Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) - do you use this - you should

[[email protected]]

Does anyone register their trips to international destinations with the Department of State - you should!
Since we travel frequently to Latin America, we have been in the habit of registering our trips with the State Department just in case something happens. It did come in handy when we were in Ecuador in 2001 and there just happened to be a mini revolution while we were in Quito - we actually had a state department rep call us at our Quito hotel to make sure we were OK.

https://step.state.gov/step/

Registration is easy and they have all kinds of useful information on their web site

[bonniejoy03]

WOW...Thanks for the tip. I guess we should do this! (as we are heading to Ecuador also! Hopefully the wildlife stay in line!)

[jsattapr2]

The S.T.E.P. program has never interested me. Seems like our government has a pretty good idea of who we are, where we are going and most everything they choose to know about us.

[betsyv]

I do for all my international trips-both business and personal. I have had to use it also unfortunately-once in Philippines and once in Indonesia - both business.

I also use Global Entry -which I love, love, love. It beats standing in those long immigration lines and also gives me special TSA clearance lanes when flying domestically.

[innocentsabroadisus]

We have never used this, but I will look into it. Thanks for the tip.

[[email protected]]

We are also in the Global Entry program and I know you are supposed to have the special TSA clearance lanes when you are enrolled in the program but we have never been directed to the special, don't have to take off your shoes, etc. lanes even when flying just domestic - I asked at the Philly, Houston, Miami airports and they all said there were no special lines, global entry is just for returning to the country and does not give you any special privledges, blah, blah, blah.
I would like to know how they are checking this information - when I book a flight I always give my global entry number but nothing ever seems to align.

[[email protected]]

I forgot to mention that I just read a list that gave 5 best ways to spend $100 and joining Global Entry was #4 on the list!

[betsyv]

Something is wrong then because the following link clearly says Miami is included -

TSA Pre

It is the TSA Precheck lane. I know where it is in Atlanta and some of the other airports but don't know all. If you go to the link above and then the FAQ, there is a map and if you click on the location (Miami), it tells you where the Precheck lane is. Maybe it is because you are calling it Global Entry? Hope that helps!

[kyshel]

Look at this page--maybe it will help:
TSA Pre
You MUST use your GE number PRIOR to arriving at the airport. It's sometimes referred to as "trusted traveler" on booking forms. If you have difficulty, call the airline and tell them you need to have it on the BP. Your boarding pass will then have the correct format for Precheck to scan for those fabulous 3 beeps. You can still be rejected, however.
I just got to try the "new" Precheck lane in ATL--WOW--it was "busy"--UNTIL most people found out they weren't permitted to use it. Our line went from 8 to 1. People just went to that lane because it was almost empty but didn't read it was Precheck--despite the signs all over the entry!
Took us about 5 minutes TOPS, as opposed to 30+ minutes (even the employee line @ATL can be HUGE at times)
We have Precheck at CVG--since Sept 2012. just dig around those pages--you'll find it. Between you and the government, I'd put my money on you!

[betsyv]

Kyshel is correct. I went to my Delta FF page and although I didn't recall adding it checked my secure flight info (name, birthdate, gender) that I had entered for TSA purposes and there was the space for my Global Entry number with my number there. I will make sure it is in my other airline accounts also so that I definitely benefit.

And yes, I agree Atlanta can be a real hassle but with the precheck lane, it was at the most 5 minutes instead of 30-45. We don't need it here in big ole Fort Myers though....