Less time standing in airport lines, fewer travel headaches, and one more reason to start your next adventure with confidence.
There are plenty of things to look forward to when traveling internationally: discovering new cities, exploring historic landmarks, enjoying wonderful food and making memories with new friends.
Standing in a long immigration line after a ten-hour flight? Not so much.
At Three Ring Travel Group, we believe the best travel experiences begin long before you board a plane. A little preparation can make an enormous difference, especially when you are coming home from another country. That is why we are sharing news about the updated Trusted Traveler app from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
First, what exactly is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a U.S. government program that allows approved, low-risk travelers to use expedited processing when returning to the United States. At participating airports, members can use dedicated Global Entry processing options instead of the standard passport-control line.
After a wonderful week cruising Europe’s rivers or exploring Italy, getting through the airport a little faster can feel like a luxury all its own.
Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck benefits. At participating U.S. airports, TSA PreCheck generally means you can keep on your shoes, belt and light jacket and leave your laptop and compliant liquids in your carry-on. Expedited screening is not guaranteed on every trip, but when it works, there is less unpacking, less repacking and fewer chances to leave something behind.
What’s new: one app for Trusted Traveler programs
CBP announced that, beginning September 15, 2026, its new Trusted Traveler app would replace both the older Global Entry app and the Trusted Traveler Programs app. Existing account information is intended to carry over.
The app brings services for Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST into one place. Depending on your program, eligibility, phone and location, those services may include checking membership status, scheduling interviews and managing or renewing membership.
For eligible Global Entry members at participating airports, the arrival feature lets you submit a photo and arrival details on your phone, then show the receipt to a CBP officer. It is a convenient alternative, not a waiver of inspection, and officers may still ask questions or conduct additional checks.
The app itself is free. Find official details and download information on the CBP Trusted Traveler app page.
Do you need to do anything?
If you already have Global Entry, take a few minutes before your next trip to check your phone:
Look for the updated app. If you used the older Global Entry app, find the new Trusted Traveler app through CBP’s official links.
Download or update it. Use the official links so you get the correct version for your phone.
Confirm you can sign in. Check your account before you leave home rather than at the arrival hall.
Check your expiration date. Global Entry membership lasts five years.
Bring your passport. The app is a convenience, not a substitute for required travel documents.
One more tip: add your Known Traveler Number to airline reservations when applicable so your TSA PreCheck benefit can appear on your boarding pass.
Don’t have Global Entry yet?
If you travel internationally even once or twice a year, Global Entry may be worth considering. CBP lists a non-refundable $120 application fee for a five-year membership. That works out to about $24 per year.
Applicants complete a background check and interview. Approval is not guaranteed, enrollment can take time, and downloading the app does not grant membership. Some travel credit cards offer application-fee credits, so check your card’s current benefits before you apply.
One small detail that can make a big difference
At Three Ring Travel Group, we put considerable thought into the details of every journey, whether it is a European river cruise, an immersive cultural adventure or a getaway shared with wonderful fellow travelers.
International travel can feel a little intimidating, especially if you have not ventured overseas in a while. Passports, airport connections, foreign languages, customs procedures and unfamiliar transportation can seem like a lot to manage. Our philosophy is simple: you should spend more time enjoying your destination and less time worrying about logistics.
Downloading an airport app might not sound as exciting as sailing through France or exploring Europe’s Christmas markets, but it is exactly the kind of small preparation that makes a great trip even better. And if we can help you spend less of your journey standing in line, we will consider that a little victory.
Happy travels!
The Three Ring Travel Group Team
Adapted from an article by Carla Christian for USA River Cruises. For applications and account management, visit the official Trusted Traveler Programs portal.
Originally published in The Dorothy Society ↗
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