Passengers are invited to take advantage of expedited travel programs to ensure a better travel experience. Now, more than ever, is the perfect opportunity to consider enrolling in Global Entry and/or TSA Pre✓®.
The summer is fast approaching and Houston’s airports are going to be busier than ever before. Both George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) experienced significant passenger growth last year accommodating almost 55 million passengers in 2015.
Passengers are invited to take advantage of expedited travel programs to ensure a better travel experience. Now, more than ever, is the perfect opportunity to consider enrolling in Global Entry and/or TSA Pre✓®.
U.S. citizens who possess a passport can enroll in Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Bush Intercontinental has two Global Entry enrollment centers (one pre-security and one post-security). The pre-security enrollment center is located at the arrivals level of Terminal E. An additional enrollment facility is located at the Houston downtown public library for the convenience of residents working or living in the downtown area. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check, pay a $100 fee for a five-year membership and are automatically enrolled in TSA Pre✓®.
Individuals who do not own a U.S. passport can opt to enroll in TSA Pre✓® by filling out the online application and scheduling an appointment at an application center. Applicants pay an $85 fee for a five year membership that enables passengers traveling on participating airlines to bypass the lengthy security lines and access an expedited security screening. Both of Houston’s commercial airports have Global Entry kiosks and TSA Pre✓® lanes available, as well as Automated Passport Control kiosks for international travelers.
APC kiosks expedite entry into the U.S. by enabling passengers to automate their Customs declaration and submit biographic information which minimizes the time spent waiting in line to process with a CBP officer. APC kiosks produce shorter wait times, less congestion and faster processing. There are currently 50 APC kiosks at Bush Airport and 14 APC kiosks at Hobby Airport, available to U.S. and Canadian passport holders as well as international visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries with Electronic System for Travel Authorizations (ESTA) approval.
For more information on Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® visit:
http://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck
To apply for U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler Programs, please visit https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/main/goes
To apply for TSA Pre✓®, please visit https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/apply.