(2)I arrive at JFK (T8 = AA), after I print my GE ticket (except on two occasions), the next CBP agent I meet is the customs person, who takes my slip and I'm out the door.
At ORD yesterday, the way out after the machines is now roped off such that everyone is funneled through a manned immigration counter. He looked at my passport and at my face, and then circled a letters+numbers code on the slip.
Only took 15 sec and not a big deal at all, but I've already had my fingerprint verified by computer, how will a human comparing my passport photo with my face top that?
And it is curious that they don't do automated facial recognition using the cameras on the GE machines...most of the photos are of the tops of people's heads and this does not prevent approval.