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| This service saves me so much time |
| by Brian Kelly |
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Hi everyone,
You probably already know that I hate waiting in line.
I use every travel workaround possible to avoid long waits, from holding airline elite status and saving my points to book first-class tickets to opting for VIP services like Clear Concierge (see below for a TPG special offer for Clear+ and Clear Concierge).
But one of the easiest and most attainable ways to avoid lines during international travel is by getting Global Entry. Global Entry saved me from long waits during the recent government shutdown (yes, it did close temporarily, but luckily, it was back up and running shortly after), has helped me speed through lines during peak travel times, and truly been a lifesaver when I’m traveling on my own with a toddler and baby.
However, there are some things to know about getting Global Entry as a family, so I’ll share my top tips on how you can speed through border control after international trips.
Each family member needs their own membership
Every single person in the family needs a Global Entry membership to go through the Global Entry line, including babies as young as one day old. While I have heard some reports of people claiming they don’t know the rules and getting through the line with an infant, I’ve also heard stories of Global Entry officers issuing violations or threatening to revoke the service for rule-breakers.
It’s best not to test the system and follow the rules by having every family member get their own membership. The fee is $120 per adult for a five-year membership, and it also includes TSA PreCheck. The ability to speed through customs after an international trip and also get through security checks faster makes the Global Entry fee well worth it, especially for families.
Kids are free
The good news is that while kids and babies do need their own memberships, it’s now free for applicants under 18. Yes, you have to take the time to do the application process, but you won’t have to pay for it.
I recommend applying for the whole family at the same time so all the expiration dates are the same, which may make renewal easier.
2 for 1: Get TSA PreCheck for free with Global Entry
As I mentioned, TSA PreCheck is included with Global Entry, and not having to take your shoes off or remove your electronics when juggling a baby and/or a toddler (or even corralling cranky teens) is lifesaving in line.
And during the recent government shutdown, regular TSA lines were hours-long, but my kids and I went through the PreCheck line quickly with no issues.
Use the Global Entry app for even speedier entry
You can now use the Global Entry app to make arrival even more streamlined and quicker. As soon as my flight lands, I register my arrival in the app and add my kids (I have to take photos of all of us).
This means I can skip the step of answering questions at the machine and go straight through to a customs agent (who, oftentimes, just waves me on through without any additional questions). This takes a 5-minute customs experience down to just a minute or two, which could be the difference between a toddler meltdown or a diaper blowout.
Use select credit cards to cover your Global Entry fee
There are ways to get adult Global Entry memberships reimbursed. In fact, dozens of credit cards offer Global Entry fee credits, including some of my personal favorites: the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, American Express Platinum Card®, and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Just make sure to charge the application fee to the card that comes with the credit, then double-check your statement to confirm you see the credit back.
Getting Global Entry for the entire family is well worth it, especially since there are ways to get it for every family member for free. The only thing you’ll have to give up is your time to complete the application, which I’d happily do from my sofa, and then later save time by speeding through customs and security.
On a related note, Clear also offers expedited services. I personally have memberships in all the programs, so I can choose the shorter line at airport security or book departure and arrival service when needed. Clear has created a special, limited-time offer for TPG newsletter subscribers — check it out below.
Have a great weekend,
BK
Special TPG subscriber offer from Clear
If you aren’t already familiar with the program and want to give it a try, Clear has a special offer for TPG readers to become new members.
Limited-time offer for new Clear+ members: New members receive $308 in value for $169 — $40 off your first year of Clear+ and a free booking of Clear Concierge ($99 value). (This offer is for new Clear+ members only.)
Clear Concierge is Clear’s premium add-on service that recently enabled TPG’s Summer Hull to enjoy the fastest airport experience and skip the four-hour line at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
New members can sign up here.
Limited-time offer for existing Clear+ members: Existing members can try a Clear Concierge booking for departure or arrival service and enjoy 20% off. Existing Clear+ members can book here to get a discounted rate for Clear Concierge.
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| Photo Credit: JONNO RATTMAN. |
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