What's the point of the new secure cards? I say a waste of money.

The whole thing is secured with bio-metrics anyway - who cares about a holograph.

When in land mode there are no biometrics involved. Just the RFID chip. Marine mode I don't think any verification is involved.

I hear ya. But I can't help but think this is being done so the TSA id checker can flash the card with his super-duper blacklight.

Regarding the TSA and their secret squirrel ID checking... I asked at LAX T2 (Air Canada outbound) if she could take a Nexus card for the ID check (knowing that most of the time the TSA agents are clueless)... She first hesitated, then I said "it's government issued ID", she barely looked at it and let me through.

What is everyone's luck in using the Nexus card as an ID in US airports? In Canadian airports, always seems to work.

I am shocked that TSA or CBP would have a clue what NEXUS is (at a US airport.)

Crossed back into Canada at the Peace Arch today and the crossing guard gave everybody a leaflet stating the same thing.

I used it in BUF, and did not even get a comment from the TSA agent.

Its officially listed as acceptable ID..

http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/apis_documents.pdf

Dang, my Library card won't work :(

I was thinking the same thing:D

Seriously though, I'm sure I've posted something similar here before, but I have not had much luck getting the TSA to recognize the NEXUS card. While it may be "officially" acceptable, thing is, it really depends on who is manning the door. I've had it accpeted just once - most, that I've dealt with anyway, have just refused it - a couple have offered to get the book to see if it is acceptable, but its faster just to use a DL at that point. Though I've always wanted to have them look through and see their reaction when they find it. I understand in some places where there are a lot of carriers, but when I'm going through security at Term. A at Newark, where I have been rejected, but there are only 3 other airlines using that security check besides AC (UA and Airtran, and used to be a few CO gates), I expect that at least they should know there.

CBP does NOT accept Nexus, as far as I know - according to the Nexus guide, the card is only valid at stations that have Nexus kiosk's - e.g., the Canadian airports. Which is actually one reason I haven't flown Porter to EWR, I don't believe you can use Nexus at either end. Global Entry, the US trusted traveler program that started in testing at JFK, IAD and IAH (just google Global Entry for info), is supposed to eventually going to have some coordination with Nexus (I'm thinking maybe an easier application process or maybe one application for both programs in the future, no need for an additional background check, and possibly (hopefully) a lower application fee). However, I believe at this time Global Entry is only open to US Citizens.

But back on topic, I have also never had a problem getting AC to take my Nexus card as ID in the US, but United definitely does not (for travel to Canada, anyway) as they require a passport for travel outside of the US. I suspect that most US-based airlines are the same. I wish this wasn't the case, but I'm guessing they just want to be extra sure that a person has the proper ID to be accepted into the country which they are traveling to.

I'm a US resident (not a US Citizen) and got accepted into Global entry...

Congrats on getting the Global Entry. Do you have to go through an Interview process, or did they import your Nexus information?

I would like to apply, but not sure if they consider Visa holders, or is it just Cdn citizens who hold green cards.

My mistake, Global Entry is open to US perminant residents as well. However, doesn't appear Visa holders are eligible. From the Global Entry FAQ site:

"Q: Who may apply for Global Entry?

A: Individuals who are: A) 14 years of age and older and B) U. S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents."

Nexus members have no special application process as of now - you have to apply using the normal process on GOES, though it looks like there could be some sort of coordination in the future. Again, more info from the FAQ

"Q: I am a member of NEXUS, Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) and Free and Secure Trade (FAST). Does that help me get into Global Entry?

A: CBP is exploring ways to integrate members of its NEXUS, and SENTRI programs on an optional basis."

Standard Interview for Global Entry. If you did your NEXUS application on GOES, when you apply for Global Entry 95% of the fields are automatically filled out from the NEXUS application! So it took 5 minutes to apply - was just error checking the values.

Actually, there was some discussion on this in another forum. If you have a Library of Congress library card, which has your photo on it, and is a federally issued ID card. Some have had luck with that at a TSA checkpoint.