Global Entry flyers will speed through some airports even faster now
If you’ve visited a Global Entry kiosk in the last year or so, you may have noticed the technology is getting savvier. Kiosks can now verify your identity with a facial scan — no passport or fingerprint check necessary. Now, some U.S. airports are going a step further.
Last week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Texas’ two largest international airports: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston would be the latest to also do away with paper receipts, on top of the biometric scan.
Under the new – or at least updated – process, a facial scan will confirm your identity when you arrive at a kiosk in the customs hall. Then, unlike earlier iterations of the process, the kiosk will not print a receipt for you to bring to the customs officials. Instead, you just have to show your passport.
It's a streamlined process CBP has now rolled out to 10 U.S. airports, with others expected by the end of the month.
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CBP sees this as a step toward efficiency and a step away from physical contact points and environmental impact.
This may sound quite similar to what you've been through if you've used a Global Entry kiosk of late.
As mentioned, over the last year-plus, CBP has been equipping its kiosks at international airports with facial recognition technology, in hopes of expediting the process of verifying travelers' identities upon arrival in the U.S. The process is sort of like what Clear members go through when arriving at a kiosk before going through an airport security checkpoint.
CBP confirmed to TPG Monday, this technology is now in place at every international airport with Global Entry.
Related: What happens if you accidentally let your Global Entry expire?
I had my first go-round with the technology while arriving at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in May. Since I hadn't heard of this screening capability, I was surprised to walk up to the scanner, have my picture taken and – without having to scan my passport – have my identity confirmed. The process finished when a receipt — that had an older photo of me taken when I first enrolled in the program in 2018 — printed from the machine.
The whole process took maybe 15 to 20 seconds.
Now, at DFW and IAH and 8 other airports, travelers won’t even get the receipt.
CBP sees this as the “next stage” in enhancing facial biometric kiosks, and part of a larger process to upgrade the Global Entry program, which the agency told TPG this spring, represents about 80% of the 10 million-plus members in its Trusted Traveler Programs.
This month the agency plans to go paperless at its Global Entry facilities in Atlanta and Chicago, as well as its Aruba preclearance facilities.
With the free TPG app, you can track your progress toward your next trip, and get spending recommendations to help you reach your travel goals.
Bottom line
The CBP seems to be continually looking for ways to streamline the screening process, even for Global Entry members that already have an expedited experience through the passport control process. This is certainly good news for travelers, as international trips this summer have surged to levels not seen in a few years.
More on Global Entry:
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- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
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- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Rewards Rate
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles50,000 Bonus MilesAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees