Travel Like A VIP With The Global Entry Program For Mature Luxury Travelers

Enjoy Preferential Treatment Like A VIP

To travel like a VIP when you are re-entering the country from your trip abroad, you will want to belong to the TSA’s Global Entry program.  It allows you to bypass the long, slow immigration lines and head right over to the special machines that let you quickly check yourself through by “reading” your passport.

The Method ……. What to Do to Travel Like A VIP

To join this elite group and travel like a VIP, you fill out an application form online (www.globalentry.gov), check to see when your application has been approved, schedule an interview at your closest authorized TSA airport office, get fingerprinted, pay #100, and have your passport registered to process through the airport Global Entry machine.

Your membership is good for 5 years, so be sure that your passport is valid for at least five years to get the full benefit for your $100 fee.

VIP Benefits ……. Are They Worth the Effort?

When you walk right past the crowds of people who have just deplaned, can arrive at the luggage carrousel in five minutes, and are standing outside the terminal with your luggage in 15 minutes, you will definitely know what it is like to travel like a VIP.

If you travel outside the country frequently, Global Entry membership is essential.  Even if you just use it once or twice a year to travel like a VIP, you will really appreciate the convenience and time savings after a long flight.

The second benefit of Global Entry is that it automatically enrolls you in the domestic Pre-Check program, which allows you to go through the express security line on flights within the country and keep your shoes and light jacket on, your computer in the case, and your liquids and gels in your suitcase.

The Pre-Check program is now available separately for $85 and also lasts for five years.  However, with Global Entry you receive both programs for $100, so taking the time to enroll and go for your one-on-one TSA appointment is definitely worth the benefits to travel like a VIP.

But Wait ……….. Now Another New Benefit

Once you have your Global Entry membership to bypass U.S. immigration, you might be interested in knowing how this can also benefit you when traveling back through Canada.

As a United Airlines frequent flyer, you may have compared their air fares to Europe, South America or Asia with some of their Star Alliance partners’ fares.  It can be surprising to discover that business class prices can be thousands of dollars less for the same trip with an airline partner, such as Air Canada, and you still receive the same frequent flyer mileage credit status from United as you would by flying on their planes.

Naturally, you would also want to skip the long  immigration lines in Canada which replace your U.S. immigration entry point.  Until recently, you needed a separate Nexus trusted traveler card for border travel between the U.S. and Canada to do this.

However, now your U.S. Global Entry card will allow you to pass through the Canadian express immigration line.  The only catch is that Canada does not have the Global Entry machines to read your passport information and match it to your information in their system.  Therefore, you must carry your Global Entry card with you and show it to an official before being able to pass through the express line.

Carrying your Global Entry card with you all the time when you travel may not be what you are used to doing, but it can save you a lot of time when re-entering the U.S. through Canada and is certainly worth the effort.

Are you interested in learning more VIP travel secrets for mature luxury travelers?  Sign up for my complimentary 20 minute expert travel consultation, so we can discuss your plans.