The cost of skipping long lines at airports is set to increase as fees for expedited security programs increase, according to a recent report. press release According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a passport app may be helpful.
From October 1st, global entry For example, the program will increase in price from $100 to $120.
Global Entry facilitates expedited immigration screening upon arrival for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Selected US airports. Users verify membership by taking a photo and receive on-screen instructions to proceed to a CBP representative, who confirms successful completion of the process.
However, applying for and gaining access to this expedited customs service can take “several months”, including submitting an online application, waiting for conditional approval, and in-person interviews before travel or upon arrival at the airport.
For those who want to avoid the $20 surcharge or deal with potentially long wait times, CBP offers an alternative. It's a passport app. mobile passport control (MPC).
This free app allows travelers to submit photos, customs forms, and passport information for expedited re-entry at participating airports. This gives MPC users access to a dedicated line and means they can get through immigration quickly.
“Travelers who successfully utilize the MPC Passport app may no longer have to fill out paper forms and may be placed in designated queues,” CBP said on its website. “As a result, travelers may experience shorter wait times, less congestion, and more efficient processing.”
Changes in business and leisure travel
CBP's mobile app proposition is poised to attract young, tech-savvy travelers. Strong preference for digital wallets Meet their payment needs.
moreover, Gen X and Millennial consumers They play a key role in driving the surge in travel spending, accounting for approximately 31% and 28% of spending, respectively. This highlights the importance of tailoring services to users' preferences and travel needs.
And with more consumers planning to travel this year, prioritizing the needs of leisure travelers should be a top priority for companies in the travel industry.
according to Richard WazatzCEO of a foreign exchange company travelexthere has been a noticeable change in the mix of business and leisure travel, with an increasing number of consumers compared to business travelers.
Wasatz said this change will have a major impact on how the travel ecosystem will behave this year, with airlines like British Airways reporting a surge in economy and Economy Plus bookings, while business class bookings are increasing rapidly. He pointed out that this emphasizes that the number of
“this [trend] “Business and leisure travelers behave differently and have different needs, so it's clearly impacting the ecosystem,” he explained.
