click for hi-res Chief CBPO Scott Sams demonstrates the expedited clearance process the Global Entry Program will afford all travelers approved for the program.

Global Entry is a voluntary expedited clearance initiative for pre-approved, low risk international travelers who are processed by biometric identification using a designated kiosk, rather than waiting in line for entry processing by a CBP officer. It is the quick and easy express pass through the U.S. international air arrivals area and reduces average wait times by more than 70 percent. Having the Global Entry program at CLT Airport will now allow CBP officers the opportunity to focus on high risk international travelers that need additional attention.

“The program has been enthusiastically and overwhelmingly received by the traveling public,” said Patty Fitzpatrick, area port director for CBP Charlotte. “Within a week of going on line, all 60 of the available appointments for April were reserved and as of the opening day, 22 appointments for May had been filled.”

Announced as a pilot program in 2008, Global Entry was established as a permanent voluntary program last month. It now operates at 24 U.S. airports including the recently added airports in Minneapolis, Charlotte, Denver and Phoenix. This expansion will make expedited clearance through the Global Entry program available at airports serving 97 percent of international travelers arriving in the United States. More than 278,000 members have enrolled in Global Entry thus far and have used the designated kiosks more than 1.9 million times. And as an added advantage, Global Entry members are eligible to participate in other programs such as the Transportation Security Administration Pre-Check passenger expedited screening program.