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Mobile Passport PLUS
Just updated my Mobile Passport app this morning on the Apple App Store. it appears that there is now a mobile passport plus. Recall that MPC is FREE but now you can upgrade to MP+ to be able to store your passport and...use expedited lines?? All for a whopping $14.99/year (there appears to be a two week trial). is MP trying to give GE a run for its money? |
The "non-Plus" version has always had access to expedited lines (at least I can at EWR).
I just ran the updated "Mobile Passport" app on my iPhone. I was given the option to upgrade to Plus, which I declined. I was then given the option to DELETE my data (passport info I already have stored in the app), or upgrade to Plus to preserve the data (one of the features of Plus is to store encrypted passport info, which I already have stored from the earlier non-Plus version). It seems that if you don't sign up for Plus, you'll be forced to manually enter your passport/etc details on arrival on every trip. I say it "seems", since it's difficult to find any real info so far. Also (from their FAQ page), the non-Plus version of the app includes ads, where the Plus version does not. I don't remember if the old version of the app included ads before (I don't remember them, but maybe didn't notice) |
Originally Posted by renebt
(Post 31028156)
Just updated my Mobile Passport app this morning on the Apple App Store. it appears that there is now a mobile passport plus. Recall that MPC is FREE but now you can upgrade to MP+ to be able to store your passport and...use expedited lines?? All for a whopping $14.99/year (there appears to be a two week trial). is MP trying to give GE a run for its money? Do you happen to know when the in-app purchase thing started with MPC app use? I had not noticed it before despite having had rather recent use of the MPC app. Seems like it is part of an update from today. I won't be updating the app, if I can help it. :D |
Today’s update will force you to either pay or your passport data is deleted....ransomware. Time for everyone to give it a 1 star review. I believe you can still use for free but just have to enter passport information each time. |
Originally Posted by seawolf
(Post 31028330)
Today’s update will force you to either pay or your passport data is deleted. Time for everyone to give it a 1 star review. |
Mobile Passport App launches paid tier. No passport info stored in free tier
So I updated the Mobile Passport App on my iPhone this morning and it gave me the option to upgrade to Mobile Passport Plus for an annual fee ($14.99) or to delete the passport data stored in the app. From now on, the free version doesn't store your passport data, and you have to re-enter it (and re-take your photo) each time you land.
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I'd be surprised if an older version works when you actually go to use it, so if anyone tries it please report back.
Originally Posted by seawolf
(Post 31028330)
I believe you can still use for free but just have to enter passport information each time. |
From the Mobile Passport website:
Dear Members, We launched Mobile Passport in 2014 with the vision of expediting travelers' arrival into the U.S. and making it incredibly easy to do. No complicated interview or application needed while ensuring the privacy and security of our members' data. We are humbled that our app now reaches more than six million travelers. It has been incorporated into nearly 30 airports and cruise ports and was featured as Apple's App of the Day. We owe all of our success to the loyalty and feedback of our members. Thank you! Today begins a new chapter for Mobile Passport. We're excited to introduce Mobile Passport plus, a premium version of our app that allows U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to enjoy all the basic features of Mobile Passport in addition to other convenient features, like use of the automated passport scanner and encrypted storage of passport profiles to prepare for upcoming trips. Mobile Passport plus will be priced at $14.99 per year and we're providing a free 7-day trial to all members. By offering Mobile Passport plus, we will be able to invest more resources into building greater functionality within the app, make operational improvements, as well as create new products and services that will provide value to travelers beyond the Mobile Passport app. We will still offer a free basic version of Mobile Passport that will allow access to the Mobile Passport Control express lanes, however there will be some product limitations. Users of the free version will not be able to store passport information for upcoming trips or use the document scanner to automatically enter their document information. But, they will be able to manually enter and submit their details upon arriving at their port of entry. At Airside, we're focused on building innovative digital identity products that not only offer convenience, but also are built with a privacy-by-design approach to empower our consumers in an information sharing world. Thank you for joining us along the journey! Hans Miller Founder & CEO at Airside |
Originally Posted by KevinDTW
(Post 31028649)
I'd be surprised if an older version works when you actually go to use it, so if anyone tries it please report back.
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Originally Posted by KevinDTW
(Post 31028649)
I'd be surprised if an older version works when you actually go to use it, so if anyone tries it please report back.
That's my understanding as well. My stored profiles were deleted and it appears that you now have to enter your info and take a picture each time upon arrival. Another "enhancement" to the travel experience. Everything has gone fine so far. Generated the screen with the QR code for CBP. |
i had thought to give a try and now i can forget it ...
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You can still give it a try using the new version of the app; or use it with the old version of the app for that matter if you have it already.
It's to be seen if/when the Airside company winds up with the older version of the MPC app being disabled in some way or another. |
Well, it WAS a great free app.
I wonder how difficult it is to cancel before the end of two weeks for the free trial? |
Disappointed to learn the new launch of Mobile Passport PLUS v 3.3.0 on 4/23/19 with a subscription of $14.99 A YEAR -- https://mobilepassport.us/announceme...-passport-plus
Glad I was able to use the then free version to automatically scan my passport and save my upcoming trip information on a visit to Canada 2 months ago. Dear Members, We launched Mobile Passport in 2014 with the vision of expediting travelers' arrival into the U.S. and making it incredibly easy to do. No complicated interview or application needed while ensuring the privacy and security of our members' data. We are humbled that our app now reaches more than six million travelers. It has been incorporated into nearly 30 airports and cruise ports and was featured as Apple's App of the Day. We owe all of our success to the loyalty and feedback of our members. Thank you! Today begins a new chapter for Mobile Passport. We're excited to introduce Mobile Passport plus, a premium version of our app that allows U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to enjoy all the basic features of Mobile Passport in addition to other convenient features, like use of the automated passport scanner and encrypted storage of passport profiles to prepare for upcoming trips. Mobile Passport plus will be priced at $14.99 per year and we're providing a free 7-day trial to all members. By offering Mobile Passport plus, we will be able to invest more resources into building greater functionality within the app, make operational improvements, as well as create new products and services that will provide value to travelers beyond the Mobile Passport app. We will still offer a free basic version of Mobile Passport that will allow access to the Mobile Passport Control express lanes, however there will be some product limitations. Users of the free version will not be able to store passport information for upcoming trips or use the document scanner to automatically enter their document information. But, they will be able to manually enter and submit their details upon arriving at their port of entry. At Airside, we're focused on building innovative digital identity products that not only offer convenience, but also are built with a privacy-by-design approach to empower our consumers in an information sharing world. Thank you for joining us along the journey! |
I don't understand. Are you saying that the new price for Plus is too much or too little? The money goes to support development of new features. I'm amazed if they gave this away for free. I always thought it was a paid for service.
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Originally Posted by zitsky
(Post 31032745)
I don't understand. Are you saying that the new price for Plus is too much or too little? The money goes to support development of new features. I'm amazed if they gave this away for free. I always thought it was a paid for service.
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I'm just amazed that some of you expect this for free? Who do you think pays for all the development resources that go into this? (Scratching my head)
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Global Entry is only $20/year (assuming you don't have a credit card that makes it free for you) and gives you Precheck as well, so charging $15/year to let you save your passport info in the app seems a bit high to me. (NEXUS is even cheaper at $10/year, but is more trouble to get and usually not reimbursed by credit cards.) |
Originally Posted by aquamarinesteph
(Post 31031535)
Well, it WAS a great free app.
I wonder how difficult it is to cancel before the end of two weeks for the free trial? |
Even if the stored passport data is disabled or deleted if one does not pay, this is still a significant convenience and it costs nothing.
This is the nature of tech development. At some point, it has to be monetized. But, that can't happen until there is a user base. |
For people without the older version of the app, how can they get the older version of the app and thereby have the same utility from the app as before the company came up with the in-app purchase options? |
Originally Posted by Often1
(Post 31033270)
At some point, it has to be monetized. But, that can't happen until there is a user base.
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Originally Posted by Ari
(Post 31033580)
There is a user fee every time I use US Immigration: $7.00. I also pay $3.96 to US APHIS each time. That money should cover all non-membership technology developments at the border. This new app fee is gratuitous.
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Originally Posted by GUWonder
(Post 31033589)
Is there any ability to use MPC without use of the MPC app versions released by this app’s maker/provider?
Edit: Yes: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/apc |
Originally Posted by Ari
(Post 31033652)
Don't know. I've had NEXUS forever so it doesn't really apply to me. I think you can just walk up to the machines (APC?) and US/CAN citizens and ESTA users can use them without having used the app.
Edit: Yes: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/apc Is there any ability to use MPC without use of the MPC app versions released by this app’s maker/provider? Doesn’t seem so to me yet. |
Originally Posted by GUWonder
(Post 31033678)
I have GE membership and do use GE kiosks from time to time. But I sometimes use APC, sometimes use MPC and sometimes use the same lines as those US visa users not able to use APC. From having used it all a lot, APC kiosks don’t work as MPC, and MPC app doesn’t work for APC kiosk use and MPC app doesn’t work for GE kiosk use. Is there any ability to use MPC without use of the MPC app versions released by this app’s maker/provider? Doesn’t seem so to me yet. |
I am in the camp that if I have to reenter my passport information every, single time, take my photo AND do this for each member of my traveling party, then the new free version is no longer beneficial. How soon before landing can I enter the information (passports + new photos) so that the app will retain it and generate a code? Is it okay to take a new photo with the background of the aisle of the plane and other people? Will I have time to enter all of this information before I reach the line? If I can't type fast enough, then do we then just use the regular line? I am not going to stand there and block the path of other travelers walking behind me, just so that I can take a photo and/or finish typing.
Part of the reason I enjoyed using this app was the convenience of having all of this information already loaded and ready to go. I am sad to lose what was for me a great, free and easy to access app. YMMV, of course. We all have different approaches. |
I guess it depends on the business model. I always assumed CPB paid for the development and maintenance of the app. If the app was simply developed as a partnership then the company developing the app needs to find a way to make money for developing the app. If that's the case I'm not sure why CBP does not pay for the cost of further developing and the cost of maintaining the app as a service to the flying public.
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Originally Posted by zitsky
(Post 31033019)
I'm just amazed that some of you expect this for free? Who do you think pays for all the development resources that go into this? (Scratching my head)
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Isn’t the iOS app still called just Mobile Passport?
Originally Posted by Loren Pechtel
(Post 31041243)
It saves them time and reduces the number of machines they need. It should be free.
Or are you referring to the machines used to scan the MPC-generated codes? |
Moderator's Action
For indexing and future search purposes, a recent question whose focus was how to use the Mobile Passport App, as opposed to the recent changes in the functionality of the free version and the "enhancements" offered in the new premium version, was moved to the relevant thread:
TWA884 Travel Safety/Security co-moderator |
Originally Posted by zitsky
(Post 31033019)
I'm just amazed that some of you expect this for free? Who do you think pays for all the development resources that go into this? (Scratching my head)
Anyway, MPC's development costs should be covered by CBP somehow. It's designed to make immigration more efficient for both sides - users and CBP. |
Originally Posted by GUWonder
(Post 31029721)
The version from before today’s update version still works/worked as of today with previously stored passports.
Originally Posted by SFOTerry
(Post 31055899)
Just opened the app this morning and it's pushing an "enhancement" labeled "Mobile Passport plus" for $14.99USD/year. Looks to me like the basic version will have less functionality, but can't say the info is crystal clear.
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After reading this thread about a day AFTER my Android Mobile Passport app auto-updated I initially became enraged, as any normal person would be. But after having a few drinks in the lounge I calmed down a bit and completely uninstalled the nefarious downgraded "upgraded" application, and downloaded the .apk for the latest non-downgraded version 2.16.1.0 from https://mobile.softpedia.com/apk/mob...port/2.16.1.0/ , and reinstalled that version from the .apk rather than from PlayStore. Then I disabled automatic updates. Android PlayStore now advertises it as installed correctly, with an upgrade available, but auto upgrades are disabled for that app and for the time being it all works fine. I re-scanned my passport and saved a new profile and I used the old version at LAX today same as it always was. I assume this is a temporary fix since at some point I imagine they will disable the older version from the server side but for now anyway, that fixes the problem.
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Originally Posted by TWA884
(Post 31056163)
Seems as if that may have changed:
SFOTerry seems to have an updated version of the app, but I keep using the earlier version and get no such mention as SFOTerry. |
Originally Posted by GUWonder
(Post 31056452)
It hasn’t changed. It still works today in the same manner as I noted earlier. SFOTerry seems to have an updated version of the app, but I keep using the earlier version and get no such mention as SFOTerry. |
In any sort of automation the costs associated with developing that automation should be paid for by the labor that said automation saves. Additionally any type of process automation that transfers onto the consumer, a task that was previously performed in whole or in part by an employee, should also result in cost savings.
Example. Around my town Walmart, Home Depot and some grocery stores have deployed self checkout kiosks, no doubt at a very considerable expense in development and deployment. Would I pay extra to use such a line? Hell no, I would not! But they are often quicker than the cashier lines so I am happy to use them. But the store paid all that, no doubt huge, development and deployment expense, because the automation saves them money in the long run. They wouldn't dare try to charge a customer to use it. There are a million other examples in private industry where a great amounts of money are spent on automation that is provided free to the consumer simple because automation is labor saving and therefore cost saving. Except of course in government related endeavors where labor savings would tend to increase costs. |
Moderator's Note
Folks,
Per the sticky thread, Please Read: Important Information, the Practical Travel Safety and Security Issues forum is informational: "This is the place to ask questions and get information to help you travel safely and with minimal hassle." Please limit your contributions in this thread to requesting and providing practical information about using the Mobile Passport App. If you wish to discuss or debate the costs associated with developing automation, or the economics or the business model of the company which developed the app, or comment about governmental efficiency, please start a new thread in the Checkpoints and Borders Policy Debate forum or OMNI (access to OMNI is limited to members who have been on FlyerTalk for 180 days and made 180 contributive posts). TWA884 Travel Safety/Security co-moderator |
As others have pointed out don't update your app of you want to retain the original functionality - as long as you don't mind keeping possible bugs and other issues that have been fixed in later versions.
Generally all uploads not manually deleted by the developer stays on the App and Play stores but users don't have access to them. It seems like there is an apk of an old version available on some site that someone has uploaded for people to use. That is also an option although I suspect not legal if the uploads are not by the developer. |
Never mind. It's Mobile Pass 3.0.2.ipa |
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