While airport security has been heightened this year, new calls for trusted traveler programs bring an edge to keeping flights safe. Lately, the United States government and the US Customs and Border Protection have implemented more of these swift security programs for individuals who are considered to be low-risk.
Three programs currently exist: Global Entry, the most popular, validates all travel, including international, and costs $100 to sign up for a five-year membership. Nexus is used for travel between the US and Canada, and costs $50, and Sentri allows for US-Mexico border crossing, and costs $122.50.
The programs have grown steadily over the last few years, and travelers who take advantage of them can skip lines, spend approximately 1-2 minutes in customs, and be on their way. Joining requires you to get a background check by the government, and to submit your fingerprints. Those who aren’t allowed access include travelers with criminal records and travelers who have violated immigration laws, according to USA Today.
Some skeptics are weary about giving such personal information to the government, especially since the program is largely machine-dependent. Others are focused on safety and efficiency, and are pushing to keep these security programs afloat.
