Speed up the U.S. airport security process

A variety of trusted traveler programs are available in the U.S. to improve frequent travelers’ experiences and increase safety and security. The details below, compiled by BCD Travel affiliate Ovation Corporate Travel, can help identify which program may work for you.

Please note: Agencies may change or update this information at any time, so be sure to check agency websites.

• TSA Pre√™ (pronounced “pre-check,” this program is for travelers who primarily fly within the U.S.) allows select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs who are flying on participating airlines to receive expedited screening at select airports. TSA Pre✓™, administered by the Transportation Security Administration, is available for travel within the U.S. and for international travel departing from a participating TSA Pre✓™ U.S. airport. Certain travelers also can apply for a new TSA Pre√™ program that gives pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited screening at participating U.S. airports. Apply through specified enrollment centers.
• Global Entry (for travelers who fly within the U.S. and internationally) is a U.S. customs program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival at select U.S. airports. All applicants undergo an extensive background check and interview before approval. Members are automatically eligible for TSA Pre√™ benefits.
• NEXUS (for travelers who primarily travel between the U.S. and Canada) is a U.S. and Canadian customs program that gives pre-screened travelers expedited processing at designated northern border ports of entry, NEXUS kiosks at Canadian preclearance airports and marine reporting locations. Members are automatically eligible for the TSA Pre√™ benefits.
• SENTRI (for travelers who primarily travel by land between the U.S. and Mexico) is a U.S. and Mexican customs program that provides expedited processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers at southern land border ports of entry. Members of this program are automatically eligible for the TSA Pre√™ benefits.
• CLEAR (for travelers who primarily fly within the U.S.) is a non-governmental program that provides expedited screening benefits to frequent flyers on any airline at select U.S. airports. CLEAR is available for passengers traveling within the U.S. and for international travel when departing from a participating CLEAR U.S. airport location. CLEAR can be integrated with TSA Pre√™ for enhanced traveler screening benefits.
• Secure Flight is a behind-the-scenes program designed to enhance the security of domestic and international commercial air travel through improved watch-list matching. Air travelers must provide full name, date of birth, gender and redress number, if available. (The TSA issues redress numbers to travelers who have experienced additional security screenings at airports because they have names similar to or the same as names on the terrorist watch list. Travelers who have a redress must supply it when making travel reservations.)

Take a look at our trusted traveler program comparison chart for more details.

Tips for trusted traveler approval

The traveler’s full name must be entered exactly as it appears on non-expired, government-issued photo identification. It’s the traveler’s responsibility to ensure the name is identical on all travel documents including:

• Traveler profile
• Airline e-ticket
• Airline frequent flyer program
• Passport
• TSA Pre✓™
• Global Entry
• NEXUS
• SENTRI
• CLEAR
• Known traveler number (trusted traveler / membership number / pass ID (for Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, etc.) issued by the U.S. government to uniquely identify passengers participating known traveler programs)