'Game-changer' alternative to Global Entry now available at 8 US airports this summer
No Global Entry, no problem at several of America’s busiest airports.
Passengers returning home to the U.S. from a trip abroad have a new way to quickly move through passport control (and without pulling out a passport) at more than a half-dozen major hubs. And you don’t need a membership, an interview or a fee to qualify for access.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently expanded its new program called Enhanced Passenger Processing, which uses high-tech software and a biometric scan to quickly clear U.S. travelers and move them through the international arrivals area.
The new process almost feels a little like the agency’s fast-tracked Global Entry program, but without the $120 application fee — and it could make for an enticing alternative for travelers who leave the country only once a year or so.
“It’s really a game-changer for us in how we welcome U.S. citizens back home to the U.S.,” Diane Sabatino, CBP acting executive assistant commissioner, said at a news conference at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) on Friday.
How Enhanced Passenger Processing works
Enhanced Passenger Processing, or “EPP,” quietly debuted nine months ago as part of a trial at DFW. Early results were promising, reducing passport control wait times for U.S. citizens by 25%, CBP reported; that means less time standing in line after a long flight — easily one of the least enjoyable parts of an international trip.
Travelers using EPP walk up to a tablet to have their photo taken. They don’t need to pull out a passport or any other documentation; the program compares the image taken in that moment to passport or visa photos CBP already has on file.
I watched one traveler after another use the service at DFW Friday, and saw most were cleared within a matter of seconds. In some cases, the officer supervising the lane asked the traveler a question or two about their trip details, and then most were on their way.
“The entire process is touchless, it’s efficient and it’s secure,” Sabatino said Friday.
It’s also increasingly available at many of the nation’s busiest international gateways, and one CBP preclearance facility overseas.
Where is Enhanced Passenger Processing available?
Last month, TPG reported on the technology’s arrival at Orlando International Airport (MCO), perennially one of the country’s biggest destinations for vacationers.
Beyond DFW and Orlando, CBP has also now expanded EPP to:
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Dublin Airport (DUB) in Ireland, where passengers are screened prior to flying to the U.S.
CBP notes that offering this faster processing option for U.S. citizens has also reduced wait times for non-citizens, freeing up lane space and officers — which means more lanes available for visitors.
During the new program’s trial phase at DFW, maximum wait times for non-U.S. citizens dropped from over 50 minutes, the agency said, to less than 35 minutes.
A better option than Global Entry?
To be clear, no other passport control program — even this new EPP — tops the speed of Global Entry, particularly as CBP works to speed up that paid program with newer, higher-tech tools.
Global Entry remains a top “hack” for travelers who frequently fly overseas, offering both the ultra-fast trip through passport control — along with access to TSA PreCheck lanes.
Read more: How to apply for Global Entry: Tips for first-timers
However, travelers who fly internationally less frequently may be less enthused about the $120 enrollment fee, which is good for five years (though some credit cards will reimburse the fee).
Mobile Passport Control a third alternative
There's another time-saving option for travelers who don't have Global Entry and are arriving at an airport that doesn't yet have the new EPP (or don't want to use the service).
The widely-available Mobile Passport Control program allows passengers to submit some personal information ahead of their arrival via mobile app, before proceeding to a dedicated line for processing.
Bottom line
Whatever program you choose, there’s now a myriad of ways to skip the longest lines after a long-haul flight.
“We’re not all-in on one solution,” Sabatino said. “We want to make sure we have as broad a suite of options to all the different types of travelers that come through.”
Despite lingering concerns about travel demand, airlines have said demand for international trips remains strong among U.S. customers. The recent Memorial Day weekend brought two of the five busiest days ever at U.S. airports.
Related reading:
- TPG’s 2025 travel trends report
- Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a first-time or frequent traveler
- The best travel credit cards
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
- 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.