Honolulu airport gets faster screening
Honolulu airport is one of thirteen U.S. airports that will use a new screening process beginning 24 August; the Global Entry pilot program, intended to streamline the customs and security process for “trusted” air travelers
Honolulu International Airport is one of thirteen U.S. airports that will use a new screening process beginning 24 August. The Global Entry pilot program, intended to streamline the customs and security process for “trusted” air travelers, already is in place at seven major airports including in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Chicago.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the program’s expansion last week (see 14 August 2009 HSNW). Global Entry gives pre-approved members an alternative to regular passport processing lines.
Using kiosks, members insert a passport or permanent resident card into a document reader, provide digital fingerprints, answer customs declaration questions on a touch-screen, and present a transaction receipt to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers before leaving inspection areas. “Expanding this vital program allows us to improve customer service at airports and concentrate our resources on higher-risk travelers,” said DHS secretary Janet Napolitano.
Pacific Business News reports that the Global Entry program is estimated to reduce average wait times by 70 percent, with more than 75 percent of travelers processed in under five minutes. In addition to Honolulu, Global Entry enrollment centers and kiosks will open at international airports in San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Sanford, Florida.
The screening program is open to citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents of the United States.
