Travel is at a very high right now despite the fact that we're still in a pandemic. That means airports are super busy and it may take you longer than usual to get through security. Luckily, there are several traveler programs that can help reduce your wait time and make traveling easier for you.

As someone who travels frequently, I've utilized some of the traveler programs offered to travelers in the United States. I highly recommending signing up for one or more of these programs as they have made traveling so much easier and less stressful. If you're considering signing up for any of the trusted traveler programs, let me break down those programs for you.

TSA Pre✓:
Valid for departures from U.S. airports. TSA Pre✓ saves you time and stress.

Benefits:
- No need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets
- Expedited security screening. Most travelers get through Security in 5 minutes or less.
- Enjoy benefits at more than 200 airports within the U.S on over 60 participating airlines.
- Children under 12 may accompany a parent/guardian with TSA Pre✓ in the designated lanes.
- TSA Pre✓ expedites the physical screening process.

Eligibility:
- U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents. This membership program costs $85 USD and is valid for 5 years.

GLOBAL ENTRY:
Valid for entry into the U.S. from international destinations.

Benefits:
- Reduced wait times with self-service kiosks or E-Gates using facial comparison technologie.
- No paperwork to be filled out by passengers upon entry
- Includes TSA Pre✓

Eligibility:
U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and select foreign nationals. This membership program costs $100 USD and is valid for 5 years. Also includes TSA Pre✓ as an added bonus.

The NEXUS Program:
Valid for entry into the U.S. from Canada.

Benefits:
- Expedited vehicle/pedestrian entrance into U.S. or Canada.
- Expedited marine entry into U.S. from Canada.
- Access to TSA Pre✓® expedited security lanes at airports within the U.S. and U.S territories for U.S. Citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and Canadian citizens.

Eligibility:
U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, and Mexican nationals. This membership program costs $50 USD and is valid for 5 years. May include TSA Pre✓ as an added bonus.

SENTRI program:
Valid for entry into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico.

Benefits:
- Expedited vehicle/pedestrian entrance into U.S. from Canada and Mexico.
- Access to TSA Pre✓® expedited security lanes at airports within the U.S. and U.S territories for U.S. Citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents.

Eligibility:
U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and all foreign nationals. This membership program costs $122.25 USD and is valid for 5 years. May include TSA Pre✓ as an added bonus.

FAST:
For truck drivers entering and exiting the U.S. from Canada and Mexico.

Benefits:
- Expedited customs processing for commercial carriers.
- The ability to use designated FAST lanes to more quickly transport goods into the U.S.

Eligibility:
U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, and Mexican nationals. This membership program costs $50 USD and is valid for 5 years. Does NOT include TSA Pre✓.

CLEAR:
Enjoy a faster, safer way through airport security, venue entrances, and beyond.

Benefits:
- Instead of using traditional ID documents, CLEAR uses your eyes and face to confirm it’s really you. Biometrics are identifiers such as your eyes, face, and fingerprints These distinct characteristics are the most accurate forms of ID.
- New Home to Gate feature puts you in control, giving you the information you need to confidently decide when to leave for your flight. The technology integrates traffic data, security screening, and terminal walking times to tell you exactly when to leave and arrive at your gate.
- Clear expedites the document/identity screening process.
- Students: sign up and save! Verify your eligibility below to unlock our exclusive student pricing of $50/year for four years.

Eligibility:
CLEAR is currently only available to US citizens and legal permanent residents 18 and older with a valid government-issued photo ID. A CLEAR Plus membership is $179 per year (just $15 per month) and offers exclusive CLEAR access at airport security, along with all other CLEAR LOCATIONS. CLEAR Plus members can also add up to 3 adult family members to their account at a discounted rate. Children under 18 don't need to enroll and can tag along for free with a CLEAR member.

I personally have the Global Entry membership which comes with TSA Pre✓ which is what I recommend. However, every traveler is different so it really depends on which program you will benefit the most from. I prefer the expedited  physical screening process and the benefit of not having to take out my liquids/take off my shoes. 

*Disclaimer: All views expressed on this post are my own and do not represent the opinions of any entity whatsoever with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated. 

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I hope my breakdown of the various trusted travel programs were helpful! :)