wackyflyer

bce1

I always get an X as well.
Apparently similar name to someone on the watch list and have to be visually checked.

i also bypass the kiosks and go straight to an ‘officer’ line - usually quicker at LA but do need to complete a manual customs form so do on plane.

kyanar

Shouldn't you be filing for a Redress Number through TRIP if this is the case? Basically a one time check to make sure you aren't the person on the watch list could save you so much hassle on future visits by giving you a number to enter during booking which says "yes, I know I'm going to get selected for secondary so can we just not?"

bce1

Been there, done that.
Redress number in my ESTA and booking.
Stilll get a cross and several different Officers have told me I need a visual check and redress doesn’t work for those....
‘I don’t know the technical details.
Travel to or through the US 5-6x a year so is a hassle.

WLGNZ

i am in an identical situation. Person of interest with same name, and same birth date!
Merry Christmas all.

dadig

LAX - everyone goes through kiosk - there is no separate queue that I'm aware off - you'll get an X across at the end of the process. When matching fingerprints, watch the terminal for 4 green dots to light up. Expect a concentration camp experience throughout.


SFO - if it is your first time, go to the non kiosk queue. Subsequent entries use kiosk. Lovely CBP staff

wackyflyer

Can you use TRIP if you're traveling on an ESTA. I thought on an ESTA they specifically do not to appeal on how they treat you (Well if they decline you entery when you arrive).

Kiwi Flyer

There are non kiosk lines.

I think I get an X due to past travel patterns. I've been told redress route won't help in my circumstances, and it is just something I have to live with until such time as the algorithms decide I no longer get the X.

As a consequence I rarely transit through USA these days and also visit less often.

jawnbc

I always get the X and I have US citizenship. On my most recent entry into the US (at YYC) the agent typed furiously for several minutes and said "I've put some notes in--hopefully next time you won't get X'd". Haven't had a chance to test it.

Ellice

Just got off NZ 2 overnight flight at LAX. Took 2hours to get through immigration, family group of 3. Horrendous queues.

Used the kiosk and then told to line up at the manual queue. Finally got to the front of the queue. My son was the only one that had an X on his kiosk ticket. Immigration officer said it was because his fingerprints didn’t read properly and re took my sons print at the counter. +1 and I didn’t have to re do our fingerprints as our tickets didn’t have X. My son had to use the hand sanitisers several times to get the reader to work. We came through this time last year, no such wait at IAH.

I would take take hand sanitiser on the plane and use it before using the kiosk finger print reader if going through LAX. Might save 2 hours of queueing. Also thinking of going via SFO or IAH next time and avoiding LAX altogether. The officer said it can be a three hour wait sometimes mid afternoon... uugggh.

sbiddle

Took me just on 20 mins from plane to leaving baggage claim when I flew into SFO on NYE.

Returning ESTA holders were sent to manual processing rather than joining the kiosks with US citizens. CBP guy was probably the friendliest I've ever had in the US (and they always seem to be friendly at SFO).

trooper

Seriously? That's what you choose to compare some time in an immigration line to? Unbelievable.

Tonyrsc

An update, as I started this thread. My flight was NZ 6 on 17/1.
Got an X at kiosk, directed to manual queue, only 1 in front of me straight through.
Bags came out quickly, no queue at bag check, it was under 30 mins from leaving plane to getting in rental car at Hertz.

kyanar

Yes, TRIP applies to everyone. Even ESTA. The ESTA appeals waiver is to prevent you filing an appeal if you are denied an ESTA, and forcing you to apply for a regular visa.

Kumulani

The receipts have a code on them explaining why you got the X. You can also put in a FOIA request with the CBP to get all the information they have on you, if you can't figure out why you keep getting extra screening.

I think putting the redress number in your booking is mainly for people who are having trouble with TSA, not CBP. To fix issues with frequent CBP secondary inspections, changes need to be made to your record.