Immigration & Airport Security

A little over two weeks ago, we wrote about the news that passengers on two of Etihad’s US bound flights would, for a transitional period, not be able to use the US CBP preclearance facility in Abu Dhabi and would have to clear immigration upon arrival in the United States just as passengers on most other flights have to do. Well, there's now some good news to share.

Unfortunately, passengers on two of Etihad's US bound flights are, for a 'transitional period', no longer able to use the US CBP preclearance facility in Abu Dhabi and will have to clear US immigration upon arrival just as passengers on most other flights have to do.

Thanks to the continuing enlargement of the Global Entry program and the US Visa Waiver Program, more people than ever before can now enter the United States relatively easily and without having to stand in the seemingly endless lines that some of our international airports have long been known for (I’m looking at you Miami).

CLEAR® Plus is an expedited security program based around facial recognition and fingerprint software that's currently available at over 55 airports around the United States and at several entertainment and sports venues as well. Since 1 August 2024, an individual CLEAR® Plus membership costs $199/year and a family membership costs $199/year for the first adult and then $119/year/person for up to three more adults. There are ways, however, that you can get membership for free, get the full cost of membership rebated, or get a discounted rate.

Global Entry is the US CBP program that gives members expedited entry into the United States via kiosks stationed at major points of entry and removes the need for passengers to stand in seemingly endless immigration lines as they wait to enter the country. The program currently costs $100 for a 5-year membership, but if you hold that right credit card, that fee can be rebated.