U.K. Registered Traveler vs Fast Track
 

I typically fly business or first class from the U.S. to the U.K. and am provided a Fast Pass by the airline attendant. The Registered Traveler program is about $100 annually. Does the Registered Traveler give any benefits that using the Fast Pass doesn't? Should I bother to incur the cost if Fast Pass is free. I don't know that I'll always travel 4 times per 52 weeks. Will the Registered Traveler designation be renewed without the 4 trips annually? Any help or information is appreciated!

Are you talking about UK programs? The US program is called Global Entry, and it costs $100 for 5 years.

And Global Entry includes the additional benefit of TSA Pre.

No -- Global entry is entirely different than what the OP is asking about . . .

dmroy: I get messages from the UK border agency every couple of months suggesting I apply for Registered Traveler.

I usually fly business in to the UK and receive the fast track pass on the plane too so I've never considered Registered Traveler. My next flight is in coach so I'll probably regret that decision soon :)

But if you always fly in the front of the plane I really don't see a big benefit.

I received the same offer but declined for 2 reasons: 1) I don't fly to the UK that often and 2 ) I always fly Business Class to overseas destinations and get a "free" Fast track Pass when flying to the UK. It works very well for me so I didn't think UK Registered Traveler would be worth the extra cost.

<i> Does the Registered Traveler give any benefits that using the Fast Pass doesn't? </i>

I am pretty sure that they are two different things:

- Fast pass lets you use the faster security queue so you can get into the lounge faster and enjoy an extra drink or two.

- Registered Traveler lets you clear immigration quicker and you don't need to fill out the blue landing card so you can leave the airport quicker.

>>- Registered Traveler lets you clear immigration quicker and you don't need to fill out the blue landing card so you can leave the airport quicker.<<

But that is what dmroy, Roamsaround and I were talking about -- the 'fast pass' they give out to passengers in the front of the plane (and possibly premier ff member) lets you jump the long regular immigration queue so you clear in a fraction the time. One still has to fill out the landing card but that takes 2 minutes before you land so no big deal really.

I have a stack of immigration cards in my messenger bag so I fill mine out just before landing.

When I see people get to the non-EU immigration counter and they don't have their blue card filled out, I channel my inner Nelson Muntz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdOPBP9vuZA

What janisj said is correct. To me, the fast pass is the same as the registered traveler, and the registered traveler for the UK is $100/year . . . why bother if you're going Biz class and get in front of the line?!

spark - fastpass works at departure (rather like the TSA PreCehck program, lets you go to expedited security) as well as at arrival (expedited immigration processing as with the Registered Traveler program.)

Can someone link me to Fast Track?

Have only ever used FastTrack as a perk from the airline when flying in their premium cabin. Unsure if it is possible to purchase.

You can purchase fast track at certain UK airports but this is for departing passengers....price is usually in the £5/£6 mark...

should add this is for quicker security lines- I use it regularly at my local airport when flying economy domestic or short haul.

I'm reconsidering after today's ordeal at LHR. I had to fly coach (actually economy+) because there were no business ff award seats available. The regular non-UK/non-EU queue was ENORMOUS. From entering the line to officer took me 52 minutes!

If I had been in the front of the plane or had the pre clearance/Registered Traveler there was essentially no queue at all.