Secretary Napolitano Announces Rule Making Global Entry Program Permanent

CBP has published a  final rule today setting forth federal regulations that replaces the current pilot with a permanent Global Entry program.

I have on blogged on several occasions about the benefits of Global Entry.  See GLOBAL ENTRY.  It was a pilot program before.  It is now a permanent program.

CBP has not only made this a permanent program, but they have also added one or two interesting benefits to a benefit-laden program!  For example, the final rule provides CBP with the ability to more readily expand the program to additional U.S. international airports.  In addition, age eligibility criteria have changed to allow more families to enjoy the benefits of the program. Persons under the age of 18 who meet the general eligibility criteria and have the consent of a parent or legal guardian will now be eligible to participate in Global Entry. Source:  CBP.  The program seemed to be designed originally for business travelers.  Now, the entire family can benefit from Global Entry!

According to CBP Estimates, Global Entry—currently available at 20 U.S. international airports—allows pre-approved members a streamlined, automated alternative to regular passport processing lines.  The program currently reduces average wait times by more than 70 percent, with more than 75 percent of travelers using Global Entry processed in under five minutes.  To me, this seems like a correct estimate.  Rather thank waiting in the international entry lines, a Global Entry member can process at a Kiosk very quickly.  Of course, it does not expedite the arrival of your baggage, but that is an airline and not a CBP issue.