Is Global Entry now pointless?
Jun 22, 2015 | 7:19 am
#31
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,388
MIA cane be a real mixed bag especially the AA Terminal where while they have a dedicated Global Entry Customs exit line, the CBP Employee still question you and that can take a bit especially if he/she decides that the person they are speaking with is a potential bad Apple.
Three times I have unfortunately been labeled a bad Apple and then after an X-ray or the last time a physical hand search of my luggage I am determined to be a good Apple and free to go, still probably faster than without Global Entry but longer than other airports.
The odd part is that at DFW/IAH/JFK/EWR/LAX/MCO I am never questioned nor searched, just MIA.
Three times I have unfortunately been labeled a bad Apple and then after an X-ray or the last time a physical hand search of my luggage I am determined to be a good Apple and free to go, still probably faster than without Global Entry but longer than other airports.
The odd part is that at DFW/IAH/JFK/EWR/LAX/MCO I am never questioned nor searched, just MIA.
Jun 23, 2015 | 6:24 pm
#33
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: 4me
Posts: 12,069
Jun 23, 2015 | 7:19 pm
#34
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K/MM, AA GLD
Posts: 1,725
MIA cane be a real mixed bag especially the AA Terminal where while they have a dedicated Global Entry Customs exit line, the CBP Employee still question you and that can take a bit especially if he/she decides that the person they are speaking with is a potential bad Apple.
Three times I have unfortunately been labeled a bad Apple and then after an X-ray or the last time a physical hand search of my luggage I am determined to be a good Apple and free to go, still probably faster than without Global Entry but longer than other airports.
The odd part is that at DFW/IAH/JFK/EWR/LAX/MCO I am never questioned nor searched, just MIA.
Three times I have unfortunately been labeled a bad Apple and then after an X-ray or the last time a physical hand search of my luggage I am determined to be a good Apple and free to go, still probably faster than without Global Entry but longer than other airports.
The odd part is that at DFW/IAH/JFK/EWR/LAX/MCO I am never questioned nor searched, just MIA.
I have had some minor issues at MIA as well. Both times it was the same CBP agent and it seems that you need to be appropriately deferential (wait for him to acknowledge you and and you to step forward). Never was pulled aside for xray or baggage search though. I am used to other GE custom exit lines where you just walk past and hold up your GE receipt.
Jun 23, 2015 | 8:19 pm
#35
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,856
My last time in MIA I sailed through easily, the worst part was reclearing security to get back into Terminal D. And that was before I had GE. In fact, I've had my worst experiences at IAD.
Jun 23, 2015 | 9:14 pm
#36
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Kirkland, WA, USA
Programs: Marriott Gold; LEGO VIP, Amex Platinum, HHonors Gold
Posts: 570
I just flew through LAX TBIT on Sunday afternoon. With GE, I was the second person at the baggage claim - but the 'Priority Bags' came out last. The line for Customs was long, so we made it all back up with the zero size line for GE customs.
The last time we flew through IAH was without GE, and we almost missed our connection, which was when we noticed the GE machines and applied the very next week - although we got Nexus for our Canada trips too.
GE makes international air travel much less annoying for us.
The last time we flew through IAH was without GE, and we almost missed our connection, which was when we noticed the GE machines and applied the very next week - although we got Nexus for our Canada trips too.
GE makes international air travel much less annoying for us.
Jul 2, 2015 | 8:17 am
#38
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Bethesda, MD
Programs: Dulles Airport Traveler's Aid Volunteer, hopefully future United IK member
Posts: 116
I think it is still worth it. I flew into IAD last night at 1800 or so on TK 7. I cleared Immigration in 10 seconds or so due to Global Entry. I was not ready for the picture(only part of my face was on the ticket). I waited 15-20 minutes for my bags. I am not sure if the other airports have dedicated lanes for Global Entry but I am sure during Rush Hour it saves people a good amount of time. You still have to wait for the bags but it is not a huge deal. I was asked by the Custom's Officer "What food I was bringing in". I said just Chocolate and Candy. He took the ticket and said "Have a great day".
Jul 2, 2015 | 9:32 am
#39
Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: AA EXP, DL Silver, Global Entry
Posts: 1,876
GE wasn't pointless in PHL Saturday afternoon. Four International flights got into PHL within minutes of each other and Immigration and Customs was slammed with hundreds of folks. We walked through the GE lanes in minutes. As tired as I was after an 11 hour flight I would have almost been ready to pay the GE fee just for that one trip. 
Aug 7, 2015 | 6:59 am
#40
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tri-State Area
Posts: 4,728
JFK Terminal Floor, August 6th 10:30 pm, literally 500-600+ people downstairs. When we departed BR32 and walked halfway down the hallway before the escalator, it was backed up with at least another 100.
GE holders were let through, at least 8 kiosks all in good working order. Saved at least 1 hour. Felt sorry for non-citizens. Took 30 minutes before we even had a luggage track assignment but fortunately my bag was one of the first to pop out.
Dedicated GE customs line, officer pulled my receipt and not one word exchanged.....
GE holders were let through, at least 8 kiosks all in good working order. Saved at least 1 hour. Felt sorry for non-citizens. Took 30 minutes before we even had a luggage track assignment but fortunately my bag was one of the first to pop out.
Dedicated GE customs line, officer pulled my receipt and not one word exchanged.....
Aug 7, 2015 | 7:29 am
#41
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 31
CLT has 8 or so GE terminals. They held us on our plane due to customs being full, yet when we were let off there were NO people at the GE terminals, we could just walk up, enter everything, and walk to luggage. (And yes, huge passport control lines for both returning Americans and non-USA passport holders.)
There are helpful folks in baggage claim that told us to put away the passports, they only needed the form that was spitout. They are wrong. But there is a dedicated GE line to leave customs, and they just want to glance at the passport, take the form, and wave you through.
There are helpful folks in baggage claim that told us to put away the passports, they only needed the form that was spitout. They are wrong. But there is a dedicated GE line to leave customs, and they just want to glance at the passport, take the form, and wave you through.
Aug 8, 2015 | 6:43 am
#42
Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: AA EXP, DL Silver, Global Entry
Posts: 1,876
There are helpful folks in baggage claim that told us to put away the passports, they only needed the form that was spitout. They are wrong. But there is a dedicated GE line to leave customs, and they just want to glance at the passport, take the form, and wave you through.
Last edited by Randyk47; Aug 8, 2015 at 6:57 am