Is Global Entry worthwhile?
#106
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,037
Interesting to read all the paeans of praise with regard to Dulles. I can't think of a time that I haven't beaten my luggage going through immigration. Normally, I get through immigration in 5 minutes, 10 at the most. Maybe it's just the timing of the particular flights I use (all coming from Europe).
Not saying the GE system doesn't work, just not seeing how it would add value for me.
Not saying the GE system doesn't work, just not seeing how it would add value for me.
From what I can tell, GE also allows you to walk on the outside of the regular lines to hand in your form to the Customs person at the podium.
Not to discount your feeling or observations, but experiences can widely vary.
#107
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svs, AA PlatPro, WN RR, AZ/ITA Freccia, Hilton Diam, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez, IHG
Posts: 3,540
Ciao,
FH
#108
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Somewhere near BWI
Programs: DL DM, HH Dia, SPG Gold, MR Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 3,654
10 minutes from plane to secure side at ATL yesterday following DL56 landing.
The way it is set at ATL:
The way it is set at ATL:
- There are a pair of GE machines at the end of the Immigration line, next to the Diplomat/Crew line (follow those signs and you will get there quicker than winding past the masses)
- Once you have your receipt and luggage, you get to use the GE/Crew line at the Customs CP as well, which bypasses the masses
#109
In memoriam
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Catlett, VA, USA
Programs: UA GS/1K/2MM, HH Diamond, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 383
Also asked at the CBP GE office at IAD the other day about using Crew line if it is broke and they said no but just go to the first available Immigration station. So I guess the thing to remember is always have the paper declaration form filled out in case.
#110
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: AA LT PLT, DL PLT, HH DIA, IHG PLT, Hertz PLT, Bonvoy GLD, Avis Pres Club
Posts: 1,265
I applied and was approved for it after a recent re-entry hassle for a 1 night MR to MGA.
Sadly, it does NOT help you out when you do a 1 night mileage run to the caribbean...you still look like a drug dealer and get sent to secondary review. That's always fun.
I told the guy at secondary review that I was a GE trusted traveler and he said "That doesn't mean nothin." Great...I'm so glad I paid $100, went through a background check, and gave you all my biometric information.
Sadly, it does NOT help you out when you do a 1 night mileage run to the caribbean...you still look like a drug dealer and get sent to secondary review. That's always fun.
I told the guy at secondary review that I was a GE trusted traveler and he said "That doesn't mean nothin." Great...I'm so glad I paid $100, went through a background check, and gave you all my biometric information.
#111
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,037
I applied and was approved for it after a recent re-entry hassle for a 1 night MR to MGA.
Sadly, it does NOT help you out when you do a 1 night mileage run to the caribbean...you still look like a drug dealer and get sent to secondary review. That's always fun.
I told the guy at secondary review that I was a GE trusted traveler and he said "That doesn't mean nothin." Great...I'm so glad I paid $100, went through a background check, and gave you all my biometric information.
Sadly, it does NOT help you out when you do a 1 night mileage run to the caribbean...you still look like a drug dealer and get sent to secondary review. That's always fun.
I told the guy at secondary review that I was a GE trusted traveler and he said "That doesn't mean nothin." Great...I'm so glad I paid $100, went through a background check, and gave you all my biometric information.
I re-entered the U.S. at SFO about a month ago. Asked the guy at Immigration about GE there. His mood lightened up after mentioning that, as if I really am a "trusted traveler."
#112
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BWI
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, National Emerald Executive, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 15,180
They may protect it, but it still doesn't mean they're not data mining the crap out of it looking for terrywrists or abusing it other ways. It just means they're not giving it to anyone else and are trying to protect it from others.
#113
Join Date: May 2004
Programs: BA blue, LH Senator, KQ (FB) gold
Posts: 8,215
Speaking for UA alone, there are about six flights that come in 30 minutes of each other (from BRU, CDG, FCO, FRA, LHR, ZRH) between 2:45 and 3:15 p.m. Get in the middle or the tail end of that, and you'll be waiting for awhile.
From what I can tell, GE also allows you to walk on the outside of the regular lines to hand in your form to the Customs person at the podium.
Not to discount your feeling or observations, but experiences can widely vary.
From what I can tell, GE also allows you to walk on the outside of the regular lines to hand in your form to the Customs person at the podium.
Not to discount your feeling or observations, but experiences can widely vary.
#114
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: JAX
Programs: DL Silver Medallion
Posts: 2,671
ORD interview question
I was wondering if anyone here has interviewed at ORD and if so, where is the office located and how long did the process take?
I paid and submitted my application this afternoon, and I was hoping to do the interview at ORD during a two hour layover on my way to NRT later this month. Just curious is this is even possible based on location, logistics, etc.
Thanks,
Craig
I paid and submitted my application this afternoon, and I was hoping to do the interview at ORD during a two hour layover on my way to NRT later this month. Just curious is this is even possible based on location, logistics, etc.
Thanks,
Craig
#115
Join Date: May 2007
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 2K, Marriott Platinium, Global Entry, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 370
I was wondering if anyone here has interviewed at ORD and if so, where is the office located and how long did the process take?
I paid and submitted my application this afternoon, and I was hoping to do the interview at ORD during a two hour layover on my way to NRT later this month. Just curious is this is even possible based on location, logistics, etc.
Thanks,
Craig
I paid and submitted my application this afternoon, and I was hoping to do the interview at ORD during a two hour layover on my way to NRT later this month. Just curious is this is even possible based on location, logistics, etc.
Thanks,
Craig
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
1000 Bessie Coleman Drive
Terminal 5 – Lower Level
Chicago, IL 60666
Telephone: (773) 894-2900 x0
Monday - Friday 1000 to 1800
Once you exit customs and turn right and it is right there on your right.
I did my interview at Ord. I think with the time it took to take the train to terminal 5, have the interview and return to domestic terminal was under an hour. I went in and told the officer I had an appointment.2 minutes later I was answering the basic questions and taking finger prints. Then they run you through how to use the machine and your on your way. It was around 15-20 minutes in the interview and your done.
#116
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: JAX
Programs: DL Silver Medallion
Posts: 2,671
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
1000 Bessie Coleman Drive
Terminal 5 – Lower Level
Chicago, IL 60666
Telephone: (773) 894-2900 x0
Monday - Friday 1000 to 1800
Once you exit customs and turn right and it is right there on your right.
I did my interview at Ord. I think with the time it took to take the train to terminal 5, have the interview and return to domestic terminal was under an hour. I went in and told the officer I had an appointment.2 minutes later I was answering the basic questions and taking finger prints. Then they run you through how to use the machine and your on your way. It was around 15-20 minutes in the interview and your done.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
1000 Bessie Coleman Drive
Terminal 5 – Lower Level
Chicago, IL 60666
Telephone: (773) 894-2900 x0
Monday - Friday 1000 to 1800
Once you exit customs and turn right and it is right there on your right.
I did my interview at Ord. I think with the time it took to take the train to terminal 5, have the interview and return to domestic terminal was under an hour. I went in and told the officer I had an appointment.2 minutes later I was answering the basic questions and taking finger prints. Then they run you through how to use the machine and your on your way. It was around 15-20 minutes in the interview and your done.
#117
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,900
Since I didn't see it mentioned elsewhere on this thread, when I applied online just now I was able to sign up for GE+ (or something like that) which promises access to similar programs in other countries. It looks like only the Netherlands is linked in at the moment, but that's perfect for me as AMS is my preferred European entry point. There is mention of an additional fee, but I'm not sure how much that is, since I apparently need to get the GE process finalized first. I'll ask about Privium whenever I go to ORD to have my interview. It sounds like more countries may join over time.
#119
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: Delta PM, Hilton Diamond, Starwoord Gold, Amex Centurion, Global Entry
Posts: 227