Prechecks, Global Entry and Clear, (oh, my!)

There are many things to think about when you are planning travel by air. And even more things to think about when you are going abroad. Every country has different COVID rules and regulations and they are changing almost hourly. For most foreign countries, either proof of vaccination and/or a PCR COVID test is required for entry. Some countries are requiring this 48 hours before arrival, some 72 hours before arrival and some 3 days before arrival (which gives some leeway on the amount of hours). Most are requiring paperwork to be completed prior to boarding the plane. At this time, the USA is requiring COVID testing prior to arrival from a foreign country, regardless of where you are coming from. It is very confusing and when I work with my clients, we go over these everchanging rules so there are no surprises when they are ready to depart or arrive back home.

My husband and I always say TSA Precheck® is the best $85 we have ever spent on travel. And now, our Chase Sapphire credit card pays for us to renew this every 5 years. TSA Precheck® offers you the ability to travel with ease. In more than 200 US airports, there is a special security line that allows you to go through without removing liquids, shoes, electronics or outerwear and in October, 2021, 95% of TSA PreCheck® passengers waited less than 5 minutes in line. Contact me and I can discuss the very simple process with you.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Program that allows faster clearance for pre-approved travelers upon arrival back to the US. There is an application process and rigorous background check and once approved, members enter the United States from abroad, through automatic kiosks at selected airports. The fee is $100 for a 5 year membership and TSA PreCheck® is included with the membership. Some credit cards cover this fee. Contact me for more information.

Clear is an expedited way to enter the security lines at many major airports. It uses biometrics to scan either your fingerprints or irises and boarding pass to confirm identity. Then travelers are taken to the front of the security screening line, enabling them to speed right through. TSA PreCheck® and Clear can be used hand in hand because unless you have PreCheck, you will be taken to the front of the regular line and will still have to remove liquids, electronics, shoes and outerwear. With both, you skip to the front of the PreCheck line. Clear is very easy to apply for but is not available at all airports and costs $179 per year. Some Delta SkyMiles members may get a discounted rate.

There are many ways to make airport travel easier and less stressful. Contact me and we can discuss which of these options may work best for you.

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