Ruth Haines
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an app that allows travellers to skip long lines at customs by scanning their passports and taking a picture through the app. MPC is currently available at 35 U.S. international airports, 14 preclearance locations, and 4 seaports of entry. While it is not clear if Bradley Airport is one of these locations, it does offer CLEAR expedited security screening, which enables travellers to use biometrics to verify their identity and quickly pass through security. Additionally, Bradley Airport recommends that passengers arrive at the ticket counter at least 90 minutes before their domestic flight's departure and 3 hours prior to their international departure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is MPC? | Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an app that allows you to skip the long lines at customs by scanning your passport and taking a picture through the app. |
| MPC availability | MPC is currently available at 53 sites, including 35 U.S. International Airports, 14 Preclearance locations, and 4 seaports of entry. |
| MPC at Bradley Airport | It is unclear if Bradley Airport offers MPC. However, they do offer CLEAR expedited security screening, which uses biometrics to verify traveler identities and escort them through a dedicated lane. |
| MPC vs. Global Entry | MPC is free, whereas Global Entry has a significant fee. MPC users can skip the line at customs, whereas Global Entry users must wait in line. |
| MPC vs. Paper Declaration | MPC does not require a paper declaration form. You answer CBP inspection questions electronically in the MPC app on your mobile device. |
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What You'll Learn
- The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app allows users to skip customs lines by scanning their passport and taking a photo
- MPC is available at 35 US international airports, but not all
- Bradley International Airport offers CLEAR expedited security screening, which uses biometrics to verify travellers' identities
- Bradley International Airport does have a Global Entry Enrollment Center
- Mobile boarding passes can be used at Bradley Airport, but a physical form of ID is also required
The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app allows users to skip customs lines by scanning their passport and taking a photo
The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is a convenient way for travellers to save time at customs by scanning their passport and taking a photo through the app. The app is available for Apple and Android devices. It is important to note that MPC does not replace your passport, but it allows you to speed up your interaction with the CBP Officer by submitting your travel details ahead of time.
To use the MPC app, users need to download the app and scan their passport. The passport information will be securely saved in the app for future use. Users will also need to take a self-photo and answer a few questions about their arrival and declarations. This submission is active for four hours. By submitting these details in advance, travellers can reduce the time spent at the customs booth.
For group travellers, the MPC app offers a convenient way to stay together. Up to 12 people can be added to a single submission from one device, allowing groups to approach the CBP Officer together instead of going to the booth individually. This feature ensures that families and groups can efficiently clear customs without the hassle of separating and waiting for each other.
Once the app submission is complete, users need to take out their physical passport and proceed to the designated MPC line, which is usually marked with signage. At the MPC line, a CBP officer will finalise the inspection. Users can expect a shorter wait time as MPC enables officers to process travellers more efficiently.
While the Mobile Passport Control app offers a faster alternative to traditional customs clearance, it is important to note that it may not be available at all airports. Currently, MPC is available at 35 U.S. international airports, 14 preclearance locations, and four seaports of entry. Therefore, it is advisable to check if your arrival airport offers MPC before solely relying on the app. Additionally, if your flight is diverted to an airport that does not support MPC, you will need to switch to the standard customs process.
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MPC is available at 35 US international airports, but not all
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a mobile app that enables eligible travellers entering the United States to submit their passport information and customs declaration form via smartphone or tablet and go through the inspections process using an expedited lane. It is available to US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travellers with approved ESTA. The app is available on iOS and Android devices and is operational at 33 to 35 US airports, 14 international airports offering preclearance facilities, and 4 seaports or cruise ports.
MPC is not available at all US international airports. While the exact number of US international airports is unclear, sources suggest there are at least 53 sites, including both US international airports and preclearance locations. As MPC is currently available at 33 to 35 US airports, this leaves at least 18 US international airports where MPC is not available.
The MPC app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. To use the service, travellers must create a secure profile with their passport information, name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship. Upon arrival in the US, users will be prompted to select their arrival location, take a photo of themselves, and answer a series of required trip and declarations questions. After submitting this information, travellers will receive an electronic receipt with a QR code, which they will present to a CBP official to finalize their entry.
It is important to note that MPC does not replace a physical passport. Travellers using MPC will still need to show their physical passport and briefly talk to a CBP officer during the customs process. Additionally, if a traveller's flight is diverted to an airport that does not utilise MPC processing, they will not be able to use MPC as planned. Therefore, it is essential to check if the arrival airport offers MPC before relying on the app for expedited customs processing.
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Bradley International Airport offers CLEAR expedited security screening, which uses biometrics to verify travellers' identities
Bradley International Airport (BDL) is New England's second-largest airport and is recognised for its ease of travel. The airport is always looking for innovative approaches to improve the traveller journey and has introduced CLEAR's biometric technology to its services. CLEAR is an expedited security program that uses biometrics to verify travellers' identities, allowing them to breeze through security.
CLEAR's biometric technology offers a secure identity platform that verifies someone's identity in seconds by scanning their fingerprints or eyes. This technology enhances the efficiency of security screening, ensuring that travellers spend less time waiting in lines. CLEAR members can use dedicated lanes to verify their identity, eliminating the need to present a physical wallet or driver's license. After successful verification, a CLEAR ambassador escorts the member through the dedicated lane to TSA physical security.
The CLEAR enrolment process is a one-time procedure that travellers can initiate at a CLEAR kiosk at Bradley International Airport or any of the 52 participating airports. During enrolment, individuals must provide their ID, fingerprints, and undergo eye scanning, which is securely saved within the system. Enrolment can be completed online, but the fingerprint and eye scanning must be completed in person at a CLEAR location within the airport.
CLEAR Plus is an optional membership that provides access to CLEAR's expedited identity verification lanes. It is available for approximately $16 per month, billed annually, with potential discounts for members of specific airlines and American Express. This membership option further expedites the security screening process, making it an attractive choice for frequent travellers seeking a seamless airport experience.
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Bradley International Airport does have a Global Entry Enrollment Center
To apply for Global Entry, you must complete an online application. Once your application has been reviewed, you will be contacted to schedule an interview at one of the Global Entry Enrollment Centers.
The Global Entry Program provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk international travellers. Members can expect expedited processing when entering the United States using automated kiosks at airports. Global Entry members are also eligible to participate in the TSA Pre✓™, the Transportation Security Administration's expedited security program.
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an alternative to Global Entry. MPC is an app that allows users to skip lines at customs by scanning their passports and taking a picture through the app. MPC is free, whereas Global Entry has a significant fee. MPC is available at 35 U.S. international airports, 14 preclearance locations, and 4 seaports of entry.
Bradley International Airport recommends that passengers arrive at the ticket counter at least 90 minutes before their domestic flight's departure and 3 hours prior to their international departure. The airport's peak hours are typically 4:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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Mobile boarding passes can be used at Bradley Airport, but a physical form of ID is also required
Bradley International Airport offers a range of options for passengers to streamline their travel experience. While mobile boarding passes are accepted at Bradley Airport, it is important to note that a physical form of identification is also required. This can include a valid passport, driver's license, military ID, or other government-issued photo identification. For domestic flights, passengers are advised to ensure their ID is REAL ID-compliant, denoted by a star in the upper right corner.
Passengers are encouraged to arrive at the airport early, especially during peak hours, which are typically between 4:00 AM and 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. It is recommended to arrive at the ticket counter at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight and three hours prior to an international flight. This allows sufficient time for check-in, security screening, and potential delays during heavy travel periods.
To expedite the security screening process, Bradley International Airport offers CLEAR, a biometric identification system. CLEAR enables travelers to verify their identity quickly using their eyes or fingers, eliminating the need to present a physical ID. This service is available to members who enroll online or in person at any CLEAR airport location.
Additionally, Bradley Airport provides a convenient meal pre-ordering service called BDL Market. Passengers can pre-order meals from various airport restaurants without the need for an app, saving time and avoiding lines. This service enhances the overall travel experience by allowing passengers to focus on other travel preparations.
In summary, while mobile boarding passes are accepted at Bradley Airport, travelers must also carry a valid physical form of identification. By arriving early, enrolling in expedited security programs, and utilizing pre-ordering services, passengers can streamline their travel experience and navigate the airport efficiently.
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