I just completed the two-stage enrollment process in a neat program designed to absolutely expedite entry into the United States.
In a nutshell, once you are signed up, upon entry into the USA you DO NOT wait in line at immigration (think early morning queues at JFK from TLV!)
but instead go directly to a kiosk at the head of the line,
Here is what you do:
- Swipe your passport
- Place your hand on console for fingerprint verification
- Answer a few customs questions onscreen (you do not need to fill out the form given to you on the plane)
- Receive a printed receipt and continue on to baggage retreival and out of the airport!
The program costs $100, but American Express Platinum reimbursed me the $100 fee.
To enroll you must complete the application online (check out
https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/) and then present
yourself (they give you an appointment date and venue) for a short one-on-one interview at one of many airports around the country.
Assuming you do not have a major criminal history it should be smooth sailing.
This program is not limited to very frequent travelers and as an added bonus you can use your card to enter/exit Canada
and Mexico by car or boat (NOT for air travel) obviating the need to carry passport with you for these destinations.
I highly recommend this program for those not queasy about privacy issues (then again what is a passport).