Dear Annabelle,
I wrote this first part back in the summer:
When we flew out of DIA on Friday the lines for security were the longest we had ever seen. They snaked all the way around the baggage claim area! I had asked Andrew a few months ago whether he thought it made sense to get into one of the identified traveller programs like Nexus and he seemed dubious. He doesn't like giving over biometric data and such. But after that line I think he is reconsidering.
Also, we are flying quite a lot these days. Someone kindly asked Alexandria on Friday if this was her first airplane ride and she looked at them like they had two heads. I think she has been on 16 airplanes in the past year!
The fast lines at DIA were the TSA Pre-Check line as well as the CLEAR line. CLEAR seems to be a corporate program that is currently available in 12 airports, including DIA. Using biometric data you are able to use their special security line and go straight to screening. It doesn't matter what kind of ticket you have (e.g. first class). The cost is $179 annually plus $50 for an extra family member (with children under 18 free). So over 5 years (the expiry of most of the other programs) the cost would be (179+50)*5 = $1145. The CLEAR screening does not necessarily give you different screening unless you also have TSA PreCheck in which case "CLEAR members who are eligible for PreCheck now get the best of both worlds. You can use the CLEAR lane as usual to avoid the long security lines. We’ll scan your boarding pass and bring you to the PreCheck screening lane (if eligible for that flight) where you can keep your shoes and belt on, etc." Also the CLEAR program is solely for speeding up airport security on departing flights and is not associated with the Global Entry program which is for arriving flights and Customs. Seems to be like there are better options out there: let's see!
Now updating today:
The main contenders are Nexus and Global Entry, both give you TSA PreCheck as part of them. Nexus is the ideal since it is only $50 for 5 years (and kids are free) and gives you TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, as well as expedited entry to Canada. That said you have to make it to a processing center in Canada, or near the border. This might be difficult to line up scheduling wise. I just called and they said that generally it takes 6-8 weeks to process the application and then at that point they can schedule another 6-8 weeks out (in Ottawa, seems longer in other locations). So this definitely won't line up for our Christmas trip. She said that what you can do is book as late as possible and then just keep going into the GOES system and moving it out later and later. She said you are fine so long as it is still in the system, but if you delete it or you don't show up it will cancel your application. I wonder if I could line it up for a trip home in the summer (too bad Andrew probably won't come on that one).
Global Entry would definitely be more convenient to apply to as we could just go to DIA. But it wouldn't give the added benefit upon entry to Canada and it costs more. It is $100 each including children. It also lasts for 5 years. There are credit cards that will cover the fees (discussed here and here) but they are all appear to be high annual fee cards.
At $100 vs. $400, and the cheaper one also giving Canada expedited entry in addition to Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check, it seems like I should at least try and see if I can get Nexus to work. I think my Mom might have looked into it, or applied, I suppose I should check in with her on the process.
Hugs,
Jen
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