Faster Security Screening Now More Convenient
Travelers Avoid Trips to Detroit, Chicago or Atlanta for Approval
2013-03-05 — /travelprnews.com/ — U.S. Customs and Border Protection will now conduct interviews and approvals for its Global Entry Program at its Erlanger office to accommodate passengers flying through CVG.
In addition to qualifying low-risk travelers for pre-approved, expedited re-entry into the United States on international travel, the interviews also will be used by the Transportation Security Administration to approve flyers for its popular Pre-Check Program, a pre-screening process that allows passengers to move quickly through a designated security checkpoint lane at CVG without having to remove shoes, jackets, belts, laptops, and liquids from carry-on baggage.
CVG has participated in the TSA Pre-check program since Aug. 2012. Until now, the closest TSA Pre-Check approval offices were in Detroit, Chicago and Atlanta.
CVG is the only airport in Ohio or Kentucky enrolled in the TSA Pre-Check program. Many frequent flyers prefer to participate in TSA Pre-Check because it allows them faster access to their flights.
Chairman James Huff of the Kenton County Airport Board said getting local approval for the Global Entry Program and the TSA Pre-Check Program was the result of the airport responding to demand.
“This is a tremendous win for CVG passengers — Border Protection office is literally one exit away from the airport,” Huff said. “We know there are many frequent CVG passengers who want the capability to move quickly through the airport but have not been able to get to one of the out-of-state offices for the required interview; now it is literally at our front door.”
TSA Pre-Check passengers typically are invited to enroll through airline frequent flyer programs. However, those who are not qualified through airline mileage programs have the option of joining on their own by completing the Global Entry Program qualification process and paying a $100 fee to secure their status for five years.
Candace McGraw, CEO of CVG, believes local approval for the programs will be an incentive for all of the region’s travelers to make CVG their home airport.
“If you have not yet achieved a certain mileage status with an airline – or if you previously had this status, but don’t fly enough to qualify anymore – this is your opportunity to take advantage of faster travel through CVG. We are excited to work with the CBP and TSA to bring this program to our area. It expedites travel without compromising safety.”
While CVG does not have a Global Entry kiosk, it is a benefit for international travelers who use CVG as a home base because it allows for faster travel when connecting to CVG. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection office is located at 4243 Olympic Blvd., Suite 210, Erlanger, Ky. The office is located one exit east of the airport on Interstate 275. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The phone number is 859-282-6308. Those interested in applying will fill out an online application at www.globalentry.gov and schedule an interview within 30 days at the Erlanger office.
For more information about the TSA Pre-Check program, please visit tsa.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding TSA Pre-Check
How does the global entry program work?
Global Entry allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the U.S. Though intended for frequent international travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and interview before enrollment.
Participants may enter the United States by using automated kiosks located at select airports. Participants, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingertips on the scanner for fingerprint verification, and make a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit. While Global Entry’s goal is to speed travelers through the process, members may be selected for further examination when entering the United States. Any violation of the program’s terms and conditions will result in appropriate enforcement action and revocation of the traveler’s membership.
What are the benefits?
- No queuing for passport control checks
- No paper customs declaration form
- Global Entry membership can be accessed at many of the leading U.S. airports
- Expedited travel from the gate to the terminal exit (the process can take less than one minute)
- No minimum number of international trips required to qualify for the Global Entry program
What are the benefits of the TSA Pre-Check Program?
Passengers may no longer have to remove the following items:
- Shoes
- 3-1-1 compliant liquids from bag*
- Laptop from bag
- Jacket
- Belt
*3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger.
If I enroll through the Global Entry program how will the system know I am eligible for Pre-Check screening?
Global Entry members who want to participate in TSA Pre-Check will need to provide their nine-digit Trusted Traveler member number (PASS ID) when booking travel. The PASS ID can be found on the back of your Global Entry membership card (in the top left corner of your card) or in your Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) account.
Will I be able to go through the TSA Pre-Check line at all airports?
Only airports and airline partners at those airports who have qualified for the TSA Pre-Check program will be able to offer this type of expedited screening. CVG is a participating airport and all major airlines at CVG are participating airlines.
Will others who are traveling with me also be selected for the TSA Pre-Check line if I pulled into the expedited line?
Only passengers 12 and under are eligible for TSA Pre-Check expedited screening benefits with you as part of TSA’s modified screening procedures for this age group. Other travel companions will have to be enrolled in the TSA Pre-Check program already.
About CVG
Get here. Get there. Get home. Airline partners at CVG offer passengers more non-stop flights than any other airport in the region, including direct international service to Paris, Toronto and Cancun. Book your next flight now at www.cvgairport.com, where low fares are updated daily. CVG is also home to DHL’s main North America hub. CVG has been rated the Best Regional Airport in North America by Skytrax, a London-based air transport research organization — two years in a row. Last year, CVG became the first airport in the country to receive Safety Act Designation and Certification from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), giving the airport the highest level of protections under the Act.