| | Global Entry shutdown and travel warnings | | by Brian Kelly | |  | It's been a big week in the news cycle — and in the travel world.
We're dealing with yet another government shutdown, and this time, Global Entry, a consumer-funded program, is paused (although thankfully, TSA PreCheck, after a close call, is indeed functioning). The East Coast is dealing with a massive blizzard, which caused over 11,000 flights to be delayed or canceled, and cartel violence broke out in parts of Mexico, stranding Americans in certain areas, including Puerto Vallarta, and prompting shelter-in-place orders and flight cancellations.
Facing any of these situations?
The tips below can help you, now or in the future, when unexpected situations arise in the travel world.
Book refundable travel
I'm always an advocate of booking refundable travel, but when situations arise (and these can include civil unrest, blizzards and well beyond), being able to cancel without losing your money is key.
Check your insurance; file claims
If your travel isn't refundable, it never hurts to file a claim with your credit card travel insurance or regular travel insurance, even if you don't think that your particular situation will be covered. You can also call or email airlines and hotels and see what options they might be able to offer. You may not get anything at all, but you definitely won't if you don't ask.
Contact your lawmakers
Getting a refund for Global Entry is unlikely, but you can certainly contact your representatives and tell them to push the Department of Homeland Security to reopen Global Entry. It's a consumer-funded program, and it's completely unfair to charge for it, then suspend it.
Get Clear+
Clear+, which uses biometrics (fingerprint or iris scans), offers expedited lanes at more than 55 U.S. airports for a faster security experience. Clear is currently partnering with the Transportation Security Administration to incorporate new e-gates that will help expedite identity verification at certain airports. Right now, we could certainly use a speedy airport experience, given that the government shutdown could cause slowdowns.
The service costs $209 annually, but you can get Clear for free with certain credit cards that offer statement credits.
Use TSA PreCheck
If you have TSA PreCheck (whether you got it through Global Entry or on its own), this is the perfect time to use it. I expect the TSA lines to be long if the shutdown is prolonged and agents (who are working without pay) start calling out, so make sure to find these expedited lines. There are several credit cards that offer statement credits for TSA PreCheck.
Download the Mobile Passport Control app
As an alternative to the currently unusable Global Entry system, download the Mobile Passport Control app. You'll then have to answer some questions, scan your document and add your travel companions. When you arrive in the U.S., head to the Mobile Passport Control line, have your photo taken and (hopefully) speed through customs.
Get Digital ID
I can now breeze through over 250 security checkpoints with my digital, Real ID-compliant driver’s license stored on my phone. I've also added my passport to my iPhone digitally, though for now I'll still have to show it when I go through customs and travel internationally.
Opt in for Touchless ID
The Touchless ID program is a newer program from TSA PreCheck that has launched at some major airports (with more to come), where biometrics are used to verify your identity.
You will need to opt in ahead of your flight, though. Do so by heading to your airline frequent flyer profile, uploading a photo of your passport and consenting to the facial recognition program. Touchless ID lines are an alternative when lines at Clear+ and TSA PreCheck are long — you may find there's no wait to use them.
A note on travel to Mexico
Mexico is a huge country, and the situation has returned to business as usual in many Mexican states. Airports in most parts of the country are operating as normal. As always, stay alert and keep up to date on local news when traveling abroad. I advise using the same level of caution as you normally would when traveling to a different country.
Sign up for STEP
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program provides useful updates and information for Americans traveling abroad. Sign up and monitor the information to help you decide how to handle certain situations.
If you're stranded in Mexico now, make sure to contact your airline, follow U.S. Department of State guidelines and check your travel insurance policies.
And if you're in a really desperate situation?
I learned from TPG readers this week that there's a nonprofit organization that helps extract Americans when they’re stranded abroad: Grey Bull Rescue.
Safe travels,
BK
P.S. Thank you to everyone who wrote in and shared their own travel pet peeves last week. From half-glass shower doors to the lack of outlets in a hotel room – I read every one.
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