Traveling with Non-GE/NEXUS Companions/Family Members
 

I've searched and searched (this forum and the CBP website) and can't seem to find an answer to this question: I'm a member of the Global Entry program, but my wife is not. Can I (we) use the Global Entry kiosk when traveling together? Any help or guidance very much appreciated.

you can; she can't
 

but i admit it's hard to find the info.

+1

Occasionally, the CBP officers on duty will allow any non-GE members with you to be processed by the officer next to the kiosk. However, GOES Support has told me that a family member has to use the regular line, while I use GE..:(

Only GE members can use the kiosks. Not even young children or babies can be processed through the kiosks as appendages of their parents. Any US Citizen or LPR, regardless of age, who is not a GE member in good standing must be processed by an officer.

I believe what you were told was wrong. Only a GOES member can use the kiosk, but there is a CBP booth near the kiosk in case there are problems. I have been told by someone high up in the food chain that family members are entitled to be processed by this CBP officer while the GOES member uses the GOES machine. It's one of the perks of the system.

I do know that the guy who did my training (no interview, because I have NEXUS) said that family members get front of the line privileges with someone carrying GE, so this would make lots of sense.

GOES is not a trusted traveler program. GOES does not have kiosks or members. There is no such thing as a "GOES machine" from the traveler's front-end perspective. GOES is simply a web-based application system used for applying for various trusted traveler programs, including GlobalEntry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST.

On the other hand, GlobalEntry is a trusted traveler program that has kiosks and members. I think you are referring to GlobalEntry machines and GlobalEntry members.


People really need to stop thinking that GOES is an acronym for GlobalEntry. It most certainly is not!

I know, as I mentioned above, I've been told by CBP officers and GOES Support that as the Global Entry member, I can use the kiosk, but any family have to use the regular line. However, I've also heard that some CBP officers have allowed Global Entry family to be processed at the booth next to the kiosk, while the GE member uses the kiosk.. I wasn't wrong in what I said. Reread it.
FYI, no such thing as a GOES member..

I apologize for saying GOES rather than Global Entry, I did read what you wrote, and I still think you were given incorrect information. Clearly, two stories are being given as shown by the other poster who was given the same as me. And at this particular airport, the info was given on good authority. If your experience has been different, fine. I didn't say you were wrong, I said that I believed the info provided was wrong.

Trusted Traveler w/ Companion
 

I'm guessing no, but wanted to ask others about their experience since I don't see it noted on the GOES site.

Are companions of a Trusted Traveler allowed to go through the new screening process with them? Could this be a YMMV (as with everything else TSA) depending on the TSA staff?

No.

Companions must also be Global Entry members to participate.

Seems to harmonize with NEXUS (maybe SENTRI too, but not sure). NEXUS has applications for children as well - even infants have NEXUS cards.

Not wanting to start a new thread, I'll resurrect the old one...

Has anyone practical experience with this particular topic 18 months on? I'm specifically interested in BOS.

Global Entry is specific to an individual who has been vetted by the application and interview process. You cannot take your spouse or offspring along with you.

As I have noted before, I have been able to take my children through every time I asked, and got front of the line privies at IAH and EWR. Others have had mixed luck, depends on the airport.

Now you can sign up children of any age for their own; Started in early march.