How To Reduce Delays And Get Through Security Faster At The Airport

The holiday season is upon us, which means members of trusted traveler programs have an incredible advantage when visiting airports and other centers of mass transit. Trusted travelers programs like PreCheck by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) make it far easier and far more efficient to get where you’re going without delay.

As a seasoned business traveler, you’re likely familiar with TSA PreCheck even if you aren’t a member yet. Here’s a look at how TSA PreCheck and other trusted traveler programs vastly improve the travel experience, as well as other tips for navigating the throngs of people who use airports, train stations and other transportation hubs at peak travel times.

What is TSA PreCheck?

Crowds at airports typically bottleneck at security checkpoints, especially during the holiday season. Security lines during the holiday season are worse because they are full of people who rarely travel and who don’t fully understand the process — which slows everything down.

TSA PreCheck puts you in a different line, one where there are fewer restrictions and more experienced travelers. When you join the TSA PreCheck membership program, you no longer have to remove your:

• Shoes
• Belt
• Liquids
• Laptop
• Light jacket

Everything stays in your suitcase, and you zoom through security. While others are mired in the main security line, you can sit at your gate and relax or visit a terminal-based restaurant or lounge to grab a drink and a bite to eat.

Why do PreCheck members enjoy this streamlined process? Because the TSA runs a thorough background check during the application process, one designed to confirm whether or not an individual is low risk enough to allow for a lighter security screening at airports.

TSA PreCheck expedited screening is continually expanding and is currently available through 65 domestic and international air carriers.

The TSA PreCheck Application Process:

1. Submit an online application.
2. Schedule an in-person appointment.
3. Arrive at your appointment on time and with a government-issued ID and passport.

Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Fee: $85

Term: 5 years

Sign up for the TSA PreCheck membership program here.

Enroll in this program if: You often fly domestically but rarely internationally.

What is Global Entry?

When traveling internationally, it’s easy to get caught in lengthy lines while going through customs. Global Entry is a program that lets U.S. citizens, permanent residents and eligible citizens from other countries skip the lines and use an automated kiosk instead.

Here’s a step-by-step look at how it works:

1. Find a Global Entry kiosk
2. Scan you passport
3. Scan your fingerprints
4. Make a customs declaration
5. Get a receipt and continue to the baggage claim

No longer do you have to speak directly to a customs agent. You handle everything on your own, and you completely eliminate the risk of getting into the “wrong” line and waiting far longer than necessary.

The Global Entry Application Process:

1. Create a Trusted Traveler Programs account.
2. Complete the application and pay the $100 non-refundable fee.
3. If your application is conditionally approved, make an in-person appointment.
4. Bring a government-issued ID and passport to your in-person interview.

Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents and eligible citizens from other countries

Fee: $100

Term: 5 years

Sign up for Global Entry.

Enroll in this program if: You often fly internationally and also want to enjoy the benefits of the TSA PreCheck program.

NEXUS

NEXUS is a program that expedites entry into both the United States and Canada. NEXUS members enjoy the following benefits:

• Dedicated processing lines at land border points of entry
• Use of Global Entry kiosks in the United States and NEXUS kiosks in Canada
• Access to a telephone reporting center when arriving by sea in the U.S. or Canada

You don’t even need a passport to sign up for membership. If you live in the Northern United States or if you often travel between the U.S. and Canada, a NEXUS membership can make your travels far more efficient — especially during the busy holiday season.

The NEXUS Application Process:

1. Create a Trusted Traveler Programs account.
2. Complete the application and pay the $50 non-refundable fee.
3. If your application is conditionally approved, schedule an interview at a NEXUS enrollment center.
4. Bring an original copy of all documents listed on your NEXUS application.
5. Alternatively, you may also mail in your application and fee payment to the addresses listed here.

Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent U.S. residents, Canadian citizens and permanent Canadian residents

Fee: $50

Term: 5 years

Sign up for NEXUS.

Enroll in this program if: You often travel between the United States and Canada by land, air or sea.

SENTRI

Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection, better known as “SENTRI,” is a program that offers expedited entry at the U.S.’s southern border — specifically in high-traffic ports of entry located in Arizona, California and Texas.

There are no citizenship or age requirements to join SENTRI, and members enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Dedicated processing lines at the southern border
• Use of NEXUS lanes when entering the U.S. from Canada by land
• Use of Global Entry kiosks when entering the U.S. by air

If you regularly cross the U.S.-Mexico border for business or pleasure, a SENTRI membership can greatly enhance your travel experience and significantly reduce the amount of time you wait during crossings.

The SENTRI Application Process:

1. Create a Trusted Traveler Programs account.
2. Complete the application and pay the non-refundable fee.
3. If conditionally approved, schedule an interview at a SENTRI enrollment center.
4. Bring a valid passport and another form of identification to your in-person interview.

Eligibility: Anyone with proof of citizenship

Fee: $122.25

Term: 5 years

Sign up for SENTRI.

Enroll in this program if: You often travel between the United States and Mexico by land or air.

Crossover Within Trusted Traveler Programs

You don’t need to sign up for these various programs individually. In some cases, joining one program unlocks the benefits of another program.

For example, all Global Entry members and members of NEXUS and SENTRI who are U.S. citizens and permanent residents also enjoy the benefits of PreCheck.

How does it work? Locate the PASS ID associated with your Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI membership, and then enter it into the “Known Traveler Number” field when making reservations. Or, better yet, add the number to your frequent flier account so that it automatically populates when you make reservations.

Other Tips for Efficient Travel

Find trusted traveler programs that can improve your travel experience, but make sure you’re traveling smart, too. There are all sorts of tools you can use and tips you can follow to make trips go smoothly during the busy holiday season, including:

• Use Airline Apps: There are few reasons to talk to airline agents when you’re at the airport. Download your airline’s app ahead of time, and discover just how much you can do without waiting in lines.
• Check-In Ahead of Time: The No. 1 thing to do via an airline app is check-in. Check-in as early as possible to secure your seat assignment and to breeze through security without first stopping at the check-in desk or kiosk.
• Get the Right Bag: Having the wrong bag can really slow your trip down. If your bag is too large for an overhead bin, you’ll have to check it — which means long waits at the baggage claim upon arrival.
• Leave Gifts Unwrapped: If you’re traveling with gifts, wait to wrap them upon arrival. Security agents may deem it necessary to take a closer look at a package, and they will have no problem tearing apart your wrap job.
• Arrive Early: Always, always, always get to the airport early. Air travel is unpredictable, and it is especially so during the holiday season. Mitigate risk by giving yourself a nice cushion before you’re scheduled to board.

On-Demand Support While You Travel

It’s frustrating when you experience delays or cancellations at airports. At JTB Business Travel, we provide companies with a range of services, including Trip Disruption Assistance.

Take advantage of trusted traveler programs to make your trips more efficient. And take advantage of our Trip Disruption Assistance when bad weather, mechanical problems or overbooked flights throw you a curveball.

Learn more about JTB Business Travel and services like Trip Disruption Assistance.