Global Entry Benefits For Austrian Airlines Passengers

Global Entry is a program that provides expedited entry into the United States for trusted travellers. It is available at major U.S. airports, and participants can also take advantage of TSA PreCheck, which offers expedited security screening. While Global Entry is a U.S. program, it is currently working on expanding to Australia, with applications set to open in early 2025. As for Austrian Airlines, it is listed as a participating airline for TSA PreCheck, but it is unclear whether passengers can add their Known Traveller Number (KTN) to their booking. Some sources suggest calling the airline or asking at the ticket desk to add TSA PreCheck to a booking.

Global Entry for Australian citizens

Australian citizens will be able to apply for the Global Entry Program, which will allow expedited entry to the United States, starting in early 2025. The program will be implemented in two phases.

Phase One

The first phase will allow 1,000 Australians who are considered frequent travellers to the US (those who have travelled to the US at least five times in the past year) to access the program for free.

Phase Two

The second phase will see applications open more broadly for Australian passport holders, with no minimum frequency of travel to the US required to qualify. However, applicants will need to meet several criteria to be approved. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has advised that applicants are likely to be declined if they:

• List incomplete or incorrect details on their application
• Have any pending criminal charges, warrants, or convictions, including for 'driving under the influence'
• Have an adverse travel history in any country, such as violating agriculture, immigration, or customs regulations
• Are the subject of an ongoing investigation by any local, state, or federal law enforcement agency
• Have attempted to purchase a firearm and were denied
• Are ineligible to enter the United States under normal, legislated circumstances (an approved waiver or parole document does not override this requirement)
• Are unable to satisfy CBP that they would be a low-risk traveller

Benefits of Global Entry

Global Entry provides expedited border crossings for qualified travellers, including access to TSA PreCheck for streamlined passage through security. This means that upon arrival at US airports, trusted travellers can proceed to kiosks for express processing and quick clearance of customs, simply by scanning their passports. Given that passport queues at some US airports can stretch for two hours or more, this is a significant time-saver.

TSA PreCheck privileges are available at many US airports on both domestic and international flights. Many airlines flying directly between Australia and the United States support TSA PreCheck, including Qantas, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, and United Airlines.

Background

Australia had previously tried to join the Global Entry program, but these efforts were stalled by the pandemic in 2020 and the federal election in 2022. The formalization of participation in these programs can be a lengthy process due to diplomatic discussions, security protocols, and administrative processes.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called the decision a "mark of the closeness and the strength of the relationship" between the two countries. It is expected to benefit Australian businesses and foster greater commercial ties.

Visa-free entry to the USA

If you are planning to travel to the USA, it is important to be aware of the country's entry regulations and requirements. Here is some detailed information about visa-free entry to the USA:

Firstly, it is essential to check if your country of citizenship participates in the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). The VWP allows citizens of certain countries to enter the USA without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. To benefit from the VWP, you must hold a valid biometric passport with an E-chip. Additionally, you must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) travel permit, which is valid for two years and multiple entries, provided your passport remains valid. It is important to apply for the ESTA at least 72 hours before departure and ensure that you are not subject to any exceptions, such as recent visits to Cuba, North Korea, Iran, or Syria, or holding dual citizenship with certain countries. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in denial of entry to the USA.

It is the responsibility of travellers to ensure they meet all entry requirements and carry the necessary documents. You can obtain detailed information about entry regulations and passport requirements from the IATA Travel Centre or the embassy/consulate of your destination country.

When travelling to the USA, airlines are required to transfer passenger data to the US authorities via the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS). This includes personal details such as name, passport number, and date of birth. Providing accurate and complete information in advance can save you potential inconvenience at your destination airport.

Additionally, all travellers to the USA must provide their details to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which will be compared against watch lists. The TSA may also share this information with law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, and other authorities. Incomplete or missing information may result in denied transport or access to the airport gate.

To summarise, visa-free entry to the USA is available for citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Programme who hold a valid biometric passport and obtain an ESTA travel permit. It is important to ensure you meet all the requirements and provide complete and accurate information to the relevant authorities.

TSA PreCheck for Austrian Airlines

If you have booked a trip with Austrian Airlines and want to add TSA PreCheck to your ticket, you can do so by using the "manage my booking" feature on Lufthansa.com. Here, you can add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) under "Visa/Immigration data" for Austrian bookings. This is because Austrian Airlines does not allow you to add your KTN anywhere on their website.

It is important to note that some international airlines do not honor TSA PreCheck, so you may not be able to add it to your boarding pass. However, Austrian Airlines is listed as a participating airline on the TSA website. Therefore, you should call and ask the airline directly about adding TSA PreCheck to your booking.

TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that allows low-risk travelers to undergo expedited security screening at participating U.S. airports. It is one of several trusted traveler programs offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to enhance security and improve the travel experience.

The TSA PreCheck program is available at over 200 U.S. airports and for flights on more than 80 airlines, including Austrian Airlines. Trusted travelers enrolled in the program can enjoy a more efficient screening process, including keeping on light jackets and shoes, leaving laptops and liquids in carry-on bags, and using designated TSA PreCheck lanes at security checkpoints.

To enroll in TSA PreCheck, individuals must provide basic personal information, undergo a background check, and complete an in-person enrollment session at a participating enrollment center. Once approved, the TSA PreCheck status is valid for five years and can be used at any participating airport when flying with a TSA PreCheck-eligible airline.

Entry regulations for Austria

Austrian Airlines advises passengers to enquire in good time about the current entry regulations for their destination. It is the responsibility of the passenger to ensure their travel documents meet the entry regulations of their destination or to apply for any visa or travel permit that may be required. Passengers can enquire about entry regulations at the embassy or consulate of their destination country.

Austria's entry regulations are governed by the Schengen Agreement, which allows for the free movement of passengers within European member states. This means that there are no standard border checks. However, travellers must be able to identify themselves (including children and infants) within the Schengen area at any time and carry the relevant travel documents to do so (e.g. a personal ID or passport). Driving licences, bank and credit cards, or similar documents are not recognised as valid travel documents or proof of identity.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Austria introduced specific entry regulations to prevent the spreading of COVID-19 mutations in the country. As of February 2021, commuters were required to register and present a negative PCR or antigen test result (not older than 72 hours) upon entry, with a mandatory ten-day quarantine. This could be ended early with another negative test on the fifth day.

As of March 2021, Austria had a 14-day incidence of 388 new coronavirus infections per 100,000 inhabitants. At the time, there were no entry restrictions for travellers from countries with low infection rates, as long as they had been staying in those countries or in Austria continuously for the past 10 days.

The COVID-19 entry regulation for Austria was extended until 31 May 2021. As of March 2021, Austrians entering the country were required to quarantine and test. Immunization by vaccination or a previously survived COVID-19 disease did not exempt individuals from quarantine.

Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival

When landing in an international terminal, follow the signage to direct you to CBP officers who can complete your Global Entry interview during your admissibility inspection. If you require assistance due to a disability, inform the interviewing CBP officer immediately so they can provide a reasonable modification, aid, or service. Please note that if you request a modification, aid, or service that is not readily available, the interview may be scheduled for a later date.

To complete the interview via EoA, you must have the following documents:

• A valid passport (bring all passports if you travel with more than one)
• Documents providing evidence of residency (e.g., driver's license with a current address, mortgage statement, rental payment statement, utility bill, etc.)—not required for minors
• A permanent resident card (if applicable)

EoA is only available at certain airports, and you must land within the specified operating hours. A list of participating airports and their contact information can be found on the official CBP website.

Frequently asked questions