Global Entry program to land at MSP on March 5

A program aimed at side-stepping the long lines at U.S. Customs kicks off next month at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

The government's new Global Entry initiative will have six kiosks available to MSP travelers starting on March 5. And on March 27, a new office will open at MSP where travelers can be interviewed to get into the program.

Global Entry is a Customs and Border Protection initiative that seeks to expedite the security clearance process for low-risk travelers. Instead of waiting around to re-enter the country, fliers can use the kiosks to scan their passports and fingerprints. They'll also have the ability to answer the questions typical of Customs agents on the screen.

To apply for the program, travelers must pay a $100 application fee and agree to a background check and interview.

"We expect the demand will be really high," said Chi Tsang, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection area port director.

There will be three Global Entry kiosks in Terminal 1, two in Terminal 2 and one inside the MSP interview center, Tsang said.

Global Entry is available at 20 U.S. airports. More than 256,900 travelers nationwide have registered for the program.

"Anything to shorten waiting times at the airport, I'm all in favor of," McClure said.

Hours will be limited at the MSP office but could be expanded if demand is high, Tsang said. The office will open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for interviews.

Fliers approved for Global Entry will also qualify for TSA PreCheck, a program that lets fliers clear security without the hassles of removing their shoes, jackets and belts. PreCheck travelers go through an expedited security line.