How do I skip the immigration line at the airport?

With Global Entry, you simply scan your passport or U.S. permanent resident card at a Global Entry kiosk, complete the customs declaration form, scan your fingerprints and move onward onto U.S. soil. This can be a major time saver when the customs line is long at busy airports or during high-volume travel periods.



People Also Ask

8 Ways to Breeze Through Customs Quickly
  1. Fill out customs and immigration forms in advance. ...
  2. Get in line faster. ...
  3. Ditch the food. ...
  4. Know the questions they'll ask. ...
  5. Retain your receipts. ...
  6. Put your phone away. ...
  7. Become a trusted traveler. ...
  8. Keep your cool.


MORE DETAILS

How Do I Get TSA Precheck for Free?
  1. Aeroplan® Credit Card.
  2. The Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  3. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  4. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card.
  5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.


MORE DETAILS

If you're otherwise looking to skip the TSA line, you may consider enrolling in either TSA PreCheck or Clear. Although these services aren't free, there are credit cards that offer statement credits to offset the charges you'll incur.

MORE DETAILS

The application fee for TSA PreCheck® is $78 for 5 years. Before you apply, we recommend that you review the various DHS trusted traveler programs, such as the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you.

MORE DETAILS

Key differences between TSA PreCheck and Clear There are a few differences between the expedited screening services. Here's what you should know: Price: Clear is more expensive at $189/year versus TSA PreCheck at $78 for five years. Processing time: Clear applications are processed immediately for same-day use.

MORE DETAILS

Most applicants receive approval notification in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. Considering this, applicants are encouraged to renew at least 60 days prior to expiry. TSA will notify members with eligibility results. How much does TSA PreCheck® renewal cost?

MORE DETAILS

Do seniors automatically get PreCheck? No. Anyone who wants to receive PreCheck needs to apply. However, TSA does provide people who are 75 years old or older access to an expedited screening process in the regular screening lines: You can keep your light jacket and shoes on.

MORE DETAILS

The recommended layover time for international flights is generally longer, as you will have to go through customs and immigration before boarding your next flight. In most cases, a 30-minute layover for domestic flights and an hour for international flights is considered a minimum, or short, layover.

MORE DETAILS

Enroll in TSA PreCheck or Clear
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that allows those who are enrolled to go through an airport security line that is usually shorter and faster than the regular line.

MORE DETAILS

The good news is gaining membership to certain trusted traveler programs can make your airport experience less of a hassle. TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR are programs that can help frequent travelers speed through airport security or U.S. customs.

MORE DETAILS

TSA PreCheck gets you into expedited security lines with fewer hoops to jump through when you get there. However, it will not help you speed through customs and immigration when returning to the U.S., as Global Entry does. Although Global Entry includes membership to TSA PreCheck, it does not work the other way around.

MORE DETAILS

Global Entry can definitely be worth it as it saves you a lot of time and hassle when returning from an international trip. The cost is just $22 more than TSA PreCheck and it includes all PreCheck benefits as well. Plus, there are many travel credit cards that offer Global Entry application fee credits.

MORE DETAILS

You can also update existing reservations with your TSA PreCheck number. Go to Edit Traveler Information in the Manage Reservations section on the website, at an airport kiosk or in the United app.

MORE DETAILS

They might or might not ask you some questions mentioned in the application, such as whether you've used other names before, how often you travel and why you want to enroll in the program. If you have a criminal history, it's possible you'll be asked to provide details.

MORE DETAILS

What is TSA PreCheck®? The TSA PreCheck® program expedites traveler screening through participating TSA security checkpoints (for a complete list of participating airports, visit the TSA PreCheck® Airports and Airlines page). No need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, or light jackets. Apply Now!

MORE DETAILS

TSA PreCheck vs. Clear. Overall, Clear's biometric identity verification process will get you to the front of the security line faster than TSA PreCheck. However, TSA PreCheck will ensure a speedier, more straightforward screening process after an agent has verified your identity.

MORE DETAILS

There's often just a single TSA staffer checking documents for both the TSA PreCheck line and the regular security line, so enrolling in Clear can save you valuable time. Additionally, you can stack those expedited line benefits, and Clear members enjoy more predictable access to security.

MORE DETAILS

No law prohibits you from bringing any amount of money on a flight. Likewise, TSA has no rules that limit how much money you can bring through security.

MORE DETAILS