If you have travelled internationally lately, you likely had to endure a long immigration line upon re-entry into the United States. No one likes to stand in line longer than necessary, but when connecting flights are involved, it’s even more important to learn time-saving techniques at the airport as it can make the difference between catching your flight or missing it.
For frequent travelers, it makes sense to invest in a Global Entry card, which lasts for five years and makes the process of re-entry back into the U.S. a breeze. It also comes with TSA Pre-check, which lets you use preferential security lanes at most airports.
But for those who don’t have Global Entry, the next best thing is MPC: Mobile Passport Control. This app can be downloaded and used for free at participating airports and allows you to use a special fast-track lane when going through border control on re-entry back into the United States.
To use MPC, download the app from your phone’s app store and create a free account in advance of travel. Upload your passport information by taking a picture of each family member’s passport in the app. Then, next time you are returning to the U.S. from an international trip, check to see if the U.S. airport you are landing in participates in MPC. (The app contains a list of all participating airports.) If so, as soon as your plane touches down and you are able to turn your phone back on, open the MPC App and follow the instructions for joining the queue. A QR code will be generated that will allow you to join the much shorter MPC line while going through U.S. Immigration.
You can make one submission for your whole family and even friends traveling with you, provided their passport information has been uploaded to the app. Watch a short video of how it works here and give it a try on your next international trip!
