It’s easily one of the worst parts of international travel. You arrive back in the U.S. after a long flight, the Sunday scaries are creeping in, and you’re ready to be home.
But first, there’s the long trek to the international arrivals facility. Passport control. Baggage claim. Customs. Still have a connecting flight to your home airport? Add another 30 minutes (or more) to recheck your bag and go back through security.
I’m here with good news: It’s all getting more seamless, whether you pay for a program like Global Entry or not.
Here are three big changes you’ll see soon:
Global Entry members, get ready to skip the kiosk: Eight North American airports are rolling out new “on-the-move” technology that will take your picture as you’re walking. I tried it this spring in Miami, and my feet literally never stopped moving. Pro tip: Some of our favorite credit cards reimburse the $120 fee for Global Entry (which comes with TSA PreCheck access).
Don’t have Global Entry? A handful of airports now have a speedy “game-changer” of a process that looks … a lot like Global Entry. But it’s free. You basically walk up to an iPad, get your picture taken and you’re on your way.
Easier international connections: I’m really excited about this one. The U.S. and U.K. are teaming up to make it so you won’t have to recheck your bag or reclear security if you’re flying from London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) and connecting at two U.S. hubs (Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth). There’s just one downside.
Here are some other tips for navigating one of the most stressful parts of international travel:
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