INSPASS
 

I've just received a newsletter from the International Airline Passengers Association (IAPA) that includes some interesting information about getting into the US without any immigration hassle. "Citizens of the United States, Canada, Bermuda and Visa Waiver Pilot Program countries (such as Australia, France, Germany, Japan and Great Britain) who travel internationally on business at least three times a year are eligible for INSPASS."
Our regulars who are eligible are probably already aware of the program (and since Switzerland isn't mentioned, I don't know if Rudi is). If you're not, though, respond and I'll post more detail.

Rudi / Switzerland is (but only starting year 2001) when our swiss passports can be eventually read my machines.

I put something up on this about 3 weeks ago...

Sorry, jamiel, I missed that. The possibility that it was nothing new was why I didn't go into a lot of detail, though.

I finally managed to pass through MIA at the same time the INSPASS office was open (most of my flights arrive at 4:30 AM, and the office opens at 6:30). I had been carrying my application around for several weeks, so was ready to get it done.

The processing is pretty quick, the whole process takes about 15 minutes, and includes filling out the information on their PC application, digital fingerprints, digital palm prints and digital picture. They then generate the card on the fly, and away you go. By the way, there is no cost, and the card is good for one year. I'll try it out next time I fly to MIA, and then report.

I got one of these as well. It usually works really well, although I have had problems two times. In each case, I got off a 747 and was among the first people into the immigration hall. I went straight for the INS Pass machines, which had broken hand geometry readers. By the time I got back into the regular lines, the whole plane was in front of me and it took forever to get through immigration.

When they work, they are a real timesaver, particularly in the NYC area airports (both Newark and JFK have them).

Highly recommended! I've used mine for about 6 months now. Never had a problem, and bypassed many a line up. Most major airports in Canada (where they have US INS pre-flight inspection) also have the.

And, if like me, you are a regular trans-border traveller, you can also get a CANPASS, the Canadian equivalent. Problem is, you have to go back two weeks after initially applying, and it costs CAD$50. Still worth it, though, given the amount of time you save.

Regards,

Ken Hamer


[This message has been edited by KenHamer (edited 06-10-1999).]