BG: I live in Canada, about 40 minutes from the U.S. border. Occasionally friends and I like to cross the border into the States for hiking trips, a bit of shopping for stuff we can't get here (or bargains we can't get here), or other attractions. A few of us decided to all get Nexus cards to expedite the border crossings. For those who don't know, the Nexus card means you've been pre-screened with all relevant documentation and instead of waiting for what can be a VERY long time (1-2 hours at times) in the regular lane at the border, you can zip through the special Nexus lane and just swipe your card. Everyone in the vehicle must have a Nexus card for that, and you're not allowed to drop off a passenger on one side to have them walk through, and pick them up on the other. It takes a few months to get a Nexus card and cost me $50 for 5 years. (I heard it went up though). I also haven't used it as much as I thought I would, due to being too busy to go down there. [End of BG].
There's one friend of mine who I have been to the States with once or twice before I got a Nexus card. She's a really awesome person, wonderful company, very considerate of others. She's not a person whose feelings I want to hurt. She doesn't drive, but always contributes gas money when she rides with other people. I occasionally do things with her that involve driving within Canada. Sometimes it's her suggestion, not mine, but I don't mind a bit as I appreciate when someone else takes some initiative, and I don't mind driving as long as I'm not the only one paying for gas. I'm saying this because I don't want anyone to think she sounds "entitled"; she is not like that at all.
Lately she has been suggesting we go down to the U.S. together for a day trip. She knows a lot of us in our circle of friends, including me, have Nexus, but she doesn't. I don't know if it's funds, or what, preventing her from applying for a Nexus card. but she hasn't done anything about applying for one.
So now...I have this card, and I am loathe to wait in a long, long lineup each way when I could be zipping through the Nexus lane. I do want a trip over the border soon. In fact, last time I went with mutual friends, the only reason I didn't invite her was that she was the only one without a Nexus card. I just didn't mention it on Facebook or anywhere because I felt bad; I am quite sure she'd have liked to come.
I paid for the privilege of the card to speed my border crossings, and I'd like it to be worth it. Is there a polite way to say, "I do want to go to the U.S. but only with my Nexus-holding friends"?