It’s worth checking with your credit card provider to see if they offer rebates on any of these programs. Of course, safety and security are non-negotiable, but there’s just something about strolling through the airport without removing your shoes that makes the necessities a little less annoying.