June 1, 2020
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after
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Have you, like many travelers, lost your patience for waiting in lines? It was bad enough pre-COVID-19, but now staffing shortages and a low tolerance for crowds have made long waits at airports and borders even more stressful.
The solution? Sign up for a trusted traveler program. These programs can help you zip through airport security and/or international border crossings, earning you the envy of your fellow travelers. But what do these programs do? Are they really worth it? We’ll take a closer look.
(One note: No one is guaranteed to be approved for any of these trusted traveler programs. You must be considered a low-risk traveler and pass a background check.)
You’ve just returned to the U.S. from two weeks touring Japan. You’re bone-tired and jet-lagged beyond belief. But you can’t go home just yet — the customs area at the airport is packed. It’s going to be a long evening… unless you have Global Entry.
What is Global Entry? Operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Global Entry speeds security clearance for pre-approved travelers when entering the United States.
How Global Entry works: When you arrive in the U.S., you can skip the customs line and instead go to a Global Entry kiosk (found in 75+ airports). Scan your fingerprints and your passport or U.S. permanent resident card and complete a customs declaration. Take your receipt and head to the baggage claim.
Who’s eligible for Global Entry: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of certain other countries can apply for Global Entry. Children can apply, too, with the permission of their parents. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment.
How to apply to Global Entry: To get started, create a Trusted Traveler Programs account, fill out the application, and pay the $100 non-refundable fee for a 5-year membership. Once you’re conditionally approved, you’ll be notified to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must have your machine-readable permanent resident card.
Your flight leaves in 42 minutes, and the security line at the airport is almost stretching out the door. There’s no way you’re going to make it… unless you have TSA PreCheck.
What is TSA PreCheck? With dedicated screening lanes and exemptions from certain rules, TSA PreCheck allows you to rapidly move through TSA airport security screening. The TSA says more than 95% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 5 minutes.1
How TSA PreCheck Works: Use the special PreCheck security lanes, which are typically much faster than normal lines. You don’t have to take off your shoes or light jacket, and you can keep small liquid containers and laptops in your bag. Children 12 and under can join a parent/guardian with TSA PreCheck in the expedited lanes.
Who’s eligible for TSA PreCheck: U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents.
How to apply to TSA PreCheck: First, submit an application online. Then, schedule a 10-minute appointment that includes fingerprinting for a background check. Once you’re approved, you’ll get a Known Traveler Number you can add to airline reservations. The application fee is $85, which gives you PreCheck status for 5 years. Did you know that some credit cards will cover your PreCheck fee as a member benefit, or allow you to use rewards points to pay for it?
Note that PreCheck is included in Global Entry. You also get it automatically if you’re enrolled in NEXUS or SENTRI and you meet the TSA PreCheck eligibility requirements.
You often fly between Toronto and New York City for work, and you’re tired of waiting in long customs lines. You wish there were a way to speed things up…
What is NEXUS? The NEXUS program offers expedited processing for pre-screened travelers when entering the United States and Canada by air, by road or by sea.
How NEXUS Works: NEXUS members receive a radio frequency identification (RFID) card to use when entering either country. When driving across the border, use the designated NEXUS lane. When flying into Canada, insert your card into the NEXUS kiosk and scan your irises. When flying into the United States, use the Global Entry kiosks.2 Being a NEXUS member also allows you to use PreCheck.
Who’s eligible for NEXUS: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian lawful permanent residents and Mexican nationals who are members of Mexico’s trusted traveler program, Viajero Confiable, may apply for NEXUS.
How to apply to NEXUS: Fill out the application on the Trusted Traveler Programs page and pay the $50 non-refundable fee. (There’s no fee for children.) After your application has received conditional approval, you’ll have an interview at a NEXUS enrollment center. Both the United States and Canada will assess your risk level. Then, you must have your iris scanned at a designated Canadian airport or enrollment center in order to use the NEXUS kiosks to enter Canada.3 Once approved, your NEXUS membership is valid for 5 years.
You live in El Paso, Texas, but your mom’s family all reside in Juárez, on the other side of the border. Because you often travel to see them, you want to skip the long Customs and Border Protection lines.
What is SENTRI? SENTRI is a trusted traveler program that offers expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers when entering the United States from Mexico or Canada.
How SENTRI Works: SENTRI offers a few distinct benefits for frequent cross-border travelers. Members can use dedicated processing lanes when crossing the Mexican border by land; they can use the NEXUS lane when entering the United States from Canada by land; and they can use Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States by air.4 Members get an RFID-enabled SENTRI card that automatically shows your info to Border Patrol officers when crossing. Being a SENTRI member also allows you to use PreCheck.
Who’s eligible for SENTRI: There are no citizenship or age requirements for SENTRI, although minors must have parental consent.
How to apply to SENTRI: Fill out the application on the Trusted Traveler Programs page and pay the non-refundable fee. Once your application is conditionally approved, then you’ll have to schedule an interview at a SENTRI Enrollment Center. Bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification. (Lawful permanent residents must present their permanent resident card.) You’ll also need to show your vehicle registration and proof of U.S. auto insurance. The fee is $122.25 (but may be less per person for families with children).5
You’re a frequent traveler, and you’ll gladly pay for any service that helps you scoot through security quickly.
What is CLEAR? CLEAR is a private identity-verification service that allows members to get through security faster at more than 50 airports, stadiums and other venues in the United States.
How CLEAR works: As you approach airport or venue security, look for the special CLEAR lane. A designated staffer will help you scan your boarding pass and confirm your identity with your fingerprints or irises. Then, head straight to the physical screening part of security. If you have PreCheck and CLEAR, you can get through both the ID check and the bag-screening lines faster.
Who’s eligible for CLEAR: To apply, you must be a U.S. resident 18 and older with a valid photo ID. Children can use CLEAR for free when accompanied by an adult member.
How to apply for CLEAR: You can sign up at the airport kiosk, or begin the process online and then complete it at the airport. You’ll have to verify your identity and provide a valid photo ID (U.S. driver's license, U.S. passport or passport card, U.S.-issued Permanent Resident Card, state-issued ID, or U.S. military ID). Then, your fingerprints and iris scan will be added to your account.6 CLEAR costs $15 per month.
There’s one more thing you can do to make your next trip go smoothly: Protect yourself with travel insurance. Find the plan that’s right for you!
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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.
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