September 21, 2009

Airport Check-In: Global Entry Deployed at McCarran

Story by Las Vegas Channel 8 on new kiosks for Global Entry put in McCarran. Includes a two minute video of the actual deployed kiosks and customers using them.

New Kiosk Allows Faster Times at Customs

Updated: Sep 16, 2009 8:33 PM MDT
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New Kiosk Allows Faster Times at Customs

The lines at customs at McCarran International Airport can often make for a long wait.

U.S. customs agent Debbie Sanders oversees customs at McCarran where a new system will allow frequent, low risk travelers the chance to by pass wait times. "They go online, apply for the program and pay a fee. Their information is vetted into our system and they will receive a conditional approval," she said.

Travelers wanting to use the new system must also meet face to face with a customs agent to get final approval.

McCarran Airport says just because it's a speedy process does not mean everyone will be cleared.

"This does not lessen what's already happening. What it does do is provide a much more thorough way of getting people through the system," said Rosemary Vassiliadis with McCarran.

It's a system that keeps safety at the top of the list. "Every time a passenger uses a kiosk, we are doing a background check on that transaction. There is also some internal security features that help us insure we don't have anyone bypassing the system of misusing the system," said Carlos Martel with Customs & Border Protection.

McCarran will only have one kiosk, but if international travel increases, more could be allocated to help handle the increased traffic.

The program requires travelers to pay a non-refundable $100 application fee. This program is open to all U.S. citizens and those with green cards.

Posted by staff at September 21, 2009 08:56 AM