Global Entry at SFO
#1
Original Poster

Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: California
Programs: Star Alliance
Posts: 76
Global Entry at SFO
I’m not sure where this post should belong because it has to do with GE but it also has to do with SFO specifically. Please put it in the appropriate place if this is not the correct place.
I just obtained Global Entry this week and am doing research on how to use it. My home airport is SFO so I’m specifically interested in the process of returning into SFO. I’m reading about how for immigration/passport control there is a line for the kiosks for GE folks, a separate line for Mobile Passport folks, and then of course, the regular line for everyone else. But I’m also reading about how there is also an expedited line for customs for GE whereas there isn’t one for Mobile Passport.
Based on my recollection of SFO, once you get off the plane, you head to passport control, that’s where the long crowded lines are and if you have some kind of trusted traveler status (GE, MP), then you can bypass the line. After passport control you go through customs, where you hand off your customs form (the one you filled out on the plane) to a CBP officer and if you’re not selected for special baggage search, you leave the airport. So I’m not sure what the expedited customs line I hear about is.
I just obtained Global Entry this week and am doing research on how to use it. My home airport is SFO so I’m specifically interested in the process of returning into SFO. I’m reading about how for immigration/passport control there is a line for the kiosks for GE folks, a separate line for Mobile Passport folks, and then of course, the regular line for everyone else. But I’m also reading about how there is also an expedited line for customs for GE whereas there isn’t one for Mobile Passport.
Based on my recollection of SFO, once you get off the plane, you head to passport control, that’s where the long crowded lines are and if you have some kind of trusted traveler status (GE, MP), then you can bypass the line. After passport control you go through customs, where you hand off your customs form (the one you filled out on the plane) to a CBP officer and if you’re not selected for special baggage search, you leave the airport. So I’m not sure what the expedited customs line I hear about is.
#2
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 67
I’m not sure where this post should belong because it has to do with GE but it also has to do with SFO specifically. Please put it in the appropriate place if this is not the correct place.
I just obtained Global Entry this week and am doing research on how to use it. My home airport is SFO so I’m specifically interested in the process of returning into SFO. I’m reading about how for immigration/passport control there is a line for the kiosks for GE folks, a separate line for Mobile Passport folks, and then of course, the regular line for everyone else. But I’m also reading about how there is also an expedited line for customs for GE whereas there isn’t one for Mobile Passport.
Based on my recollection of SFO, once you get off the plane, you head to passport control, that’s where the long crowded lines are and if you have some kind of trusted traveler status (GE, MP), then you can bypass the line. After passport control you go through customs, where you hand off your customs form (the one you filled out on the plane) to a CBP officer and if you’re not selected for special baggage search, you leave the airport. So I’m not sure what the expedited customs line I hear about is.
I just obtained Global Entry this week and am doing research on how to use it. My home airport is SFO so I’m specifically interested in the process of returning into SFO. I’m reading about how for immigration/passport control there is a line for the kiosks for GE folks, a separate line for Mobile Passport folks, and then of course, the regular line for everyone else. But I’m also reading about how there is also an expedited line for customs for GE whereas there isn’t one for Mobile Passport.
Based on my recollection of SFO, once you get off the plane, you head to passport control, that’s where the long crowded lines are and if you have some kind of trusted traveler status (GE, MP), then you can bypass the line. After passport control you go through customs, where you hand off your customs form (the one you filled out on the plane) to a CBP officer and if you’re not selected for special baggage search, you leave the airport. So I’m not sure what the expedited customs line I hear about is.
#3

Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 295
The customs line forms in the baggage carousels area. The last few times I returned at SFO, a sign split this into two lines, GE and non-GE. The customs officer(s) collecting slips would pull from either line, and typically the GE line is far shorter.
#4
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 24,796
There are some SFO experiences shared in the following thread:
They are consistent with jashsu's observations.
They are consistent with jashsu's observations.
#5
Original Poster

Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: California
Programs: Star Alliance
Posts: 76
I think I recall now, however, I must have been lucky all the times I've come back in through SFO because while I remember handing over the customs slip to a CBP officer, I don't remember lining up, getting in line, or even seeing a line form. I just remember getting my bags off the carousel, going up to the guy, handing him my form and walking past all the unfortunate folks who were selected to have their bags checked.
#6


Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SFO
Programs: COdbaUA Platinum 2MM
Posts: 5,602
Just returned to SFO from an overseas trip. Customs line for Global Entry is on the far right side and clearly marked.
#7
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: MPC,CA,MU,AF
Posts: 8,171
#8


Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SFO
Programs: COdbaUA Platinum 2MM
Posts: 5,602

