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PreCheck, Global Entry, CLEAR: We explain U.S. expedited travel programs

There are currently five services that grant quicker passage through U.S. airport security. Here are the pros and cons of each.

Travelers looking to navigate crowded United States airports more quickly and easily have several options. Currently, five travel services provide a fast track through immigration or security screenings. Four of those services— PreCheck , Global Entry , SENTRI , and NEXUS —are operated by the U.S. government’s Trusted Traveler Program , which now has almost 18.5 million members. The fifth, called CLEAR Plus , is run by a private company.

PreCheck lets travelers classified as low-risk skip regular Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screenings; Global Entry expedites customs checks on arrival in the U.S; SENTRI streamlines overland border crossings; and NEXUS simplifies passage between the U.S. and Canada. CLEAR Plus, meanwhile, focuses on airport departures, using biometrics for swifter identification of passengers.

Each of these five services is available only to U.S. nationals or lawful U.S. permanent residents, except for Global Entry, which can be used by nationals of 14 other countries.

What’s new with travel expedited programs

A record number of people enrolled in TSA PreCheck last year as U.S. authorities launched new technology to tackle increased waiting times for this airport screening service. Four million members joined this service in 2023, a 19 percent increase from the previous year.

This larger volume of users corresponded with longer wait times. Fresh TSA figures reveal that 88 percent of PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes to clear security in 2023, down from 94 percent in 2022.

PreCheck may lose members if its efficiency continues to wane, warns aviation security expert Sheldon Jacobson . At some U.S. airports, travelers are reporting longer waits at PreCheck lanes than TSA lanes, says Jacobson, a computer science professor at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “Passengers will view PreCheck as not worthwhile, perhaps allowing their status to lapse,” Jacobson predicts, if this system’s waiting times balloon further .

However, he believes this problem may be addressed by the TSA’s new technology. Facial recognition and self-service security screenings are being rolled out in a bid to reduce PreCheck waiting times. TSA PreCheck Touchless Identity Solution lets PreCheck members verify their identity via facial recognition instead of by presenting ID or a boarding pass. It is now operating at six U.S. airports, with more expected to join across 2024.

Meanwhile, the TSA’s new self-service screening has been installed at Las Vegas ’ Harry Reid International Airport . This cutting-edge checkpoint will let passengers enrolled in the Trusted Traveler Program scan their ID and carry-on bags themselves. Feedback from this trial will inform the development and potential expansion of the system.

What to know about the three major fast-track programs

TSA PreCheck lets members join express security lanes at U.S. airports, eliminating the need to remove shoes, belts, laptops, jackets, and liquids of less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml). To become a PreCheck member, travelers must provide personal information and undergo a background check. Within five days, most applicants get approval in the form of a Known Traveler Number, which is used when booking flights to ensure access to PreCheck expedited screenings. In April 2024 the TSA announced that people could now also apply for PreCheck at three CLEAR locations: Orlando International Airport, Sacramento International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport.

( What are the new rules on carrying liquids through U.K. airport security? )

CLEAR Plus is similar but not identical to PreCheck. It allows members to move more efficiently through airport checkpoints by having their identity verified via biometrics (eye or fingerprint) rather than queuing to present ID to security staff. Travelers can join CLEAR Plus by enrolling in person at a CLEAR desk at a participating airport. This process can be even quicker if they fill in their application online before visiting the airport to complete enrollment.

Global Entry, which costs $100 for five years (but will be increasing to $120 beginning October 2, 2024), provides expedited security clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the U.S. At separate Global Entry lanes, members have their photo taken, which confirms their identity, before they briefly meet a Customs and Border Patrol officer.

Unlike PreCheck or CLEAR Plus, Global Entry can be used by nationals of 14 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Bahrain, India, Colombia, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Mexico. However, Global Entry has a slower, more complex application process than PreCheck or CLEAR Plus, says John Lipford , affiliate professor of tourism at Grand Valley State University.

Global Entry applications can take up to 11 months to process. Applicants must pass a strict background check and an in-person interview, which can take months to secure. They can check their application status by visiting the Trusted Traveler Program website.

But there is a shortcut—the Enrollment on Arrival program lets applicants who are conditionally approved (usually after a few weeks), complete the interview, without an appointment, at the airport when they arrive from an overseas trip.

The program runs at more than 50 U.S. airports, with interviews conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers. You just need a valid passport or permanent resident card and documents proving U.S. residency (driver’s license, utility bill, mortgage statement, or rental payment statement).

Which program is right for you?

Global Entry is designed for people traveling overseas and, as an added benefit, it includes TSA PreCheck membership. Travelers who fly only within the U.S. are better suited to having just PreCheck or CLEAR Plus.

PreCheck’s advantages over CLEAR Plus are wider availability, lower pricing, and greater security bypasses, says Lipford.   PreCheck is offered at more than 200 U.S. airports, compared to less than 60 for CLEAR Plus. It only costs $78 for a five-year membership, which is about 12 times cheaper per year than CLEAR. And, unlike CLEAR Plus members, PreCheck users don’t need to undergo body scans.

Despite costing $189 annually, CLEAR Plus is popular due to convenience, marketing, and fascination with new technologies, says Lipford. Its sales kiosks are prominent in so many U.S. airports that they can easily be spotted by weary travelers queuing for a flight and wishing for speedier progress.

CLEAR Plus is also newer than PreCheck and uses biometrics as standard; it benefits from a perception of being more cutting edge, Lipford says.

( Will new travel technology invade your privacy? )

But Lipfort also expresses concern that travelers are sacrificing their privacy by agreeing to the biometric data collection of some expedited travel services. “[This] could have some pretty dire consequences, collectively and in the long term, should this information ever be misused,” he warns. “Privacy has historically been a valuable right and component of our lives in the U.S., and we are collectively whittling it away through advances in technology and the corresponding pressure to keep up with these advances.”

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Save time getting through airport security with Trusted Traveler Programs

Trusted Traveler Programs, like TSA Precheck and Global Entry, can help reduce airport security and border crossing wait times. Learn about applying for and managing memberships.

What is the Trusted Traveler Program, and how do you apply?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) manages the Trusted Traveler Programs. These include TSA Precheck and Global Entry . As a pre-approved member, you can use expedited lanes at U.S. airports and when entering the U.S. by land or sea. TSA Precheck is for travelers departing from U.S. airports. Global Entry is for travelers entering the U.S. from international destinations by air, land, or sea. There are also programs for entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico . 

To apply, you will need to pay a fee and provide documents proving your identity. Depending on the program, you may need to complete an interview. If approved, your program membership will last 5 years.

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If you are already a Trusted Traveler Program member and have questions about your account, check the Trusted Traveler Program’s frequently asked questions page . Scroll to the “membership” section at the bottom of the page to find out about:

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Best Travel Rewards Programs for 2023-2024

It's easy to feel enticed by an airline or hotel rewards program. After all, who wouldn't want a free flight, a room upgrade or other lucrative benefits? The catch – as any travel rewards program loyalist can attest to – is that maximizing these perks can be challenging. While it's often easy to join a program, attaining meaningful travel points and miles may come with a string of caveats. So how can you tell if a travel rewards program is worth your time and effort?

For the 11th consecutive year, U.S. News editors evaluated each travel rewards program based on key attributes that everyday travelers value, such as the size and diversity of each airline or hotel network and how quickly you can accumulate enough miles or points to earn a free flight or hotel stay. Our rankings also take into account the number of ways you can use travel rewards and the added benefits you receive as a member. 

Read more about  how we rank the best travel rewards programs , and find out which frequent flyer and hotel rewards programs top the 2023-2024 lists.

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Global Entry allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the U.S.

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NEXUS: Trusted traveller program for travel by air, land and boat

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You will be leaving the CBSA website. You will link to the Trusted Traveler Programs ( TTP ) System website operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ). U.S. CBP is the CBSA's partner in delivering the NEXUS program.

When you complete your application for NEXUS using the TTP System, you will be providing your personal information directly to U.S. CBP . Your information will be shared with the CBSA to determine your eligibility for NEXUS.

By continuing, you confirm that you have reviewed Canada's privacy statement and United States Privacy Act statement and agree with the use of your personal information.

Planned interruption to scheduling of new Canadian interviews: Scheduling service to resume July 13

Between July 7 to 13, no new interview appointments at Canadian airport enrolment centres will be visible on the Trusted Traveller Programs (TTP) site as we update the online scheduler. Existing appointments will go ahead as planned. To schedule a new interview, check back on July 13 .

NEXUS is designed to speed up border crossings into Canada and the United States ( U.S. ) for low-risk , pre-approved travellers. It is jointly run by the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Applicants must create an account in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveller Program System to proceed.

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MDOT lifts traffic restrictions to ease Memorial Day travel

May 22, 2024

Safety benefits: 

• MDOT is suspending work and lifting traffic restrictions wherever possible this holiday weekend to ease congestion and increase safety (85 out of 154 projects).
• AAA estimates more than 1.3 million Michigan residents are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, a 4 percent increase from last year. 
• Although some equipment and traffic configurations will remain over the weekend, suspending construction operations improves safety for workers and motorists. 
• Remember to buckle up, stay alert and avoid distractions at all times when driving.

LANSING, Mich. -  This Memorial Day weekend, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is removing lane restrictions on 55 percent of its road and bridge projects statewide to ease traffic delays for holiday travelers. AAA estimates more than 1.3 million Michigan residents are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, a 4 percent increase from last year and the second-highest forecast since 2000, when AAA began tracking holiday traffic.

Beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, May 24, and continuing until 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, 85 out of 154 projects statewide will have lane restrictions removed. While motorists will see suspended operations in most MDOT work zones for the weekend, drivers are advised that equipment and certain traffic configurations may remain in place, like temporary shifts or shoulder closures. 

"With the record amount of road and bridge work happening all across the state thanks to increased federal infrastructure investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law , as well as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's Rebuilding Michigan program , it has never been more important for drivers to follow all posted signs and speed limits in work zones," said State Transportation Director Brad Wieferich. "We understand the frustration construction can cause but we implore all drivers to follow the law, be patient, and help make sure everyone, including themselves, their passengers, and road workers, all make it home each and every night."

MDOT oversees I, M, and US routes and is responsible for nearly 10,000 miles of state highways, which carry more than 50 percent of all traffic and approximately 70 percent of commercial traffic in Michigan. 

The following is a list of work zones that will remain active or have lane restrictions during Memorial Day weekend. If necessary, detour routes will be posted at the project location. All closures are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on MDOT projects, go to the Mi Drive website at  www.Michigan.gov/Drive . 

Upper Peninsula I-75 in St. Ignace, Mackinac County, will have one lane open in each direction.

I-75 , Chippewa County, will have one northbound lane open over the Pine River.

M-28 near Trout Creek, Ontonagon County, will have one lane open in alternating directions over Rolston Creek via temporary signals.

M-35 in Gwinn, Marquette County, will have one lane open in alternating directions with a temporary signal.

M-48 south of Rudyard, Chippewa County, is closed between Centerline Road and Hantz Road with a posted detour.

M-134 , Mackinac County, will have one lane open in alternating directions over the Pine River via temporary signals.

US-2 in St. Ignace, Mackinac County, will have the south half of the overpass over I-75 closed. One lane will be open in each direction on the north half of the bridge. 

US-2 west of Epoufette, Mackinac County, will have an eastbound passing lane restricted to one lane using a lane shift.

US-41/M-28 in Ishpeming, Marquette County , will have one lane open in each direction with a traffic shift at Lakeshore Drive.

For more information, contact MDOT Superior Region Communications Representative Dan Weingarten at 906-250-4809. Follow the Superior Region on X at www.x.com/MDOT_UP .

Northern Lower Peninsula

The Mackinac Bridge will have one lane open in each direction. Travelers should expect delays and traffic backups, particularly 1 - 4 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday.

I-75 , Cheboygan County, has northbound traffic shifted to the southbound lanes with a moveable concrete barrier.

I-75 Business Loop in Gaylord, Otsego County, has one lane open in each direction with traffic shifts.

M-55/I-75 BL in West Branch, Ogemaw County, is closed between M-30 and Second Street. Detour on city streets.

M-115 , Wexford County, has one lane open in each direction under US-131 with traffic shifts.

US-31 in Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, will have one lane open for eastbound traffic with westbound traffic detoured via city streets.

US-31 in Manistee, Manistee County, is closed at the bascule bridge. Traffic is detoured via city streets.

For more information, contact MDOT North Region Communications Representative James Lake at 906-250-0993. Follow the North Region on X at www.x.com/MDOT_Traverse .

West Michigan

Eastbound I-196 Business Loop is closed between Holland and Zeeland, Ottawa County. Follow the posted detour.

Eastbound M-6 near Cascade Township, Kent County, will have the ramp to eastbound I-96 closed. Traffic is detoured via northbound M-37 and eastbound M-11 (28th Street) to eastbound I-96.

M-43 (E. Carlton Center Road) , Barry County, is closed over the Coldwater River between Barber and Usborne roads. Traffic is detoured via M-37, M-79 and M-66. 

The M-89/M-40/Hubbard Street/Ely Street/Cedar Street intersection in Allegan, Allegan County, is closed with posted detours.

M-91 (Greenville Road), Montcalm County, is closed between Kendaville Road and M-46 (Howard City Edmore Road) with a posted detour.

US-10 in Reed City, Osceola County, has one lane open in each direction over the Hersey River. US-10 Business Route (Chestnut Street) is closed from US-10 to the Hersey River.    

US-31 Business Route in Norton Shores, Muskegon County, will have one lane open in each direction between Shettler Road and Hoyt Street.

Northbound US-131 in Grand Rapids, Kent County, will have the ramp to I-96 and M-37 (Alpine Avenue) closed with traffic detoured via W. River Drive and southbound US-131 to I-96 and M-37. The M-37 (Alpine Avenue) ramp to eastbound I-96 is also closed.  

Southbound US-131 , Kent County, will have lane closures and a traffic shift from 68th Street to 108th Street.  

For more information, contact MDOT Grand Region Communications Representative John Richard at 616-262-1565. Follow the Grand Region on X at www.x.com/MDOT_West .

Southwest Michigan KL Avenue , Kalamazoo County, is closed and detoured at US-131.

I-94 in Stevensville, Berrien County, has two lanes open in each direction. Westbound I-94 Exit 23 is closed and detoured.

I-94 , Calhoun County, has two lanes open in each direction between Helmer Road and 17 1/2 Mile Road.

I-196 , Van Buren County, has traffic shifted with one lane open in each direction from Hagar Shore Road to County Road 378.

M-40 in Lawton, Van Buren County, is closed and detoured between 72nd Avenue and White Oak Road.

M-51 , Berrien County, has one lane open in each direction from Chestnut Street to Main Street.

M-139 , in Berrien County, is closed and detoured between Scottdale Road and John Beers Road.

US-12 , Berrien County, has one lane open in each direction between M-60 and Bond Street.

US-131 , Kalamazoo County, has one northbound lane open between Shaver Road and XY Avenue. Southbound lanes are closed with a posted detour.

For more information, contact MDOT Southwest Region Communications Representative Nick Schirripa at 269-208-7829. Follow the Southwest Region on X at www.x.com/MDOT_Southwest .

Central Michigan and Thumb

I-475 , Genesee County, has one southbound lane open from Davison Road to Carpenter Road. Northbound I-475 will remain closed and detoured.

M-20 , Isabella County, has one lane open in each direction from US-127 to Mission Street.

M-20 , Isabella County, has one lane open in each direction west of Mt. Pleasant from Winn Road to Vandecar Road with temporary traffic signals.

M-25 (7th Street) , Bay County, has one westbound lane open between Madison Avenue and Veterans Memorial Bridge.

M-30 , Gladwin County, is closed over the Tobacco River. Traffic will be detoured via Curtis Road, M-18, and Dale Road back to M-30. Truck traffic will be detoured via US-10, M-18, and M-61 back to M-30.

M-46 , Sanilac County, is closed in Sandusky from Dawson Street to Campbell Road. Traffic is detoured via Dawson Street, Argyle Street, North Elk Street, M-19, Miller Road, and Campbell Road. One lane of westbound M-46 is open through the work zone for local access.

M-54 , Genessee County, is closed at the M-54 (Dort Highway)/Court Street intersection. Northbound M-54 traffic will be detoured via Lapeer Road, Center Road, and Robert T. Longway Boulevard back to M-54. Southbound traffic will be detoured via Robert T. Longway Boulevard, Center Road, and Lapeer Road back to M-54.

M-61 , Gladwin County, has one lane open in each direction east of M-30 with temporary traffic signals.

M-142 , Huron County, is closed in Bad Axe from M-53 and M-19. Traffic is detoured via M-53, Learman Road, and Carpenter Road. One lane of eastbound M-142 is open through the work zone for local access.

US-10 , Bay County, has one lane open in each direction at Mackinaw Road west of Bay City.

For more information, contact MDOT Bay Region Communications Representative Caitlyn French at 989-573-1274. Follow the Bay Region on X at www.x.com/MDOT_Bay .

Southern Michigan

Pontiac Trail , Washtenaw County, is closed over US-23.

I-69 , Clinton County, has one lane closed in each direction between Old US-27 to US-127.

I-75 , Monroe County, has one lane closed in each direction with a traffic shift between Erie and Otter Creek roads. The southbound entrance and exit ramps to Otter Creek Road are closed and detoured. 

I-75 Connector (Summit Street) in Erie Township, Monroe County, has one lane closed in each direction with a traffic shift between Substation Road and E Temperance Road.

I-96 , Eaton and Ingham counties, has traffic shifted from Canal Road to Washington Road with the following restrictions:

• The northbound Lansing Road ramp to eastbound I-96 is closed.
• M-99 has one lane closed in each direction at I-96.
• Washington Road is closed at I-96.
• Billwood Highway is closed at I-96.

M-106 (Cooper Street) in Jackson, Jackson County, has the southbound lanes closed and detoured from Morrell Street to High Street.

US-12 , Washtenaw County, has one lane closed in each direction with a traffic shift between Platt Road and US-23. Platt Road is closed at US-12.

US-23 , Livingston County, has the following restrictions at Silver Lake Road:

• The northbound and southbound US-23 exits to Silver Lake Road are closed. 
• The Silver Lake Road entrance ramps to northbound and southbound US-23 are closed.

US-23/M-14 , Washtenaw County, has one lane closed in each direction over the Great Lakes Central Railroad.

US-127/I-496 , Ingham County, has lane closures between Holt Road and M-43, along with the following restrictions:

• The northbound US-127/I-496 ramps are closed and detoured at westbound I-96, Dunckel Road, Trowbridge Road, westbound I-496, and Kalamazoo Street.
• The Trowbridge Road ramps to westbound I-496 and northbound and southbound US-127 are closed.

For more information, contact MDOT University Region Communications Representative Aaron Jenkins at 517-243-9075. Follow the University Region on X at www.x.com/MDOT_LanJxn and www.x.com/MDOT_A2 .

Metro Detroit

Macomb County  

M-3 (Gratiot Avenue) has three lanes open in each direction between 14 Mile Road and Wellington Crescent.

Southbound M-53 (Van Dyke Avenue) is closed at M-59 (Hall Road).

Oakland County   Eastbound South Boulevard is closed and detoured at I-75.

I-75 has two lanes open in each direction between M-15 and the Oakland/Genesee county line.

Westbound I-75 Business Loop (Square Lake Road) is closed and detoured from M-1 (Woodward Avenue) to I-75.

I-96 has two lanes open in each direction between I-275 and Kent Lake Road.

I-696 has two lanes open in each direction between I-275 and Lahser Road.

Wayne County 

The I-75 service drive near M-102 (8 Mile Road) has one lane open in each direction.

I-94 has three lanes open in each direction at Cass Avenue with the following ramps closed:

• The northbound and southbound M-10 ramps to eastbound I-94.
• The John R Street ramp to westbound I-94.
• The eastbound I-94 ramp to John R Street/Woodward Avenue.

M-5 (Grand River Avenue) has two lanes open in each direction between M-102 (8 Mile Mile) and Berg Road.

M-39 has lane closures in each direction between I-94 and M-153 (Ford Road).

M-85 (Fort Street) has one lane open in each direction at Outer Drive.

M-85 (Fort Street) has one lane open in each direction between West Road and Vreeland Road.

US-24 (Telegraph Road) has two lanes open in each direction at M-102 (8 Mile Road) with the following ramps closed:

• The northbound and southbound US-24 (Telegraph Road) ramps to westbound M-102 (8 Mile Road).
• The eastbound and westbound M-102 (8 Mile Road) ramps to southbound US-24 (Telegraph Road).

Northbound US-24 (Telegraph Road) has one lane open at Eureka Road. The northbound I-75 ramp to northbound US-24 is closed.

For more information, contact MDOT Metro Region Communications Representative Diane Cross at 248-752-0336. Follow the Metro Region on X at www.x.com/MDOT_MetroDet .

See regional contact  information below.

Related News

I-75 resurfacing in crawford county starts may 28.

GAYLORD, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will invest $2 million to resurface nearly 6 miles of I-75 from I-75 Business Loop (BL) (Federal Avenue) in Roscommon to US-127.

Bridge improvements begin on M-66 over Quaker Brook

BARRY COUNTY, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is investing approximately $800,000 to improve the M-66 bridge over Quaker Brook just south of Nashville in Barry County.

Iron Mountain Welcome Center closed for repairs

IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Iron Mountain Welcome Center is closed for repairs until further notice. The facility suffered water damage during a recent storm.

Clinton River Road bridge over M-53 (Van Dyke Freeway) closing for three months for bridge work in Macomb County

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. - Bridge improvements are set to begin 5 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, on the Clinton River Road bridge over M-53 (Van Dyke Freeway) in Macomb County, requiring the bridge to be closed for three months during full deck replacement, partial painting, and substructure repairs.

MDOT to showcase planned Marshall road improvements May 29 to accommodate new business growth

MARSHALL, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is holding two open houses to present proposed improvements to the M-96 (Michigan Avenue) corridor, as well as the I-94/M-311 (11 Mile Road) interchange, the M-96/M-311 intersection, and the I-69/M-96 interchange.

M-95 and M-69 resurfacing in Dickinson County starts May 28

FELCH, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is investing about $3.9 million to resurface about 22 miles of M-95 from US-2 north to M-69 and M-69 from M-95 to west of Felch Road in Dickinson County.

Sidewalk closure for Portage Lake Lift Bridge project starts May 20

HOUGHTON, Mich. - Elevator replacement work on the US-41/M-26 Portage Lake Lift Bridge between the cities of Houghton and Hancock will require a sidewalk closure on the bridge beginning next week.

Bridge improvements start June 10 in Huron and Tuscola counties

SAGINAW, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is investing $1.9 million to improve three bridges in Huron and Tuscola counties.

MDOT hosting Old M-14 (Ann Arbor Road) project open house May 30 in Wayne County

LIVONIA, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) invites the public to attend an open house regarding a new project planned for Old M-14 (Ann Arbor Road) in the city of Livonia.

Human-sounding AI can plan, help book your travel. But can you trust it?

It wasn’t so long ago that travelers planned trips without the internet.

“Back in the day, our parents used to go to these travel agents and really kind of express what they were looking for and what kind of vacation they wanted,” said Saad Saeed, co-founder and CEO of Layla, an AI travel planner whose website launched this year. “Slowly, we kind of acclimatized ourselves to start using these search boxes, clicks, these forms and filters.”

Artificial intelligence-driven tools like Layla can now turn back the clock on that experience, engaging with users almost like humans to customize travel plans with lightning speed plus all the resources of the web. But does AI actually make travel planning easier and can it compare to human expertise? 

Yes and no. Here’s why.

Can AI actually understand us?

It can try. 

“What are you personally looking for in this trip and what do you want out of it?” asked Saeed. “Do you want to reconnect with your partner, for example, or do you want to just feel some adventure and thrill?” 

A human travel agent may ask a series of questions to understand a client’s needs. So can generative AI , which picks up on keywords. Mindtrip, an AI planner launched publicly on May 1, has an actual travel quiz that asks users to rank priorities like “Is your ideal vacation day an exhilarating adventure or a relaxing break?” using sliding scales.

“What we get at the end of that quiz, using the AI, is a really customized description,” explained  Mindtrip Founder and CEO Andy Moss. That then informs what the AI suggests to the traveler. 

Informed suggestions can save users time in narrowing down destinations and experiences, as well as  introduce places users may never have discovered on their own.

AI travel planning is here: How to use it to plan your next vacation and what you should know first

Can AI fully replace humans?

No. Layla may sound human, using conversational phrases like “I've got three cozy nests that won't make your wallet cry.”

“She has a personality. We try to make her funny and so on, where it's really that friend that can get to know you and then recommend you the perfect stuff,” Saeed said.

But part of Layla’s expertise comes from the real-life experiences of some 1,600 travel content creators  the Berlin-based platform has partnered with. Their videos and insights can give users a richer picture of what to expect.

Mindtrip also leans on human expertise, having tapped a limited group of travel influencers for curated content with plans to eventually open it up so anyone can share their travel itineraries and experiences with the public.

Story continues below.

Is AI a threat to privacy?

With all the rapid advancements in AI in just the past year, some users are wary of its safety .

“Data privacy is definitely one of our biggest concerns, and we ensure that none of the personal identifiable information ever reaches basically the model providers. That will all stay with us,” Layla’s Saeed said. “None of their personally identifiable data can ever be basically used to profile them or basically go into any of these systems, which are training these different models.”

Booz Allen Hamilton, the nation’s largest provider of AI to the federal government , focuses heavily on ethical and  secure AI, as well as adhering to the government’s policies on data collection. 

“We collect as little information as we can in order to provide a secure transaction,” said Booz Allen Hamilton Senior Vice President Will Healy, who heads up their recreation work, including Recreaton.gov , the government’s central travel planning site for public lands like national parks. “We don't save your searches. We don't save your credit card data. We're very careful about the data that we store.”

Yoon Kim, an assistant professor in MIT’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department and Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory , isn’t too worried about security in the initial brainstorming stages of travel planning with AI.

“I don't see, at this point, how AI-generated advice is spiritually different from travel guide articles that you might read on certain websites,” he said. “Travel planning is one really nice use case of these models, as narrow as it is, because it's a scenario in which you want to be given ideas but you don't actually need to commit to them.” 

What’s next for AI? 

Things could be different, though, if AI is used beyond trip planning. Deloitte sees AI being woven into all parts of travel.

“There is an opportunity for a real engine – I'm going to just use a generic term, engine – that allows you to search and pull it all together and to sort based off of your personal reasons for prioritization and then not stopping at ‘hey give me a list’ or ‘here's what to do,’ but ‘OK, now go create my itinerary, help me book it, track it all the way through that travel process,” said Matt Soderberg, principal, U.S. airlines leader for Deloitte. 

Deloitte’s Facing travel’s future report, released in early April, identifies seven stages where AI can intersect with a trip, from personalized recommendations based on past travel, online purchases and tendencies to day-of issues to a post-travel pulse, where travelers may be asked about their experience and start thinking about future trips. 

“When you solve across all of those, that's going to be the Holy Grail,” Soderberg said. “The difficulty is that doesn't all sit in one place. And so how do you get the right information and the right data to bring all of that together for a single experience for the consumer? And who's going to own that?”

Layla and Mindtrip, among others, already offer booking through partners like Booking.com. “It's all about making things actionable,” Moss said.

But for now, if issues come up mid-trip, AI tools can’t fix them like humans can. Humans still have to get involved.

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• Barclays 2024 Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report

Barclays Releases 2024 Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report

Report reveals 76% of american travelers can’t imagine taking the trips they do without rewards points or loyalty programs.

Wilmington, Del | May 20, 2024

Personal travel is top of mind for many consumers this year and rewards programs will make all the difference, according to a survey of 1,000 US travelers by Wakefield Research. At the start of National Travel and Tourism Week, the second annual Barclays US Consumer Bank’s Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report provides fresh insights into what travelers care about related to loyalty programs and rewards in 2024. This report explores consumer attitudes, sentiments, and behaviors related to travel, loyalty, and rewards programs and highlights the value consumers place on travel rewards programs and co-branded credit cards with insights related to consumer preferences and generational differences.

“Our second installment of the Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report builds on last year’s findings and emphasizes the continued value that consumers place on rewards programs,” said Doug Villone, Head of US Cards and Partnerships at Barclays US Consumer Bank. “The findings show that rewards programs are an essential part of helping Americans travel for business and leisure. With our highly regarded and customized co-branded credit card programs for many of America’s most successful travel and retail brands, we focus on providing best-in-class experiences for the brands and our shared customers.” 

Rewards points are incredibly valuable

Rewards points are so important that more than a third of travelers in loyalty programs (37%) consider them an essential part of their budget. Most cardholders (72%) get more out of their credit card rewards programs than they put into them. This is an especially high sentiment with Millennials at 78%.

Loyalty programs create travel opportunities

Most travelers in loyalty programs (76%) can’t imagine taking the caliber of trips they do without the benefits of these programs. Without rewards, most people (77%) agree they would travel differently. Most people (76%) also say they'd alter their travel behavior significantly without rewards. This might mean opting for different providers, settling for cheaper accommodations, choosing less convenient travel methods, or even shortening trips.

Generational divides persist among travel trends

While Baby Boomers will travel the least for business this year (7%), they will travel the most for leisure (93%). Millennials will travel the most for business this year (30%) out of the age groups surveyed. However, leisure is top of mind for all age groups with Gen X (79%), Millennials (69%), and Gen Z (70%) all planning getaways. Millennials (83%) are also more likely to be currently enrolled in a rewards program than their peers (75% for Gen Z, Gen X, and Baby Boomers). Priority perks for them included airline miles (72%) and hotel points (67%).The survey supports the continued rise in personal and business travel and validates that consumers significantly value rewards and loyalty programs that are helping to fund the demand for domestic travel, globetrotting and upgrades.

Read the full 2024 Barclays Travel Rewards and Loyalty Report

Barclays partnered with independent market research company Wakefield Research to survey 1,000 US adult travelers from March 27 and April 3, 2024. Travelers are defined as having traveled by air in the past 12 months, and likely to travel again in the next 12 months.

About Barclays US Consumer Bank Barclays US Consumer Bank is a leading co-branded credit card issuer and financial services partner in the United States that creates highly customized programs to drive customer loyalty and engagement for some of the country's most successful travel, entertainment, retail, and affinity institutions. The bank offers co-branded, small business and private label credit cards, installment loans, online savings accounts, and CDs. For more information, please visit www.BarclaysUS.com .

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• Trusted Traveler Programs

The NEXUS program allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing when entering the United States and Canada. Program members use dedicated processing lanes at designated northern border ports of entry, NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air and Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States via Canadian Preclearance airports. NEXUS members also receive expedited processing at marine reporting locations.

Trusted Traveler Programs: Nexus

Nexus benefits.

• Receive expedited passage at NEXUS-dedicated lanes
• Utilize Global Entry airport kiosks
• If arriving by sea, reporting arrival into the U.S. and Canada by calling a marine telephone reporting center