Clear Customs faster

This item appears on page 82 of the January 2009 issue.

US Customs & Border Protection has added more airports to the Global Entry program for travelers coming back into the US. Airports with kiosks that offer registered members a speedier alternative to the passport control lines include Miami Int’l, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, George Bush (Houston), Washington Dulles, JFK-New York, Chicago O’Hare and Los Angeles.

A Global Entry member can go to a kiosk, insert his passport and have his fingerprints scanned. The kiosk will check the information, ask standard Customs declaration questions on a touch-screen and issue a receipt to be presented to a Customs official at the inspection area. 

For $100, a copy of your fingerprints and a background check, you can apply for the Global Entry program. If approved, the fee is good for a 5-year membership. For info and forms, visit the Customs & Border office at any of the airports listed above or visit www.globalentry.gov.