Last month when I flew to London I did so with carry-on luggage only. It was the first time in years that I’ve gone on a trip without checking luggage. It made that trip nearly effortless going to and from the UK.
I wanted to mention again that I did take a step early this year to try and make my own personal traveling at least a little better by facilitating re-entry back into to the US when I travel abroad. It’s a program called “Global Entry” which the TSA promotes to travels coming back into the country through the airport customs halls. Think of it as a “Fast Pass” through passport control.
The first time I was made aware of it was by a TSA officer and then through a travelers program with American Express. You basically do the entire application process online and pay a $100 fee. The TSA does a thorough background check on you and if you pass that then you have to go in for a face to face interview.
The interview part of the process is a hassle because it is at the Tom Bradley terminal at LAX. I actually went down early on a Friday afternoon for the interview and it took all of twenty minutes but then it took two hours to get back home. At the interview they ask you a bunch of ridiculous questions like; “have you ever transported packages, which you did not pack yourself, into the United States?”
Seriously, what dumb questions! Why not just ask if I’m a terrorist or not. Better yet, if you have filled out the application truthfully, were born in the good ole USA and they have done the background check on you than it would be evident that you’re a standup citizen!! Even the officer asking the questions acknowledged upfront that the questions he was about to ask were “stupid” but he said; “just answer them anyway!”
Hopefully this Global Entry fast pass will have been worth the trouble!!!
Dave Bossert- Commentary
Dave Bossert is a community volunteer who serves on a number of boards and councils. His commentaries represent his own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization he may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon.