Traveling with Ease: Mobile Passport, Global Entry and CLEAR

If you have traveled outside the country recently, you are well aware of the long lines and the time it takes to get through Customs each time you fly.  Luckily, there are ways to expedite your travel through border crossings, similar to TSA PreCheck for domestic travel.  These are Mobile Passport, Global Entry, and CLEAR.  Here’s a breakdown of how each works.

Mobile Passport.  Mobile Passport is an app that allows US (and Canadian) passport holders to submit their passport information and customs declarations to US Customs and Border Protection on their smartphones or tablets before they get off the plane.  It allows you to go through an expedited lane, by-passing the long lines.  The app is free, and initially, all you have to do is create a profile consisting of your name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship.  Each time you re-enter the US, you fill out a “New Trip” section, take a selfie, and answer some inspection-related questions.  Once completed, you’ll receive an electronic receipt with a QR code, which you present to a CBP officer along with your passport to finalize your re-entry to the US.  That’s it.  You can download the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. 

Global Entry. Global Entry provides participants with expedited entrance at US border crossings for a full five years.  Unlike Mobile Passport, Global Entry requires an in-depth background check and an in-person interview.  Once you “pass” the background check and in-person interview, you get a “Known Traveler Number” and are eligible for expedited security and customs screening and TSA PreCheck when you travel in and out of the US.  The program costs $120 and is valid for 5 years.  Some credit cards, such as Chase Sapphire and American Express Platinum, will reimburse Global Entry program costs – check with your credit card company for details. To apply for Global Entry, you need to visit the Trusted Traveler Program website. 

CLEAR.  CLEAR is an identity verification service that helps you speed through security checkpoints.  Instead of using your Driver’s License or other ID, CLEAR uses biometrics to identify you – either your fingerprints or iris scans.  CLEAR Members have their own security lines, where a CLEAR Ambassador scans their fingerprint or iris and compares it to their boarding pass.  They are then escorted to the front of the security screening line.  CLEAR costs $209 per year, and currently has special programs with Delta and United that will reduce that cost for its award program members.  In addition, some credit cards (Chase Sapphire, AMEX Platinum, etc.) offer discounts and/or reimbursements for your CLEAR membership fees – check with your credit card company for eligibility.  CLEAR is currently available at over 60 airports. 

Need help determining which program is right for you?  Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at (805) 236-4437.  We’re happy to answer all your questions.