New US Passport App Eases Travel Amid Business-Leisure Shift
UNITED STATES- A passport app could solve the impending rise in fees for expedited security programs, as outlined in a recent press release by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Starting October 1, the fee for the Global Entry program will increase from $100 to $120. Global Entry streamlines the clearance process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers at specific U.S. airports. Users verify their status with a photo and follow on-screen directions to meet a CBP officer for validation.
Mobile Passport App(MPC)
However, applying for and gaining access to this expedited clearance service can take “several months,” involving submitting an online application, awaiting conditional approval, and attending an in-person interview before travel or upon arrival at the airport.
CBP proposes an alternative for those seeking to avoid the additional $20 fee or dealing with potentially lengthy wait times: a passport app called Mobile Passport Control (MPC).
This free app enables travelers to submit their photo, customs declaration, and passport information to expedite their re-entry into the country at participating airports. This grants them access to dedicated lines for MPC users, facilitating a swift passage through immigration.
“Travelers who successfully utilize the MPC passport app will no longer need to complete a paper form and may be directed to a designated queue,” the U.S. CBP states on its website. “Consequently, travelers may encounter shorter wait times, reduced congestion, and efficient processing.”
CBP’s Mobile App
The CBP’s mobile app offering is positioned to appeal to tech-savvy younger travelers, who are also strongly inclined toward digital payment methods.
Moreover, Generation X and millennial consumers are key drivers of the rising travel expenditures, contributing approximately 31% and 28% of the total expenditure, respectively. This underscores the necessity of aligning services with their preferences and travel requirements.
With an anticipated increase in consumer travel this year, catering to the preferences of leisure travelers should be a primary focus for businesses in the travel sector.
Executive Insight
According to Richard Wazacz, CEO of foreign exchange company Travelex, there has been a noticeable shift in the balance between business and leisure travel, with a larger proportion of consumers than business travelers.
This shift is expected to significantly impact the dynamics of the travel industry this year, as indicated by reports from airlines such as British Airways, highlighting a decline in business class bookings alongside an increase in economy and economy plus bookings.
“This trend has clear implications for the ecosystem because business travelers and leisure travelers exhibit different behaviors and have distinct needs,” he elaborated.
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