BA A350 to Chicago - which exit is used?
#16
Join Date: Jun 2019
Programs: BA Gold, EI, VS
Posts: 141
My own pre-check interview, which admittedly was during the trial stage, was entirely about Brandon Flowers, of the Killers, so I've had more stressful encounters at the ticket counter of Hexham train station. I'm not aware of any of my colleagues having more than a cursory check that the CBP agent is talking to the same person whose record is on screen. If you are American then you are in a different relationship to the CBP, but in your case you would appreciate that pre-check is an offer not an entitlement. And you only do it once.
And almost three years later I am about to try and use it for the very first time on a trip next weekend. I have renewed my passport since getting GE but the cbp online system allowed me to change my passport details without issue, so fingers crossed ...
#17
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD, LHR, FCO
Programs: BA Gold, etc. etc.
Posts: 1,402
Even without Global Entry, ORD is one of the best and fastest ports of entry into the US. The average wait time before clearing immigration is on the order of less than 15 minutes at most times, which means that by the time you walk over to the carousel your luggage is just about to arrive. The worst-case scenario used to be an arrival time coinciding with the Air India flight from Delhi or the LOT flights from Warsaw, however that's not been an issue for a while, since US citizens and ESTA passport holders are now grouped in the same separate queue, and neither India nor Poland are ESTA countries.
#18
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,223
Our GE entry interviews were completely painless and most of the time was spent showing us how to use the kiosks. Me, my wife and 2 daughters all have it. My only wish is that baggage claim was as quick as GE as that is invariably the hold-up.
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: BAEC Gold, Delta Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, AMEX Platinum (US)
Posts: 18,485
It's become increasingly tricky to get interviews. When I first signed up in 2011 there were very few GE entry points, enrolment offices and people in the program but now it's got to the point where I'm almost looking to make a weekend somewhere that has availability. I was able to basically walk in when I initially signed up.
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,900
My initial experience was in person at ORD and mostly consisted of a tutorial on how to use the machine. There was the moment where the person reviewed my list of countries visited, looked me in the eye and said "you didn't include Canada" I almost said "I don't really think of them as a foreign country" but stopped myself and just said "I must have forgotten that one" - my list was long.
The first renewal I lucked out. I think the whole first batch was renewing at the same time and they opened a second temporary office in the customs building in downtown Chicago. It was odd since the building doesn't get a lot of visitors and they didn't quite know what to do with me, but they got me up to the office, which was one sort of bored agent who looked me up hit a button and said "you're renewed". 2 minutes, max.
My second renewal was online with no problems.
Now, though, whenever I go through most of the machines are broken (EWR, I'm talking about you!) But when it works it is brilliant. If I land at ORD international terminal with a good gate and a good seat on the plane, and with no checked bags, I can be at the curb looking for my driver in maybe 5 minutes total.
The first renewal I lucked out. I think the whole first batch was renewing at the same time and they opened a second temporary office in the customs building in downtown Chicago. It was odd since the building doesn't get a lot of visitors and they didn't quite know what to do with me, but they got me up to the office, which was one sort of bored agent who looked me up hit a button and said "you're renewed". 2 minutes, max.
My second renewal was online with no problems.
Now, though, whenever I go through most of the machines are broken (EWR, I'm talking about you!) But when it works it is brilliant. If I land at ORD international terminal with a good gate and a good seat on the plane, and with no checked bags, I can be at the curb looking for my driver in maybe 5 minutes total.
#21
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Glasgow, UK
Programs: BA, UA, Marriot
Posts: 2,196
She had a snotty sheriff (or something similar) who wanted to show who was in charge and asked her about every detail of every traffic violation. I assume then it is down to who you get and what kind of day they are having and how misogynistic they are (in the case of a female applicant).
#22
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: London
Programs: BA Executive Club
Posts: 72
Global Entry interview on arrival for me was essentially confirming who I was, asking what trips I currently had booked to the US and their purpose, and then explaining how the system worked. And I have to say, the system is pretty good - on a recent arrival into JFK the terminal took my photo and then instantly issued me with a chit to take to the desk. I didnt have to scan my passport, or show it to anybody. Best 140ish Ive ever spent