What's the latest on US travel?

[Brah]

Not a recommended source for anything given its strong slant, this article mentioned some issues foreseen with US travel this summer.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/wor ... ref=travel

There was a comment in it which made me wonder what the latest is with the TSA scans, last I thought it was something you could opt out of, which I would do.

everyone required to go thru full body scanner

[Strong Eagle]

Last time I flew on pre-check I had to go through detector but no body scan.

https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck

[Brah]

Is the detector is the door-like structure you walk through?

If so, that I'm ok with it.

Do you have TSA Pre?

[Strong Eagle]

Is the detector is the door-like structure you walk through?

If so, that I'm ok with it.

Yes. Metal detector... like Changi and everywhere else.

Do you have TSA Pre?

Yes.

[PNGMK]

Best avoided this summer I think. The country is turning into a mad house and I think the TSA lines are going to be long and angry.

[BBCWatcher]

Just allow some extra time to clear airport security within the U.S., that's all. Customs and immigration clearance should be about the same, particularly if you're arriving at an immigration kiosk-equipped airport (most are equipped now), but if you have a domestic connection then try not to schedule a tight connection. Note that if you fly Etihad to the United States via Abu Dhabi then you clear U.S. Customs and Immigration in Abu Dhabi, so you can probably still schedule a somewhat tight connection if you're arriving into the U.S. on Etihad.

If you're eligible for Global Entry, and you aren't already enrolled, then consider applying now and completing your enrollment in the U.S. (You need to appear for an interview in the U.S. in order to complete your enrollment.)

[Brah]

Thanks for the info all, and the Global Entry site shows that this is also for non-Americans, which could prove handy.

[Hidy Ho]

Is the detector is the door-like structure you walk through?

If so, that I'm ok with it.

Do you have TSA Pre?

You do know that TSA Pre is only for airports in USA for only certain airlines? If you are not US based (or travel frequently within USA), it's useless.

https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck

[Hidy Ho]

Thanks for the info all, and the Global Entry site shows that this is also for non-Americans, which could prove handy.

I think it's more correct to state that it's available only for certain countries. Also, global entry interview appointment is asinine as SG PR appointment. When I got it sometime in 2012, first available online appointment was many months away (at SFO). It was bit tough to arrange this when I was visting for work/family only for few weeks. When you show up for appointment, it's relatively quick interview.

Citizens of United Kingdom
Citizens of Germany
Citizens of the Netherlands
Citizens of Panama
Citizens of South Korea
Mexican nationals

[Hidy Ho]

double post ...

[Brah]

Thanks for the additional info

[BBCWatcher]

When I got it sometime in 2012, first available online appointment was many months away (at SFO).

Reportedly the wait is shorter now.

For the record, U.S. citizens are also eligible for Global Entry. I notice they weren't included in that list upthread.

[Brah]

The Verdict: Global Entry FTW

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/smartertr ... 60320.html

As always, some of the best information is in the comments section

[Hidy Ho]

I have global entry card and find it useful at San Francisco Int'l airport whenever I'm going back home for work or visit parents. Sometimes, there is a long line after immigration where you turn in your form to an agent and there is a separate line for global entry.

For me, the best card I got was APEC business travel card as I travel to Bangkok frequently and use the card for priority/premium entry access (in and out) which can be a lot shorter than normal custom lines.

[Brah]

This from The Economist, there are links to other articles like this

http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/fl ... /81532494/

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has asked technology companies whether they have any ways to screen passengers without making them take off their shoes or coats. That would not only reduce the annoyance of passing through security, but would greatly speed up the process. The agency followed up that request with another one on that calls on companies to inform the TSA of technology that could more quickly and thoroughly screen carry-on items.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver ... ing-queues