Even this holiday season promises to be busy. The AAA expects 53 million people out and about this Thanksgiving weekend.
As we near pre-pandemic travel numbers, this season promises to be difficult as travelers navigate new laws and rules.
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In order to fly from major airports such as Dallas Fort Worth International Airport or Dallas Love Field, experts say frequent travelers have several options to choose from from a variety of trusted travel programs that will help them avoid long waits and queues.
There are many options, including some that are government operated but cost money.
The Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection run five Trusted Traveler programs: Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, SENTRI, NEXUS and FAST (for commercial truckers).
All programs allow pre-approved travelers to skip the lines at airport security or US border control and customs.
Applicants are screened through an application process that includes background checks, biometric screenings, and an interview.
Travel expert Chris Elliott says travelers should evaluate their travel habits and decide if it’s worth it.
“If you only fly once or twice a year, you don’t need a TSA pre-check. You can just wait in line. It’s not a big deal, ”he said.
“But if you fly domestic more than two or three times a year it might be worth it.”
Elliott says don’t assume you have to pay for the best advantage.
He points out the free travel options at DFW International Airport, including a pilot program called DFW Fast Pass.
“It’s completely free and they even give you a voucher for lunch, which is great,” he said.
The Fast Pass program is offered in Terminal D, Gate 18. Travelers can reserve a Fast Pass online up to seven days in advance. As soon as you arrive at security, an escort will take you to the top of the line for inspection.
The other free international option is the Mobile Passport app, which is a free option when traveling to Canada. It allows you to pre-save your passport information and bypass customs and immigration kiosks at some US airports and cruise terminals.
The five other paid government programs include TSA Precheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST. All have a five-year fee.
Trusted Travel Program (Credit: Trusted Travel Program / DHS)
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Patricia Mancha, spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration, says the goal of these programs is to save time.
“TSA Precheck is the most trusted program for travelers, so we do a quick background check of the people we’re enrolled on,” she said.
“Once approved, you can walk through a separate security line at more than 200 US airports without taking off your shoes, laptops or liquids.”
Also note that most of these programs require travelers to provide personal information. Erin Ostrowsky, a Southlake resident who signs up for TSA Precheck, says the privacy cost was worth keeping up with her frequent flying husband, who already has several of these quick passports.
“He goes straight through security and I’m always at least 15 minutes behind,” she said. “There’s always a line for me.”
Other customs and border protection programs include Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST.
NEXUS is for those entering the United States and Canada by air, sea, or land.
SENTRI is for the crossing to the USA from Mexico by land.
FAST is for those who drive commercial vehicles from the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Elliott recommends Global Entry for most international travelers.
Global Entry includes TSA pre-check. Once approved and paid fees, you can get a fast pass back to the US by air, land and sea from anywhere. Elliot says it makes sense for you to get Global Entry if you travel internationally two or three times a year.
Private companies like Clear have also set up stands at various airports across Germany.
The service uses biometric data like fingerprints and eye scans to identify travelers instead of driver’s license. Once approved, go through a separate security line to get to the TSA line. This service costs $ 179 annually.
You can use this tool to find out which plan is best for you
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