With airline staffing reductions and busy airports, the wait times at the airport security and check-in can be very unpredictable. To make sure that every minute of your vacation is spent in the best way and have an amazing travel experience, you can use a number of different programs.
Global Entry
Global Entry is a U.S. CBP(Customs and Border Protection) program for low-risk travelers. Travelers get an expedited clearance upon arrival in the United States of America.
The Global Entry program is not just for the US citizens or permanent residents. Citizens of Canada, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, UK, Switzerland, Germany, South Korea, Singapore, and India are also eligible for the program.
Application Process
You can apply for the Global Entry program online and pay a non-refundable application fee of $100. After you complete the application process, you need to schedule the interview.
You will need to carry the conditional approval letter, your passport or the permanent residency card and an evidence of residency with you to the interview. You will receive your Global Entry card within 7-10 days and get your KTN(Known Traveler Number).
You could use your KTN on your frequent flyer profiles and be eligible for the TSA Precheck.
Global Entry Kiosk
You will need to use your fingerprints to identify yourself at a Global Entry Kiosk, answer a few questions and take your photo. The process is painless and you can proceed to your baggage claims.
TSA Precheck
Global Entry members are eligible for TSA Precheck program. TSA Precheck program offers expedited security screening for flights departing from the U.S. Airports. With the Global Entry program, you typically get the TSA Precheck. TSA Precheck costs $85 for a five-year program.
Mobile Passport
Mobile passport is an app that speeds up the security and check-in process through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection at 24 airports and 1 cruise port. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices and it is officially authorized by U.S Customs and Border Protection.
Using Mobile Passport
After you install the app, you need to provide your passport number, date of birth, country of citizenship and other details. Once you are done with the basic information, you will have to answer basic questions similar to the ones asked on a customs declaration form.
After you fill an app-based copy of the customs declaration form, you're supplied with a QR code. You don't have to stop at a dedicated kiosk and there is a dedicated line for the mobile passport users. The process is usually faster than the Global Entry. The app is completely free to use.
CLEAR
CLEAR is integrated with Precheck and it speeds you through security in a few minutes. To apply for the program you must be older than 18 years of age. You will need a photo-identification such as US Passport, US Driving License, U.S. issued PR(Permanent Residency) card or a US military ID.
The enrolment is stress-free and you can apply online. You can visit their enrolment center with the ID proof without taking an appointment and complete the process. The process usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Look for the CLEAR lane at the security checkpoints at the participating airports. A team member will greet you, scan your pass and tap your finger before escorting you to the physical screening.
The CLEAR membership costs you $179 per year and you can add additional family members for $50 for each member. If you have children under 18, they can use the CLEAR lane for free with you.
Verdict
To make the security and check-in process as smooth as possible, you can enroll into all of the above programs.
The Mobile passport is completely free but there are a number of airports where it does not work.
The Global entry program charges a nominal fee but you can also get a waiver through the offers from various credit card companies. Another advantage is that the Global Entry works at a number of non-US airports too such as Abu Dhabi, Calgary, Dublin, etc.
The benefit of enroling into the CLEAR program is that it allows you to skip both the TSA screening line and TSA Precheck line. You are escorted straight to the TSA physical screening checkpoint.
Using the above methods can save you a considerable amount of time and prevent the hassles of checking in while waiting in the long queues. While making travel plans, you should not have to worry about the check-in process and instead focus on your travel experience.