Do you love to travel, but the thought of the TSA security lines and the long waits at
US Immigration and Customs are holding you back? I have a great tip to simplify
your life – and it’s called Global Entry.
When travel planning, whether you are headed on an ocean cruise, a European river cruise, or a guided tour, you want to remove any undue stress! Don't let the thought of security lines deter the enjoyment of your culinary-focused, wine-themed, literary or multi-generational tours! How do you apply?
I recently enrolled myself and was amazed at how simple and efficient the process
was. Now, whenever I travel by air, I can use the TSA PreCheck lines at security which
move so much quicker because you are not required to strip (belts, jewelry, and even
shoes can stay where they belong!) or remove your laptop and toiletry baggie from
your carry-on luggage. Then, if I am traveling Internationally, I can bypass the long
lines at Passport control upon my return to the U.S. and simply scan my passport at
a Global Entry kiosk, which also checks my fingerprints and takes a very flattering
“selfie”. If I am cleared, a receipt prints, and I can simply flash it to an immigration
officer as I walk briskly to claim my luggage and head home.
The application process is very easy and fast. I filled out the online application, paid
the $100 fee (good for 5 years and reimbursed by some high-level credit cards) and
within 3 days, I received an email telling me I was approved and invited to set up an
appointment at the closest participating airport. I did have to wait about 3 weeks for
a convenient appointment time at DFW Airport, but I hear that other airports have shorter waits. On the day of the appointment, you take your Passport, Driver’s License, and approval letter to the Global Entry office and have a 10-minute interview with an agent. He asked me a few questions about my past travels and fingerprinted me and then told me that I was approved. I received my official card in the mail within 5 days. EASY-PEASY!
I look forward to using my new "status" soon! I also applied for Global Entry for my son so we can all use the benefits whenever we travel together. It would be sad to not be able to breeze through Immigration because my kid wasn’t included!
Are you ready to simplify YOUR life and become a member of the Global Entry
elite? The link to get started is: http://www.globalentry.gov/howtoapply.html
And don’t forget to tell them that Cultivating Connections Travel Planners sent you! We’d love to help you plan that first getaway to try out your new perks.
To find out more check out my home page here.
Or you can just give me a call at 405.310.7588