Looking Back On 2012 Travel

The best thing that I’ve done regarding travel in 2012 (other than all of the fabulous places, I visited) was to enroll in the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service's "Global Entry" program, which costs $100 for a five-year enrollment.

The very first time that I waited on the TSA line, got to the front and was told to go to the line on the end – the one with no line, I felt a twinge of pleasure. While walking through without taking off shoes, belts and jacket or removing my lap top from my bag, I turned to the person behind me and said, “That was the best $100 I’ve ever spent”. 

Finally, travel returning to some sort of civility. The process involves a rather lengthy online application. Then an in person interview at Terminal 4 at JFK Airport. All worth every minute spent completing the process. When I return to the US from international travel, I don’t even need to complete a Customs declaration. I simply walk up to the kiosk (ahead of that long line of travelers), swipe my passport, answer a few questions and I’m home free. 

I’ve heard that the program is being underutilized and that TSA will be coming out with a reduced version that will offer the pre-check only at reduced rates for those that do not have passports. If you travel regularly, this program is well worth the effort and extra money.

The simple things in life are the best! Now if they can only figure out how to move the boarding process along!

You can apply at www.globalentry.gov

Happy Travels!