New Customs Kiosks at Denver Airport Simplify Entry Processing
Mary Minor Davis October 27, 2014
Denver’s airport has joined 16 others in North America using new technology to accelerate the customs entry process.
Denver International Airport (DEN) became the 17th airport in North America to adopt new technology that aims to streamline the process of clearing customs last week, according to a report from the Denver Post.
The BorderXpress Automated Passport Control kiosks, developed by employees at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), collect passenger data to verify their identity and declarations information. Upon kiosk verification, the passengers speak briefly with a customs officer for final clearance approval.
DEN spokeswoman Laura Coale told the Post that the airport’s customs area was originally designed to support 700 passengers per hour, but serves as many as 900 passengers per hour between the peak arrival hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. This results in long lines, delays and missed connections.
“With the installations of these new kiosks, we are working toward two of our strategic objectives: winning the hearts of our customers and putting [DEN] on the world map,” Coale told the Post. “With improved processes in customs, we become more attractive to customers and to airlines for additional international routes.”
According to Coale, DEN’s international traffic increased by nearly 13 percent in 2013. The 16 new kiosks, which cost DEN $868,000, are available in addition to the Global Entry program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Passengers eligible to use the kiosks include all U.S. and Canadian passport holders, U.S. permanent residents and some international passengers returning from 38 countries that do not require entry visas.
[Photo: Denver International Airport Twitter]
How is this different if you have Global Entry? I have it and haven't used it, but was able to use the machine at MIA. It was very easy and we handed our ticket with passports to the agent in the next room.
I used these kiosks for the first time a few weeks ago at MSP. I do not feel that they were helpful. The CBP agent asked the same questions as I filled on the form, and it took basically the same amount of time to speak with the agent as it has before. It was more of a hassle because it required the airport to hire staff to assist people, who are not technological deft, with the machines.