International travel easier… kind of

For those who travel internationally, it looks like the U.S. is finally taking a few steps to improve the presently onerous experience of customs. According to the Customs and Border Patrol web, a new service is being launched that will ease U.S. entry for frequent travelers. The Global Entry Program allows registered users to pass through customs using automated kiosks, cutting time in line down dramatically (and allowing the CBP to focus its efforts where there is greater need).

The service requires registration (and a visit to a Global Entry Enrollment center). Once you’re in the system, you can bypass the often long lines at the border:

The process will require participants to present their machine-readable U.S. passport or permanent residency card, submit their fingerprints for biometric verification, and make a customs declaration at the kiosk’s touch-screen. Upon successful completion of the Global Entry process at the kiosk, the traveler will be issued a transaction receipt and directed to baggage claim and the exit, unless chosen for a selective or random secondary referral.

The bad news is: The program is in pilot, and only available at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Washington-Dulles International Airport, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The program will be expanding to other airports and will be integrating with other programs in time. I hope they use the technology to streamline the regular check in process, but it seems unlikely. This is about getting off the plane, not on.