Issues/Problems Using the Global Entry Kiosk Fingerprints Scanner
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,746
Issues/Problems Using the Global Entry Kiosk Fingerprints Scanner
I used Global Entry for the first time two weeks ago.
Although the screen indicated it was getting good readings of my 4 fingers, I kept getting errors multiple times telling me that there was a mismatch. I tried another machine and had the same problem. After about 8-10 attempts it recognized the fingers and the process continued and completed successfully.
Anyone else have this problem?
Although the screen indicated it was getting good readings of my 4 fingers, I kept getting errors multiple times telling me that there was a mismatch. I tried another machine and had the same problem. After about 8-10 attempts it recognized the fingers and the process continued and completed successfully.
Anyone else have this problem?
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,513
I used Global Entry for the first time two weeks ago.
Although the screen indicated it was getting good readings of my 4 fingers, I kept getting errors multiple times telling me that there was a mismatch. I tried another machine and had the same problem. After about 8-10 attempts it recognized the fingers and the process continued and completed successfully.
Anyone else have this problem?
Although the screen indicated it was getting good readings of my 4 fingers, I kept getting errors multiple times telling me that there was a mismatch. I tried another machine and had the same problem. After about 8-10 attempts it recognized the fingers and the process continued and completed successfully.
Anyone else have this problem?
#4
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MLB, MCO
Programs: Delta Plat, IHG Plat, Marriott Silver
Posts: 1,315
Generates an error as in spits out an X receipt or generates an error as in the machine crashes or just plain doesn't work? I can see not letting people try again for a non-X receipt, but penalizing someone for a broken machine seems like a bad policy. IIRC from my interview, if your fingerprints don't scan, it just generates an X receipt, not what I would classify as an error.
#5
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: PDX (wish I was in HNL)
Programs: Platinum
Posts: 1,687
Another thread recommended wiping your fingers on your forehead to improve fingerprint recognition (oily skin works best). Worked for my older son, who has a bad fingernail/ finger biting habit.
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,746
There was no X receipt, so I don't think I violated any rules.
If the finger scan doesn't match, it give you an option to try again, or cancel. I think it keeps giving you the option for a certain number of seconds (in the hundreds), as there is a countdown clock going. I assume if you keep retrying and the countdown clock runs out, you get the X.
When I hit cancel, the machine just went back to the opening screen, without spitting out an X slip (or and slip at all.) Since I was given the option to cancel, I assume that was a legitimate choice. Since I had no slip (X or otherwise) to take to the passport control officer, I assumed I could try again.
Anyone think I violated any rule, now that I have given a full description?
If the finger scan doesn't match, it give you an option to try again, or cancel. I think it keeps giving you the option for a certain number of seconds (in the hundreds), as there is a countdown clock going. I assume if you keep retrying and the countdown clock runs out, you get the X.
When I hit cancel, the machine just went back to the opening screen, without spitting out an X slip (or and slip at all.) Since I was given the option to cancel, I assume that was a legitimate choice. Since I had no slip (X or otherwise) to take to the passport control officer, I assumed I could try again.
Anyone think I violated any rule, now that I have given a full description?
Generates an error as in spits out an X receipt or generates an error as in the machine crashes or just plain doesn't work? I can see not letting people try again for a non-X receipt, but penalizing someone for a broken machine seems like a bad policy. IIRC from my interview, if your fingerprints don't scan, it just generates an X receipt, not what I would classify as an error.
#7
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BUR/LAX
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, HHonors Diamond, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 2,505
I don't think you are in trouble. I had a problem last year at SFO with the machine not seeing a scan at all and I asked a CBP officer walking by and he went with me to another machine and stayed until I completed the process.
#8
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Seattle, Wash. USA
Posts: 1,531
#9
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,059
There was one poster whose GE membership was revoked by trying a second machine, but I think a CBP officer saw him doing it and had a problem with it.
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,513
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,746
More Difficult in the USA, as Usual
While Americans are made to jump through hoops to use the GE kiosk, in the UK and the Netherlands anyone with an epassport issued by an EU/EEA country can go to a self-serve kiosk and pass through based on facial recognition (compares image in camera to image on chip in epassport.)
UK: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198686
Netherlands: http://www.government.nl/news/2012/0...l-airport.html
UK: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198686
Netherlands: http://www.government.nl/news/2012/0...l-airport.html
#12
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: AMEX Platinum, Global Entry, Priority Pass, SPG Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,594
While Americans are made to jump through hoops to use the GE kiosk, in the UK and the Netherlands anyone with an epassport issued by an EU/EEA country can go to a self-serve kiosk and pass through based on facial recognition (compares image in camera to image on chip in epassport.)
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,746
How efficiently they work (in my case it did not recognize me, but I then was able to do to the front of the normal line) is beside the point. The point I was making (which I thought was reasonably clear) is that in the UK and the Netherlands, all travelers from EU/EEA countries are permitted to enter at an automated kiosk without speaking with a live immigration officer, without any need to first be cleared into a special program. In the US, one must first make a special application, be interviewed, and be approved.
The "trust" issue is the same whether the machines work efficiently or not, so that is not a basis to distinguish them.
The "trust" issue is the same whether the machines work efficiently or not, so that is not a basis to distinguish them.
Don't be absurd. Since the ePassport lanes can be used by non-screened passengers who are unfamiliar with the system, they are often backed-up and inefficient. GE is an excellent system as it allows those who are familiar with procedures to efficiently bypass conventional screening. It is a privilege that extends trust and allows you to experience consistent convenience, while the ePassport lanes are highly inconsistent in their benefit, and have to be designed to accommodate untrusted and unprepared passengers. They are not comparable systems.
#14
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: AMEX Platinum, Global Entry, Priority Pass, SPG Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,594
The point I was making (which I thought was reasonably clear) is that in the UK and the Netherlands, all travelers from EU/EEA countries are permitted to enter at an automated kiosk without speaking with a live immigration officer, without any need to first be cleared into a special program.
I think we should return to the topic of this thread: recognition issues at the kiosks.
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,746
Your understanding is incorrect, as I just went through a few weeks ago.
There were about 6 kiosks, one next to another, at Terminal 4. There was one attendant (I'm not sure he was a border officer), who kind of directed traffic and answered questions. There is zero scrutiny if you are recognized by the kiosk. If you are not recognized, or selected for a random check (GE also selects people for a random check), then you go to the head of the regular Eu/EEA line. Of course the scrutiny is still minimal, as the border officer simply makes sure that your documentation is OK, but, unlike the US, does not ask nosy questions.
There were about 6 kiosks, one next to another, at Terminal 4. There was one attendant (I'm not sure he was a border officer), who kind of directed traffic and answered questions. There is zero scrutiny if you are recognized by the kiosk. If you are not recognized, or selected for a random check (GE also selects people for a random check), then you go to the head of the regular Eu/EEA line. Of course the scrutiny is still minimal, as the border officer simply makes sure that your documentation is OK, but, unlike the US, does not ask nosy questions.
From my understanding of the UK system, each kiosk must be monitored by a border officer. This requirement seemingly defeats the purpose of the kiosks. In the US, in exchange for the effort to apply for GE, one gains the ability to use a kiosk unsupervised, and to be processed with less scrutiny. In the UK, the kiosk replicates normal screening except for speaking with the officer.
I think we should return to the topic of this thread: recognition issues at the kiosks.
I think we should return to the topic of this thread: recognition issues at the kiosks.