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Comment by arcticbull | Hacker News Reader

A lot of people do this; you're conflating 'status' and 'earning points' -- none of the miles earned here count towards elite status. You can't get elite status from 'just renting cars'. You generally (with a few exceptions) need to fly 25, 50, 75 or 100K BIS ("butt-in-seat") miles each year.

Security takes time at airports and airlines want to look after their best customers, so they have arrangements with TSA/airport officials to create a shorter line for passengers with status and passengers in premium cabins. Doesn't affect what happens when you get to the end of it.

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This is totally accurate. I just want to add, that the TSA now has "TSA Pre" (or Pre-Check) which categorically DOES impact the level of screening pax need (i.e. they need less screening with TSA Pre). Express doesn't (you just skip the queue), TSA Pre does.

This is free to members of Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS programs, active duty [US] military, DoD employees and other federal employees with security clearance. For everyone else it costs $85/5 years ($17/year~) and may require an in-person interview.

I'd argue that if you are a frequent traveller, this is BETTER than status at the moment. The TSA Pre line is shorter and moves quicker than even the express line. And if you travel even semi-regularly $85/5 years is almost nothing compared to the time and hassle savings (look at it as one trip's lost lounge access).

I'd argue the extra $15 for Global Entry is worth it, if you're considering signing up for a Trusted Traveler program. You can go from landing in the US to curbside in single-digit minutes, and even if you don't often fly internationally, skipping one gigantic miss-your-connection-long line is worth it.

If you live nearby (or can easily get to) a Canadian border point, NEXUS is an even better value. $50 for five years, includes Global Entry privileges, and you get expedited access in and out of Canada - dedicated lanes if you drive, Global Entry-style kiosks if you fly. It can take a month or two for your interview however as both governments have to approve you.

I do have mixed feelings about forking over money to a system I would much rather see replaced or overhauled. However, considering how often I've flown in the last couple years, my NEXUS membership has absolutely been worth it for Pre-√ alone, and the times I've used NEXUS/GE have been equally handy.

+1 to Nexus. I've had it for years and it's really improved my travel experience more than my AA EXP status ;) well except for the upgrades.

It's also worth mentioning certain credit cards will credit you the amount for some of these programs.

For example American Express credits the fee for global entry on their higher end cards:

https://www.americanexpress.com/us/content/expedite-your-tra...

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