Online renewal 6 weeks ago, few days in London returned 1-2 days ago, planned Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) at JFK Terminal 8 upon return during website stated hours (~8pm). GE kiosks stated to scan passport but would not scan passports. Adjacent (empty) kiosk took a photo/facial recognition and printed receipt immediately. Asked Passport Control about EoA, told to go to Lane 1 of Baggage Control (BC). 3 agents working BC area of ~12 lanes, all empty with agents apparently doing bupkis. Nearest staffed lane to 1 was 5 or 6. Went to Lane 5 or 6, asked about EoR, agent said only at Lane 1 when it is staffed. Asked if it could possibly be done now, usual nonsense excuses (I just work here, we’re short staffed), played the Navy retired card, asked to speak with a supervisor/manager.

Agent disappears for a few minutes, comes back, says okay, this one time, follow me to Lane 1. Fingerprinted again (I thought they never change), photographed again, asked where I was returning from, asked if Canada or Mexico in past 5 years, supervisor came by, thanked me for my service, said he was retired marine Corps, I said “a grunt, excellent” (they consider it a compliment) asked how long I served, said 32 years, 8 active 24 reserve, he said he did 28 with 6 active. Process completed in 8 minutes, received email immediately that application was complete and approved. BC area still basically completely empty of travelers with 4-5 agents apparently not doing much.

I was soft-spoken, polite and respectful at all times, thanked both officers profusely. You get more bees with honey!