Thanks to plenty of PCS trips and regular domestic and international travel, military families often become travel pros whether they plan to or not! We certainly have taken advantage of military travel, including most Armed Forces Recreation Centers. In fact, we’re already planning our spring break vacation.
However, to make the most of your limited travel, it’s important to pre-plan and apply for programs that expedite and secure the process. The U.S. has several programs to help travelers come and go, but looking at the big-picture options can be overwhelming.
Below, we’re breaking down the most popular and useful travel programs to take advantage of for your next airline trip. If you need help learning about the tourist passport process, head to the U.S. Department of State website for more information. Keep in mind the process can take several weeks.
Understanding Popular Trusted Traveler Programs:
The U.S. offers several Trusted Traveler Programs to speed up domestic and international travel. Two of the most popular options for military families are TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, but there are lesser-known programs if your family frequents Canada and Mexico.
- Sentri: for entry into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico
- Nexus: for entry into the U.S. from Canada
- Fast: for truck drivers entering and exiting the U.S. from Canada and Mexico
1. TSA PreCheck
You’ve likely seen the TSA PreCheck signs and lines at the airport. The Transportation Security Administration’s program allows expedited security screening at U.S. airports.
- Benefits:
- Faster security screening
- Reduced need to remove shoes, belts, laptops and liquids
- Cost: From $77.95
- Military Perks: Free for active-duty military, National Guard, reserves, eligible wounded warriors, and service academy students
- Application Process: Online application and in-person interview
Your children 17 and under can use TSA PreCheck for free with an adult’s registered Trusted Traveler number. The TSA PreCheck must appear on the child’s boarding pass.
2. Global Entry
This is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for preapproved, low-risk travelers entering the U.S.
- Benefits:
- Faster customs and immigration processing
- Often bypasses lengthy lines
- Includes TSA PreCheck benefits
- Cost: $120 (includes kids under 18 applying at the same time as parents)
- Military Perks: Not directly free, but the included TSA PreCheck benefit can save time and hassle
- Application Process: Online application and in-person interview
Securing Global Entry interviews has been a scheduling challenge in the past. Although wait times seem to be waning, you’ll want to apply for Global Entry far before your trip to complete the process. It is, however, possible to attend your interview with a customs agent at your returning home airport. I couldn’t schedule my interview before my trip to Italy but had an easy 5-minute talk with an agent after arriving at the customs lines in Philadelphia.
Although Mobile Passport Control isn’t technically part of the Trusted Traveler program, it’s operated by the U.S. Borders and Customs Protection. MPC is only available at certain airports (the list is on the app, or you can read FAQ #2 on the website), but it’s worth downloading. We’ve used MPC multiple times and bypassed very long customs lines coming home.
- Benefits:
- Streamlined and faster entry into the U.S.
- Use the secure app on your smartphone
- Cost: Free
- Military Perks: Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2, and returning Visa Waiver program applicants.
- Application Process: Application isn’t necessary. You can download the app before your trip or at your landing airport. After landing, complete the travel application documents and upload a photo of yourself.
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control are handy tools to shorten security wait times at departure and arrival airports. You’ll thank yourself later if you plan and take advantage of these Trusted Traveler Programs, whether you’re headed to the beach for a weeklong getaway or planning a European vacation.
