Do you remember the days when traveling through airport security was easy? Me neither! How about those lines? Oh, Vey! If you are anything like me, I can’t stand lines. I want to get in and get out! Nowadays there are four (4) programs that will make traveling through airport security a little easier and faster. Check out the options below:
Mobile Passport
Per the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website, the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) allows U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to use the Mobile Passport app to expedite their entry process into the United States. It is the first app authorized by CBP for eligible travelers with a smartphone or tablet to submit their passport information and answer CBP inspection-related questions prior to CBP inspection.
MPC is only available at 24 airports. Check to see if your airport is on the list.
Cost: $0
The App is available on Google Play and iTunes
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_7XRx3tHqU[/embedyt]
TSA Pre-Check
Per the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, “TSA PreCheck is a government-sponsored program that began in October 2011 and grants approved passengers on domestic flights expedited screening. PreCheck passengers don’t need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets, which means less time in line.”
Requires a background check
Cost: $85
Register at https://www.tsa.gov/precheck
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q-hQrDKH8M[/embedyt]
Global Entry
According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, “Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.” In short, it allows travelers to bypass the lines at customs and immigration by checking in at a kiosk with an entry pin number—your “Trusted (Known) Traveler number”—and a fingerprint scan. The kiosk then spits out a receipt, and travelers can proceed to baggage claim, customs, and the exit. Global Entry helps you when you’re trying to return to the U.S.
Cost: $100
Benefits include TSA Pre-Check
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmZPIegJwZ4[/embedyt]
CLEAR
Travelers who have enrolled in CLEAR have their own separate lane for the first step, where they can utilize biometric authentication (fingerprint or eye scan) at a kiosk rather than wait for a TSA agent to inspect your ID. A TSA Agent will then escort them to the front of the line in TSA Pre-check.
CLEAR is only available at 22 airports. Check to see if your airport is on the list.
Cost: $179
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csPOimz5FZ4[/embedyt]
Pssst….I am going to tell you a little secret. The best options is Global Entry. You get two (2) for the price of one.