GUWonder

Assuming you are traveling together and constitute a common household, you should preferably go through the same line together; and even if you go separately, you should declare that your household members are split in different lines. You can't use the GE kiosk line together with non-GE passengers, so make your decision around their inability to use the GE line.

tmiw

That's what I was thinking. I knew they couldn't use the GE kiosks but it's probably easier to just wait in line with everyone else. Though, my mom does travel abroad ~1x/yr on her own so maybe I can convince her to get it.

If everyone were to get GE, would we all put the same thing on the customs declarations (e.g. if one of our suitcases has candy, say "Yes" to food for all of them)?

GUWonder

It depends on whether you want to risk some petty little Napoleon in the government making a fuss about it. At least with cash, if you have $6,000 and your other household members have amongst them $5000, each and every member of the same household should declare that they have more than $10k -- otherwise there is a risk of being considered to have failed to make a required declaration and being separated from the money.

Think about it this way: if you were filling out one joint paper customs declaration form, what would it look like and what would the consequences of that be. I would have everyone in the household mention food on the declaration form.

Steve007NY

Returning to JFK from CDG with my brother, who does not have global entry. I assume I cannot claim him as a "family member". However, does anyone see any problem with checking both of our suitcases under my name to facilitate clearing customs at JFK? I figure I'll use global entry and wait for the suitcases while he crawls through the arrival wine but then, assuming I don't get the dreaded X, we should be able to more expeditiously get out of the terminal.

Flying in J if that matters.

FirstInFlight

Correct that he will not be able to go through GOES with you.

My experience at JFK is that the luggage can take a lot of time so he may well catch up with you. But you can check his bag as yours. It may not save much time but who knows. You can walk out together.

DaDaDan

Small thing, but GOES is the acronym for the Global Online Enrollment System, not for Global Entry. GOES handles enrollment in a variety of trusted traveler systems, including Global Entry, but they are not the same.

Often1

Presuming you trust your brother not to pack a raisin in his suitcase, go for it.

jalves

Agree with FirstInFlight that its a crap shoot at JFK. We came back from CDG in October and it took forever to get our bags, even with Priority tags on them. Can't say Global Entry helped much in that situation other than actually going through the Customes/Imigration check.

Steve007NY

We've had very, very mixed experiences with the global entry. Sometimes, we been at the taxi stand within 20 minutes of arrival at the gate. Other times, not quite so lucky. I know that my brother and I will be pretty beat, having gotten up at 4 AM to return the car at TLV, try to take him to see the sights of Paris during the seven hour layover, and then the trip back to JFK. Even a few minutes shaved off the total time will likely be a godsend!

bennos

From the other threads you've posted, I believe you're on the A380 flight into T1. If so, 99% likely that your brother catches up to you before your bags do. AF takes forever to unload the A380 and priority bags often don't come out first. In terms of checking the bag, sure do whatever you want. It probably won't make any difference in timing, as others have suggested.

In terms of exiting customs (where there is a faster Global Entry exit that you can use, but your brother can't), I strongly recommend you each take your own bag through if you don't exit together.

In summary: Global Entry is unlikely to shave even a few minutes off your trip since you are traveling together.

baccarat_king

Basically, what bennos says. If you desire to exit with all bags, it's best to just check them under your name. As a medallion in J on Air France you get 3 bags (2 + 1 extra) so there is no reason why you can't check-in with both bags under your name.

But, this is such a non-issue since you need to ultimately wait for your brother anyway. Even if you get out of customs more quickly, if the non GE customs exit (bag observation/check) is long, your brother is still stuck in it. Also, by the book your brother cannot exit using the GE exit (with you). I tried that once (with a friend) at BOS. So, it's not just the kiosks (immigration) but also exiting (customs). Of course, YMMV, but I wouldn't be surprised if that is enforced at more airports than just where I tested it (BOS).

My overall observation that when traveling with non-GE peeps; it's hardly even worth the effort. I just wait for them at baggage claim. Luckily, my entire family now has GE. Something I strongly suggest, even for those who travel infrequently. One time pain, to gain seamless travel (and entry into the USA) for years and years to come.

JayTeaBee

Quick question, OP mentioned claiming someone as a "family member" with GE. Does that mean if my wife has GE and I'm travelling with her I would be able to be claimed by her and use GE as well?

I ask because I was denied GE and she was approved. Trying to decide if it's even worth her moving forward at this point.

Steve007NY

I will be flying 777 300ER. I guess the advice make sense. Brothers pushing 60 and this is his second trip outside of the US not on a cruise ship so I don't think global entry is in his future.

Btw, POST#1000!!!!

baccarat_king

NO. You can only use Global Entry Kiosks if you are approved for Global Entry. You can't even use them if traveling with an infant. (as an example)

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Canarsie

The new home for this discussion is now the Trusted Travelers forum, as the topic really has nothing to do with Delta Air Lines or the SkyMiles frequent flier loyalty program.

Regards,

Canarsie
Co-Moderator, Delta Air Lines | SkyMiles forum