WSJ: Skipping the Line at Customs...
Nov 3, 2010, 4:15 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: USA
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WSJ: Skipping the Line at Customs...
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
NOVEMBER 4, 2010
These days, you don't have to be rich and famous to get the VIP treatment and zip through some of the nation's busiest airport customs checkpoints.
International frequent fliers are hailing a program called Global Entry, a "trusted traveler" program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. To enroll, U.S. citizens and those with permanent-resident cards pay $100, pass a government background check and get fingerprinted. The program lets you use kiosks that take an average 40 seconds to clear, compared to one to three minutes with a customs agent plus a wait in line that can, at peak times at busy airports, stretch to an hour or more.
"You get a receipt and get out," said Peter Hughes, an investment banker who travels internationally often and loves Global Entry. "You'd be amazed the U.S. government is doing something so simple."
U.S. Customs says Global Entry enhances security by segregating low-risk travelers from people entering the country who might be considered a risk. The agency likes to call it "clearing hay from the haystack."
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...059794010.html
NOVEMBER 4, 2010
These days, you don't have to be rich and famous to get the VIP treatment and zip through some of the nation's busiest airport customs checkpoints.
International frequent fliers are hailing a program called Global Entry, a "trusted traveler" program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. To enroll, U.S. citizens and those with permanent-resident cards pay $100, pass a government background check and get fingerprinted. The program lets you use kiosks that take an average 40 seconds to clear, compared to one to three minutes with a customs agent plus a wait in line that can, at peak times at busy airports, stretch to an hour or more.
"You get a receipt and get out," said Peter Hughes, an investment banker who travels internationally often and loves Global Entry. "You'd be amazed the U.S. government is doing something so simple."
U.S. Customs says Global Entry enhances security by segregating low-risk travelers from people entering the country who might be considered a risk. The agency likes to call it "clearing hay from the haystack."
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...059794010.html
Nov 4, 2010, 2:07 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Nov 4, 2010, 2:15 pm
#4
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Glad to see that Global Entry is getting a bit of press! I've used it three times this year, and it is a wonderful system ^^
Nov 6, 2010, 2:31 am
#5
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Global Entry - I tried to sign up today -since I travel within and via the US every year yo Greece/Israel/Italy from Australia - but guess what ! Its not avialable to Australian citizens What ashame!!! Israel have been using a similar system since at least 4 yrs ago when I started holidaying there every year
Nov 6, 2010, 7:58 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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I always check luggage and have never had my luggage appear before I reach the carousel when returning to the US in over 100 international flight using 5 different entry points. This makes global entry useless for me.
On the other hand if one only carries on their luggage, it can be quite useful.
On the other hand if one only carries on their luggage, it can be quite useful.
Nov 8, 2010, 5:53 pm
#8
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Too bad it's getting a bit of press
Nov 9, 2010, 9:10 am
#9
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Amazing what the government is willing to do for anyone who is willing to sign away all their rights and all their privacy.
Nov 10, 2010, 11:59 am
#10
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Nov 10, 2010, 3:45 pm
#12
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Nov 11, 2010, 6:01 pm
#13
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I always check luggage and have never had my luggage appear before I reach the carousel when returning to the US in over 100 international flight using 5 different entry points. This makes global entry useless for me.
On the other hand if one only carries on their luggage, it can be quite useful.
On the other hand if one only carries on their luggage, it can be quite useful.