I thought that was a Canadian thing. I haven't heard of that happening at any US airports. We're about to head for Europe. We're taking our cards, just in case....

Very concerning to hear this. What would happen if a traveler simply ignored the line guard?

nothing. I'd encourage actual GE users to do this as again, the cards aren't needed! Now I feel like talking to the "ushers" at my airport and see what they do. I don't believe we have this issue. People just say they are, and go to use the GE kiosks, where it tells them that they don't. "But I have Pre-check!" "Do you have Global Entry?" "What's that?" "go use the other line."

If there is an issue with a passenger and those ushers, the issue gets brought to the nearest CBP Officer anyway. At that point, I'd just tell the passenger to use the GE kiosk. If it works, good. If it doesn't, they're going back in line.

I take my card with me every time I fly international, just in case. However, the only times I've ever used it was to access the 'trusted-traveler' security lanes at Canadian airports.

Worse is if the Nexus member produces their card and an ignorant contract worker might not have a clue that the membership includes Global Entry. I would hope that CBP educates these workers about Nexus membership, but there are probably a lot that don't know.

I have never been asked to produce a card at EWR or SFO as those airports basically allow the member to walk up to the GE kiosks without being bothered. From what I have read, it seems best to avoid ATL, MIA and especially DFW. There has got to be a better way so that members can use GE at all airports regardless of whether they have a card.

Moderator's Action
 

For indexing and future search purposes and to avoid confusion, recent posts discussing using the NEXUS card in GE kiosks were moved to NEXUS Card at CDN Pre-Clearance GE Kiosks.

TWA884
Travel Safety/Security co-moderaor

My pp expires in 2020, but has a CBP sticker on the back--showing that I'm in GE (when I joined GE they had NO cards). When I renewed GE in 2014 they gave me a GE card. So far I've never been asked to show my cad; I wonder if I were asked to show mine, they would accept the CBP sticker instead?

They may or may not. It is best to carry your Global Entry card when traveling outside of U.S. In Canadian pre-clearance airports, you need to show your GE physical card in order to use NEXUS security check lane. It has been reported at some U.S. airports, line checker demands to see your GE card in order for you to use GE kiosks.

Side issue: I was always told that there was no need to carry the GE card with me when traveling, it's all tied into the passport. But I always carried them anyway (belt and suspenders) until this recent 3.5 week trip to Canada. The one time that I didn't carry the GE cards is when YYC seems to have changed the security setup (from this past July) and now a GE card is required to go through the "express" security line. Nexus or GE card was good. Bummer dude. Long line through security. Take out laptop, take off shoes, etc.

Lesson learned. Entry into US may be done via GE without the physical cards but airport security may be a different story. So I will always carry GE cards with passports now.

Not sure about YYC, NEXUS/Global Entry card has been required for YYZ and YVR for several years now going through their "express" security line.

It has been reported at some U.S. airports, line checker needs to see your Global Entry/Nexus card in order for you to use Global Entry lane.

Btw you have to take out your laptop in Canada regardless of whether you are using the Fast Track lane or not, unlike Pre in the US. Just came though YVR 2 weeks ago and used the Fast Track - it was faster but I felt I had a better experience with Pre. 3 BP checks at the CATSA Fast Track - the last one at the hand luggage belt was after I put my phone into my bag so I had to get it out again. Was made to empty my pockets although the website says you can keep stuff in the pockets, Laptop had to come out. Only benefit I could see was that the line was very much shorter and was not asked to take my shoes off.

But yes they won't allow you into that lane without the GE card.

At YUL, the CATSA Trusted Travellers security screening lane requires NEXUS/GE card to access. However the CBP kiosks themselves are accessible post security regardless of which security lane you were screened at.

CATSA security lane is essentially Pre Check lite (eg when Pre is closed at TSA checkpoint and they give you a placard so you can keep your shoes on).

So how does one who originally applied as a citizen of another country but is now an LPR order a GE card to be sent to them? There is nothing in the dashboard to show that functionality. I even went to a GE office to have my GC rescanned and everything updated and still no go.

Anybody?