Are trusted traveler programs worth it?

I regularly fly through Houston’s IAH airport when I’m returning from travel to Central and South America, and lately, I’ve been running into brochures for the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program. Enrolling allows members to speed past those horribly long immigration lines, and check in at a kiosk instead, currently available at 20 airports in the United States and Puerto Rico.

So far, because I’m not into giving the government more information than is absolutely necessary at any given time, I haven’t signed up. You enroll online, which seems easy enough, and pay a $100 application fee. Then, you must schedule an interview at one of the Global Entry Enrollment Centers. If the interviewer determines that you’re eligible to enter the program, they’ll take your photo and fingerprint scans. All done!

There are a slew of reasons why a person may not be eligible, so don’t waste your money and apply if you meet any of the descriptions. Additionally, if you already belong to other trusted traveler programs such as NEXUS or SENTRI, you don’t need to pay the application fee.

Are you a member? If so, has the program been beneficial for you? If you’re not a member, what’s the barrier to entry for you: cost, privacy, or other?

Posted by | Comments (1)  | October 8, 2010
Category: Air Travel, Travel Safety


One Response to “Are trusted traveler programs worth it?”

  1. Tom Says:

    I am a member and I really like the benefits. The application process was easy and i scheduled my interview meeting for the next time i was travelling and I got to the airport about an hour earlier than necessary. The meeting was about 10 minutes and painless. Mainly just explaining how the machine worked and what to do.

    I can justify the $100 for the 5 year membership. If there is a time that i have a tight connection and I am able to get around that horrible customs line, i might make that next flight. But if i am hung up in customs, i may miss that next flight and have to stay at the airport or get an overpriced hotel room for the night. I use this when travelling back from China and it is very nice. I would suggest it.