Global Entry Application Interview
Feb 25, 2013 | 1:14 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
Feb 27, 2013 | 12:47 am
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SJC, SFO, YYC
Programs: AA-EXP, AA-0.41MM, UA-Gold, Ex UA-1K (2006 thru 2015), PMUA-0.95MM, COUA-1.5MM-lite, AF-Silver
Posts: 13,436
You MAY have a painless experience. Or you MAY have a traumatic experience. It all depends on the officer and how much he likes or dislikes you - which is one of the most terrible weaknesses of this program.
You can read about my experience here. Like you, I honestly said that I was unemployed, which apparently was a red flag for the officer who interviewed me and then proceeded to verbally abuse and threaten me.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/pract...bal-entry.html
After this experience I was told by everyone who I talked to that I was suspicious, wasn't telling the whole story etc. - this simply goes to show how our society tends to slavishly believes in the decisions rendered by "authority figures" since most law abiding citizens have never been mistreated by people in authority and tend to disbelieve such accusations (until it happens to them and they are surprised).
Why do I feel that I can say this credibly? Because after complaining to people I know in DC, a few months later I was approved for Global Entry and apologized to profusely by upper management for my treatment.
So what changed between then and now? Absolutely nothing. Always had a spotless background. I just simply received an officer having a bad day - or something.
The lesson learned: Do not automatically expect to be treated professionally or fairly by the front line officer you deal with. Most people are treated fairly, but not all. Do not be taken by surprise as I was. It probably won't happen, but with your background it could.
If you feel you are being mistreated during an interview, be prepared to speak to a supervisor and go up the chain of command and demand that the people who are working for you treat you in a respectful manner. Yes most officers are just doing their job and are good people, etc. etc. But my sense is that many people simply accept mistreatment or don't believe it happens.
You can read about my experience here. Like you, I honestly said that I was unemployed, which apparently was a red flag for the officer who interviewed me and then proceeded to verbally abuse and threaten me.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/pract...bal-entry.html
After this experience I was told by everyone who I talked to that I was suspicious, wasn't telling the whole story etc. - this simply goes to show how our society tends to slavishly believes in the decisions rendered by "authority figures" since most law abiding citizens have never been mistreated by people in authority and tend to disbelieve such accusations (until it happens to them and they are surprised).
Why do I feel that I can say this credibly? Because after complaining to people I know in DC, a few months later I was approved for Global Entry and apologized to profusely by upper management for my treatment.
So what changed between then and now? Absolutely nothing. Always had a spotless background. I just simply received an officer having a bad day - or something.
The lesson learned: Do not automatically expect to be treated professionally or fairly by the front line officer you deal with. Most people are treated fairly, but not all. Do not be taken by surprise as I was. It probably won't happen, but with your background it could.
If you feel you are being mistreated during an interview, be prepared to speak to a supervisor and go up the chain of command and demand that the people who are working for you treat you in a respectful manner. Yes most officers are just doing their job and are good people, etc. etc. But my sense is that many people simply accept mistreatment or don't believe it happens.
Last edited by mre5765; Mar 3, 2013 at 6:20 am
Feb 27, 2013 | 5:50 am
#20
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,388
Make sure you follow the guidelines in this thread about getting your UA MP profile and traveler information on your itineraries set properly for precheck
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...ravellers.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...ravellers.html
Feb 27, 2013 | 12:57 pm
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
As long as the GE terminal can read the key section of the pp there should be no problem.
Mar 2, 2013 | 3:28 pm
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: United Mileageplus
Posts: 81
Just got my Global Entry card in the mail. Compared to the passport card I Also have it looks less official. Thinner, photo isn't completely aligned.
Oh well, It's on the list of acceptable IDs for domestic US flights!
Oh well, It's on the list of acceptable IDs for domestic US flights!
Mar 3, 2013 | 7:34 am
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: BOS/ORH
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 18,346
Global Entry Card Refused as acceptable I.D.
Has Anyone Used the New Global Entry RFID Card as ID for TSA ID Check?