May 4, 2017, 12:01 am
Last edit by: drewguy
US Airports
Atlanta (ATL)
E concourse/transfer passengers
Global Entry kiosks are on the left wall as you enter the immigration area (the queues for the non-GE are to the right). After completing with the kiosk (facial recognition, no reset), continue to the far side of the room and turn right for the GE exit booths. Your face will be matched visually by the agent (against a line up of those recently through the kiosks) and you proceed to baggage claim. If you have no problems with your connecting flight (and no reason to open the bags) move them over to the drop off belt. There are two queues at security. Sometimes one is set up as TSA Precheck, sometimes they are both regular. Amusingly, when they have a Precheck line, there's usually nobody in the other one.
Boston (BOS)
All passengers follow a first hallway, then a bend, entering a second hallway; at that point you see the non-GE situation to your left through the glass. GE kiosks are at the far end to the left, with one (or two) immigration agents checking for slips with an X, then downstairs to baggage claim. GE customs exit, easy to miss, at far end (left side as you face luggage belts).
Charlotte (CLT)
No MPC. Customs exit has two booths. There is a dedicated GE customs lane with signage on the left. May have to walk past (and get dirty looks) general customs queue to see GE signage.
Chicago (ORD)
The kiosks are immediately apparent as you come down to the immigration/customs area, although sometimes long lines for "regular" immigration can slow access to the kiosks. After baggage claim there is a single exit to transfer/arrivals, with a specific desk for GE customers sometimes staffed.
Denver (DEN)
After the long walk from your gate, signs for global entry point you straight down the escalator (non-GE get forms checked and may queue). Kiosks to right using 2.0. If an X or to declare a sign points to agent. Otherwise proceed to baggage reclaim area. Give slip to agent at exit and proceed to airport main entrance.
Houston (IAH):
There is a single, roped off separate area on southern (terminal E) end of the arrivals hall with kiosks as you enter the hall, and an additional bank of kiosks near officers at a desk that check (and keep) GE receipts as one is entering the central immigration area. Proceed to the bag claim escalator past agents that may pull people for further questioning. After claiming bags downstairs, proceed directly to recheck. Agents in the area may pull you aside for bag inspection. There is no GE or standard exit queue.
Los Angeles (LAX):
International arrivals come into the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). After the walk to escalators, GE lines are well marked. LAX uses GE 2.0 facial recognition - just smile at the camera and it will tell you what to do next. You'll then go past an agent with whatever interaction they deem necessary. On to baggage claim and either taxis or a connecting flight.
Miami (MIA):
The kiosks are in the centre of the hall, between US and Tourists. Turn left when you have cleared and down the stairs/escalator to Customs. Turn left at the bottom and your GE Customs line is there.
New York (JFK):
T8
After receiving your "non-X" GE slip, you proceed to baggage area (if you have any), then head for the customs agent. There is a sign on a stand: "GLOBAL ENTRY EXIT", this lets you bypass any "others" waiting to see an agent.; There is a CPB agent who checks your pp (after collecting your slip). You then go to collect your luggage (if you have any), unless you are singled out for extra scrutiny, you are free to leave.
Once you are in baggage collection area, it seems all pax have "equal status" since GE no longer have their slips. [GE pax would still have their GE cards to show if needed.]
T7
Upon arrival in the Immigration area, the kiosks are on the back wall, facing the front of the inspectors booths. Turn left and you may have to walk right across the area to get to them. There is a special exit for Customs.
Philadelphia (PHL):
Global Entry kiosks are immediately on the right if arriving from an A-East gate (A2-A13). After successful facial recognition take your receipt to the Global Entry cubicle next to the kiosks. Hold up your receipt as your pass the GE officer in the cubicle and tell them if you have anything to declare. After claiming checked luggage, exit the FIS through the GE customs line, and give the officer your receipt.
San Francisco (SFO):
International arrivals G concourse - United/*A
Corridor from planes with floor and ceiling markings for different categories (GE, MPC, US, Foreign) that ultimately end up in lanes demarcated with tensa-barriers. GE is to the far left, where the kiosks are along the wall. Use kiosk, wait for agent, who will ask any questions, then pickup any bags and head past all carousels. Connecting flights to left; exit to right.
Seattle
Just before taking the escalator to the baggage hall the GE kiosks are on the right. New software so no receipts. After baggage collection join queue to the left for GE passengers. Agent asks questions as well as checks you for the GE kiosk record.
Washington (IAD):
Main Terminal
The kiosks are around the corner to the far right after you come down the escalator from the moon rover, behind a metal swinging gate marked for crew and GE.Starting Spring 2017 After using the kiosk, you'll enter a lane to for an agent to review your slip and to make any declarations (food, etc.), and then you proceed out a central door to the baggage claim area. There is no further check after this point. Post-2021: Using GE 2.0 and agents tend to take more time studying passport; door to baggage area a bit closer to GE checkpoint. Spring 2023: New facial scanners in place that are touchless - just look at screen, it images face, and directs you (in most cases) to proceed to the line. CBP agent confirms identity and checks passport, and asks if anything to declare.
Midfield (transfers) terminal (UA-UA only; limited hours)
The GE terminals are against the wall, on the left, immediately that you enter the arrivals immigration area. Do not join the barricaded area as you have gone too far. After you have your receipt you walk down the back of the inspectors booths to Customs. Note: No TSAPre available here.
Foreign Preclearance Airports
Montreal (YUL)
(All US bound flights)After CATSA security, the GE machines will be in your left. Facial recognition and no receipts will be issued just instructions to proceed to US or GE officer.
Vancouver (YVR)
(Most daytime US-bound flights. Not available for late-evening / night US-bound flights) GE/Nexus get expedited access to security, although it takes a bit of talking to convince the line guard to grant access because there is no reason to carry the GE card for air travel. Post security, the GE machines are in a dedicated area off to the left. After getting the receipt, you hand your receipt, passport and boarding pass to an available agent. Agent scans your boarding pass and if you have checked bags, a picture of your bag is displayed to the officer. American Citizens are waved past with ease. Non-American citizens are required to answer the standard "Where are you going / what are you doing" questions that apply to non-American citizen travellers. Non-American business travelers using GE at YVR can expect all the standard probing immigration-related questions regarding the nature of your business in the USA.
Dublin (DUB)
Preclearance:
After security, find 3 or 4 GE kiosks located on the left hand side. After getting the receipt, walk up to the CBP agent on the far left (from the passengers' point of view). Need to stop at CBP agent's desk and hand over passport + receipt + boarding pass. The BP is scanned to bring up picture(s) of bag(s) (in case bags were checked).
Atlanta (ATL)
E concourse/transfer passengers
Global Entry kiosks are on the left wall as you enter the immigration area (the queues for the non-GE are to the right). After completing with the kiosk (facial recognition, no reset), continue to the far side of the room and turn right for the GE exit booths. Your face will be matched visually by the agent (against a line up of those recently through the kiosks) and you proceed to baggage claim. If you have no problems with your connecting flight (and no reason to open the bags) move them over to the drop off belt. There are two queues at security. Sometimes one is set up as TSA Precheck, sometimes they are both regular. Amusingly, when they have a Precheck line, there's usually nobody in the other one.
Boston (BOS)
All passengers follow a first hallway, then a bend, entering a second hallway; at that point you see the non-GE situation to your left through the glass. GE kiosks are at the far end to the left, with one (or two) immigration agents checking for slips with an X, then downstairs to baggage claim. GE customs exit, easy to miss, at far end (left side as you face luggage belts).
Charlotte (CLT)
No MPC. Customs exit has two booths. There is a dedicated GE customs lane with signage on the left. May have to walk past (and get dirty looks) general customs queue to see GE signage.
Chicago (ORD)
The kiosks are immediately apparent as you come down to the immigration/customs area, although sometimes long lines for "regular" immigration can slow access to the kiosks. After baggage claim there is a single exit to transfer/arrivals, with a specific desk for GE customers sometimes staffed.
Denver (DEN)
After the long walk from your gate, signs for global entry point you straight down the escalator (non-GE get forms checked and may queue). Kiosks to right using 2.0. If an X or to declare a sign points to agent. Otherwise proceed to baggage reclaim area. Give slip to agent at exit and proceed to airport main entrance.
Houston (IAH):
There is a single, roped off separate area on southern (terminal E) end of the arrivals hall with kiosks as you enter the hall, and an additional bank of kiosks near officers at a desk that check (and keep) GE receipts as one is entering the central immigration area. Proceed to the bag claim escalator past agents that may pull people for further questioning. After claiming bags downstairs, proceed directly to recheck. Agents in the area may pull you aside for bag inspection. There is no GE or standard exit queue.
Los Angeles (LAX):
International arrivals come into the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). After the walk to escalators, GE lines are well marked. LAX uses GE 2.0 facial recognition - just smile at the camera and it will tell you what to do next. You'll then go past an agent with whatever interaction they deem necessary. On to baggage claim and either taxis or a connecting flight.
Miami (MIA):
The kiosks are in the centre of the hall, between US and Tourists. Turn left when you have cleared and down the stairs/escalator to Customs. Turn left at the bottom and your GE Customs line is there.
New York (JFK):
T8
After receiving your "non-X" GE slip,
Once you are in baggage collection area, it seems all pax have "equal status" since GE no longer have their slips. [GE pax would still have their GE cards to show if needed.]
T7
Upon arrival in the Immigration area, the kiosks are on the back wall, facing the front of the inspectors booths. Turn left and you may have to walk right across the area to get to them. There is a special exit for Customs.
Philadelphia (PHL):
Global Entry kiosks are immediately on the right if arriving from an A-East gate (A2-A13). After successful facial recognition take your receipt to the Global Entry cubicle next to the kiosks. Hold up your receipt as your pass the GE officer in the cubicle and tell them if you have anything to declare. After claiming checked luggage, exit the FIS through the GE customs line, and give the officer your receipt.
San Francisco (SFO):
International arrivals G concourse - United/*A
Corridor from planes with floor and ceiling markings for different categories (GE, MPC, US, Foreign) that ultimately end up in lanes demarcated with tensa-barriers. GE is to the far left, where the kiosks are along the wall. Use kiosk, wait for agent, who will ask any questions, then pickup any bags and head past all carousels. Connecting flights to left; exit to right.
Seattle
Just before taking the escalator to the baggage hall the GE kiosks are on the right. New software so no receipts. After baggage collection join queue to the left for GE passengers. Agent asks questions as well as checks you for the GE kiosk record.
Washington (IAD):
Main Terminal
The kiosks are around the corner to the far right after you come down the escalator from the moon rover, behind a metal swinging gate marked for crew and GE.
Midfield (transfers) terminal (UA-UA only; limited hours)
The GE terminals are against the wall, on the left, immediately that you enter the arrivals immigration area. Do not join the barricaded area as you have gone too far. After you have your receipt you walk down the back of the inspectors booths to Customs. Note: No TSAPre available here.
Foreign Preclearance Airports
Montreal (YUL)
(All US bound flights)After CATSA security, the GE machines will be in your left. Facial recognition and no receipts will be issued just instructions to proceed to US or GE officer.
Vancouver (YVR)
(Most daytime US-bound flights. Not available for late-evening / night US-bound flights) GE/Nexus get expedited access to security, although it takes a bit of talking to convince the line guard to grant access because there is no reason to carry the GE card for air travel. Post security, the GE machines are in a dedicated area off to the left. After getting the receipt, you hand your receipt, passport and boarding pass to an available agent. Agent scans your boarding pass and if you have checked bags, a picture of your bag is displayed to the officer. American Citizens are waved past with ease. Non-American citizens are required to answer the standard "Where are you going / what are you doing" questions that apply to non-American citizen travellers. Non-American business travelers using GE at YVR can expect all the standard probing immigration-related questions regarding the nature of your business in the USA.
Dublin (DUB)
Preclearance:
After security, find 3 or 4 GE kiosks located on the left hand side. After getting the receipt, walk up to the CBP agent on the far left (from the passengers' point of view). Need to stop at CBP agent's desk and hand over passport + receipt + boarding pass. The BP is scanned to bring up picture(s) of bag(s) (in case bags were checked).
How does Global Entry work for You?
Dec 30, 2015, 2:36 pm
#61
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 47
thanks for all the replies guys and welcoming to the forums! this gives me an idea of the program pretty well. sorry for the late reply too, i never got any notifications that there were responses to the thread (gotta change that in settings i suppose). last few times i went through MIA coming from south america i had absolutely atrocious time at the customs. first they ask for the paper form even though i filled one out at the APC machine electronically.. then every time i'd get an X on my ticket (whatever that means) and i had to go through 3 customs agents... 3. each one would ask the same damn questions and interrogate me like a criminal. really annoying. last time i couldn't help myself and called the supervisor and went off on them. meanwhile the international passangers that were on my plane would go right through the spanish speaking lines with no problems.
i'll apply for GE today and hopefully it will be worth it. thanks again for the replies!
i'll apply for GE today and hopefully it will be worth it. thanks again for the replies!
Dec 30, 2015, 3:23 pm
#62
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
MIA & LAX are my worst immigration experiences. Agents rule with an iron thumb and seem to have some chips on their shoulders. Without GE I would never return to the country via those two access points.
Jan 2, 2016, 9:28 am
#63
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: 33,857
I just used it in ORD a few days ago. Scanned my fingerprints at the machine, collected my ticket, walked to the exit and turned in the ticket. It was wonderful, the only thing I missed out on was the passport stamp.
Jan 3, 2016, 3:00 pm
#64
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,072
This is true, but it's still a good idea to keep one of the forms in your bag or briefcase, just in case you get off the plane and discover the kiosks are down for some reason.
Jan 3, 2016, 3:05 pm
#65
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: AA: PLT/US: Preferred Gold
Posts: 26
The most trouble I've had is that my passport currently has a 25% success rate at the scanners.
Even that's not a big deal - there's a button right on the main screen for if you have trouble scanning your passport; you just enter some information so they can look you up, and it treats you exactly the same. Full circles every time.
Even that's not a big deal - there's a button right on the main screen for if you have trouble scanning your passport; you just enter some information so they can look you up, and it treats you exactly the same. Full circles every time.
Jan 3, 2016, 7:52 pm
#66
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
I do keep a partially filled out Customs form inside my passport holder for the chance I may need to use it. But in 3+ years have not had to.
Jan 5, 2016, 12:10 pm
#69
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond, UA 1K MM, SPG Plat For Life, Marriott Plat, Nexus/GlobalEntry
Posts: 9,198
You further emphasized the point that it's highly unlikely you'll need a form.
Jan 5, 2016, 6:18 pm
#70
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: KSUX
Posts: 906
Just curious was the dedicated line for GE open yet? ords said in a thread in the Chicago forum that they would be using the center exit and signing would be going up soon. When I was there the only lane open was the far right one but seeing as we were the only flight there at the time I think I waited all of 90 seconds in line. The officer took my slip, barely glanced at my passport and sent me on my way. Overall I was very impressed with the GE process. Even with a quick stop in the restroom from plane to dropping my bag at the AA counter outside the customs hall was under 10 minutes.
Jan 6, 2016, 2:55 pm
#71
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Florida
Programs: Delta SkyMiles; Hilton HHonors; NEXUS; National Emerald Club Executive
Posts: 365
I'm trying GE for the first time in a few days (NEXUS member, but with GE benefits.) I'll also be bringing some food back from Europe. A few questions:
1) What is the process like when you're bringing food (I will of course declare it)?
2) I've researched to the best of my ability, but can I still be penalized if a DECLARED food item turns out to be prohibited? I'm not bringing anything I know to be prohibited, but there are a few things where I can't seem to find an authoritative answer either way on CBP's web site or the various other agencies they link to.
3) I didn't bring my Nexus card on the trip, thinking it wouldn't be needed. I've since read about some of the "line dragons" not allowing patrons to walk up to the GE machines without the card. I'm flying into Fort Lauderdale (FLL) -- has anyone had any trouble there?
Thanks!
1) What is the process like when you're bringing food (I will of course declare it)?
2) I've researched to the best of my ability, but can I still be penalized if a DECLARED food item turns out to be prohibited? I'm not bringing anything I know to be prohibited, but there are a few things where I can't seem to find an authoritative answer either way on CBP's web site or the various other agencies they link to.
3) I didn't bring my Nexus card on the trip, thinking it wouldn't be needed. I've since read about some of the "line dragons" not allowing patrons to walk up to the GE machines without the card. I'm flying into Fort Lauderdale (FLL) -- has anyone had any trouble there?
Thanks!
Jan 7, 2016, 9:51 pm
#72
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond, UA 1K MM, SPG Plat For Life, Marriott Plat, Nexus/GlobalEntry
Posts: 9,198
I'm trying GE for the first time in a few days (NEXUS member, but with GE benefits.) I'll also be bringing some food back from Europe. A few questions:
1) What is the process like when you're bringing food (I will of course declare it)?
2) I've researched to the best of my ability, but can I still be penalized if a DECLARED food item turns out to be prohibited? I'm not bringing anything I know to be prohibited, but there are a few things where I can't seem to find an authoritative answer either way on CBP's web site or the various other agencies they link to.
3) I didn't bring my Nexus card on the trip, thinking it wouldn't be needed. I've since read about some of the "line dragons" not allowing patrons to walk up to the GE machines without the card. I'm flying into Fort Lauderdale (FLL) -- has anyone had any trouble there?
Thanks!
1) What is the process like when you're bringing food (I will of course declare it)?
2) I've researched to the best of my ability, but can I still be penalized if a DECLARED food item turns out to be prohibited? I'm not bringing anything I know to be prohibited, but there are a few things where I can't seem to find an authoritative answer either way on CBP's web site or the various other agencies they link to.
3) I didn't bring my Nexus card on the trip, thinking it wouldn't be needed. I've since read about some of the "line dragons" not allowing patrons to walk up to the GE machines without the card. I'm flying into Fort Lauderdale (FLL) -- has anyone had any trouble there?
Thanks!
2. If you declare everything and you brought something you weren't supposed to by mistake they will just confiscate it and throw it away.. no problem.. you erred on the side of honesty. As long as it's not something extremely illegal like saying you wanted to bring in flowers and they were opium poppies.
3. You don't need your Nexus card at all when entering the US. I've never shown mine a single time at any US airport entry point. Only in Canada.
May 19, 2016, 3:56 am
#73
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, VS Gold
Posts: 274
Global Entry Questions
Hi
First time entering the States later today since I was approved for Global Entry.
This might seem like a daft question (in which case apologies) but does my Global Entry info need to be inputted when I check in here ie by the check in agent, or is it just all recognised via my passport when I get to the Global Entry machine at immigration in the States?
(The reason I ask is that I am actually flying Norwegian from Gatwick (for the first time) and I'm afraid I don't really trust check in staff there to know what to do if it's the former case. I just figure my regular BA Exec crowd here will know the answer rather than posting in the Norwegian forum).
Also back up question for anyone reading this who does have Global Entry.....I was approved after interview around 10th April. Should I have received the little credit-card size pass that goes with it by now? Do they not post them to the UK?
Thanks
First time entering the States later today since I was approved for Global Entry.
This might seem like a daft question (in which case apologies) but does my Global Entry info need to be inputted when I check in here ie by the check in agent, or is it just all recognised via my passport when I get to the Global Entry machine at immigration in the States?
(The reason I ask is that I am actually flying Norwegian from Gatwick (for the first time) and I'm afraid I don't really trust check in staff there to know what to do if it's the former case. I just figure my regular BA Exec crowd here will know the answer rather than posting in the Norwegian forum).
Also back up question for anyone reading this who does have Global Entry.....I was approved after interview around 10th April. Should I have received the little credit-card size pass that goes with it by now? Do they not post them to the UK?
Thanks
May 19, 2016, 4:01 am
#74
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 935
Hi
First time entering the States later today since I was approved for Global Entry.
This might seem like a daft question (in which case apologies) but does my Global Entry info need to be inputted when I check in here ie by the check in agent, or is it just all recognised via my passport when I get to the Global Entry machine at immigration in the States?
(The reason I ask is that I am actually flying Norwegian from Gatwick (for the first time) and I'm afraid I don't really trust check in staff there to know what to do if it's the former case. I just figure my regular BA Exec crowd here will know the answer rather than posting in the Norwegian forum).
Also back up question for anyone reading this who does have Global Entry.....I was approved after interview around 10th April. Should I have received the little credit-card size pass that goes with it by now? Do they not post them to the UK?
Thanks
First time entering the States later today since I was approved for Global Entry.
This might seem like a daft question (in which case apologies) but does my Global Entry info need to be inputted when I check in here ie by the check in agent, or is it just all recognised via my passport when I get to the Global Entry machine at immigration in the States?
(The reason I ask is that I am actually flying Norwegian from Gatwick (for the first time) and I'm afraid I don't really trust check in staff there to know what to do if it's the former case. I just figure my regular BA Exec crowd here will know the answer rather than posting in the Norwegian forum).
Also back up question for anyone reading this who does have Global Entry.....I was approved after interview around 10th April. Should I have received the little credit-card size pass that goes with it by now? Do they not post them to the UK?
Thanks
ETA: This information is for UK->US Entry. If you have internal US flights and you wish to have TSA Pre-check then you need your KTN to be entered on your booking so that your boarding pass will be correctly marked.