Aussies to get an easier path through US airports via the global entry program

Navigating US airports is about to get easier after Australia was added to the global entry program, sparing visitors from long immigration queues.

The days of waiting in long queues to get into the US are nearing an end, with Australia set to be added to the US Global Entry Program early next year.

The move means pre-approved, low-risk travellers from Australia will be able to use automated kiosks, speeding up processing time upon arrival in the US.

In the first instance, 1000 Australians will be able to apply for approval from January on the condition that they have visited the US five times in the past 12 months.

That requirement was expected to be lifted by the end of 2025 when all Australians would be able to seek pre-approval.

Despite the strength of the US dollar against the Aussie, the US continues to be the third most popular international destination for Australians behind Indonesia and New Zealand.

Flight Centre global corporate chief operating officer Melissa Elf said the step was great news for travellers, particularly for those travelling for work.

“The airbridge between Australia and the United States is critical for business travel, imports, and exports – with the countries conducting some $US77bn (118bn) worth of two-way trade, and the investment relationship valued at $US1.6 trillion ($2.46 trillion), making the United States Australia’s largest economic partner,” Ms Elf said.

“Over 12,000 Australian companies export to the US and our Flight Centre Corporate data shows us travel for the education sector has grown 93 per cent year on year for the January to June half – taking out the top spot for industry travelled.”

Long queues are common at US airports. Picture: Getty Images

Los Angeles was the number one destination for business travellers, she said, but New York had “stormed up the list into second place followed by Las Vegas, San Francisco and Boston”.

“Australian business travellers have been buoyed by the number of new, direct routes that have now opened up between our two countries, but we are still behind the curve when it comes to capacity versus 2019 – more choice and competition going forward will see travel grow even more,” Ms Elf said.

Delta and American Airlines are adding routes from Brisbane later this year, including to Dallas Fort Worth from October 27, then to Los Angeles from December 4.

United Airlines flies non stop between Australia and the US, as does Qantas.

Executive Traveller editor in chief David Flynn said the regulatory change would make travel to the US more attractive.

“This has been long-promised by the government, resulting in a frustrating wait for frequent flyers, almost as frustrating as the long time they spend in line for immigration and security at US checkpoints,” Mr Flynn said.

“It’s a massive time saver, not just for entering the US from Australia but also using TSA (Transportation Security Administration) pre-check to access fast-track security lanes at domestic airports.”

He said the initial trial of 1000 eligible Australians was likely to prove very popular and “be quickly over-subscribed”.