Originally Posted by
14940674
Passengers using APC must visit a primary inspection officer for identity and document verification.
How is that any different from what happens already at Primary? As I remember from going through inspection before I became GE, here is how it went:
1) Primary officer takes and swipes passport. (2 seconds)
2) Officer glances at screen to look at my record (3 seconds)
3) Officer writes a "1" and circles it on my paper declaration form. (1 second)
4) Officer stamps passport (sometimes, sometimes not) and customs form. (1-2 seconds)
5) Officer says "welcome back." (1 second)
Seriously! In the vast majority of cases, once I reached an officer, I was through in 10-15 seconds or less. VERY occasionally, the officer might ask "how long were you away?" or "what is your occupation?" But usually just Swipe, Glance at screen, Write a 1, Stamp, Welcome back.
Not sure how the kiosk is saving time, unless the Primary inspections have become more involved in the past five years. I also wonder if it might add to headaches for weary travelers just getting off long flights who might not be tech-savvy in using a kiosk. Especially for older travelers, or those with a language barrier.