With all of the riduculous security controls that have been establish since 9/11 we suddenly find ourselves further dreading the experience of traveling by airplane or in some cases crossing US borders to travel anywhere. Some new programs are being introduced to overcome these nonsensical restrictions that have been placed on the general traveling public.

Trusted Traveler Programs have slowly become available over the past few years. NEXUS was created for ease of travel across US/Canada border, SENTRI was implemented for US/Mexico border crossing and now a newer program called Global Entry is available for frequent international travelers.

The Global Entry program offers you an expedited checking at Immigration control.  You must be 14 years of age or older and you must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident of the US. There is a one time fee of $100. You can find out more at the website www.globalentry.gov or you can go ahead and register your application at https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/

The Global Entry program does not apply to checkin at security points when entering the terminal gates for departing flights. You can find some tips for getting through this process at the TSA website at http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/airtravel/screening_experience.shtm Though I have not yet seen or heard of an express checkin program for the average traveler.

Best of luck traveling out there and remember to be patient and expect the worst. then you will be pleasantly surprised when everything goes smoothly.