Is Global Entry worthwhile?
Mar 14, 2011 | 8:21 pm
#1651
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: DCA / WAS
Programs: DL 2+ million/PM, YX, Marriott Plt, *wood gold, HHonors, CO Plt, UA, AA EXP, WN, AGR
Posts: 9,386
Last month I came through IAD from LHR. Two of the 5 machine (I think) were
broken with a note on it saying "DO not use this". I used the one that was
supposed to be working. Took all my information in but would not print the
receipt. The US citizen line was at least 60 deep with One guy manning
the booth from CBP. I tried telling him about the issue and he tells me to go
to the back of the line. I was not happy ! I argued but went to the end of the line. Within a minute or so one of the line handlers came to me and
took me back to the front of the line. Good ending to the story but not
before some aggravation, arguments etc.. The guy even told me to write
to my congressman for short of CBP personnel !!
Wonder if others have had similar experiences...
broken with a note on it saying "DO not use this". I used the one that was
supposed to be working. Took all my information in but would not print the
receipt. The US citizen line was at least 60 deep with One guy manning
the booth from CBP. I tried telling him about the issue and he tells me to go
to the back of the line. I was not happy ! I argued but went to the end of the line. Within a minute or so one of the line handlers came to me and
took me back to the front of the line. Good ending to the story but not
before some aggravation, arguments etc.. The guy even told me to write
to my congressman for short of CBP personnel !!
Wonder if others have had similar experiences...
Mar 14, 2011 | 9:35 pm
#1652
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NYC, USA
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HH Gold
Posts: 11,049
If the kiosk malfunctions, or if all kiosks are out of service, then you are supposed to be accommodated by the next available CBP officer at any of the primary inspection booths. The original officer was not following SOP in saying you had to go to the back of the line. I'm glad another agent found you afterward.
Mar 15, 2011 | 4:38 am
#1653
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Boston, USA
Programs: AA EXP, TK Elite, HH Gold, SPG/Marriott Gold
Posts: 939
If the kiosk malfunctions, or if all kiosks are out of service, then you are supposed to be accommodated by the next available CBP officer at any of the primary inspection booths. The original officer was not following SOP in saying you had to go to the back of the line. I'm glad another agent found you afterward.
I knew the SOP but aggravating a CBP (or any law enforcement person)
officer is never a good move ! So I followed his instruction but I would have
certainly reported this to higher authorities...
Overall the process works really great at BOS which is my primary
POE..
Mar 15, 2011 | 1:38 pm
#1654
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: London, England
Programs: OnePass Platinum, *G, Amex Plat, Priority Pass Prestige, Costa Coffee Loyalty Card
Posts: 378
Had my interview yesterday at BOS. Showed up an hour early, and they had no problem slotting me in. Chatted to a very friendly CBP agent for a little while about my travel and work. The whole experience was very professional, polite and friendly, and I got my confirmation of approval today via GOES website. Absolutely no complaints about the process at all.
Mar 15, 2011 | 3:57 pm
#1655
Join Date: May 2006
Location: MYF/CMA/SAN
Programs: COdbaUA MM, AA EXP, AF G, Bonbon Gold, Hilton G, All G, GHA Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis Presidential
Posts: 5,929
After reading a lot of the comments about the interviews for GE, it seems that the CBP goons act more professionally during GE interviews than when dealing with the general public but that the NEXUS interview is more pleasant. When doing NEXUS as a US citizen, the CBSA interview is the one that really focuses on the rules, while the CBP part is super lax and basically focuses on what kinds of fruit you can and can't bring over freely.
Mar 16, 2011 | 12:01 am
#1656
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 22,651
After reading a lot of the comments about the interviews for GE, it seems that the CBP goons act more professionally during GE interviews than when dealing with the general public but that the NEXUS interview is more pleasant. When doing NEXUS as a US citizen, the CBSA interview is the one that really focuses on the rules, while the CBP part is super lax and basically focuses on what kinds of fruit you can and can't bring over freely.
were finishing up lunch 
Question about GE: I know we have debated whether to declare things like chocolate, candy, etc.. I'll be coming back from CDG next week, and will likely have a lot of chocolate. Should I say yes to the food question, or just say no and go on my way?
GE interview did mention to declare or possibly forfeit membership.. Seems like you can't get a straight answer from CBP.
Mar 16, 2011 | 12:20 am
#1657
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: LAX
Posts: 6,769
Exactly! This was the kind of reaction that I got from CBP at YEG, during my NEXUS interview. Very friendly guy.. Chatted for ten-fifteen minutes, while the Canadians were finishing up lunch
Question about GE: I know we have debated whether to declare things like chocolate, candy, etc.. I'll be coming back from CDG next week, and will likely have a lot of chocolate. Should I say yes to the food question, or just say no and go on my way?
GE interview did mention to declare or possibly forfeit membership.. Seems like you can't get a straight answer from CBP.
were finishing up lunch Question about GE: I know we have debated whether to declare things like chocolate, candy, etc.. I'll be coming back from CDG next week, and will likely have a lot of chocolate. Should I say yes to the food question, or just say no and go on my way?
GE interview did mention to declare or possibly forfeit membership.. Seems like you can't get a straight answer from CBP.
Mar 16, 2011 | 12:21 am
#1658
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 22,651
Mar 16, 2011 | 4:50 am
#1660
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Greater DC
Programs: UA plus
Posts: 12,947
Exactly! This was the kind of reaction that I got from CBP at YEG, during my NEXUS interview. Very friendly guy.. Chatted for ten-fifteen minutes, while the Canadians were finishing up lunch
Question about GE: I know we have debated whether to declare things like chocolate, candy, etc.. I'll be coming back from CDG next week, and will likely have a lot of chocolate. Should I say yes to the food question, or just say no and go on my way?
GE interview did mention to declare or possibly forfeit membership.. Seems like you can't get a straight answer from CBP.
were finishing up lunch Question about GE: I know we have debated whether to declare things like chocolate, candy, etc.. I'll be coming back from CDG next week, and will likely have a lot of chocolate. Should I say yes to the food question, or just say no and go on my way?
GE interview did mention to declare or possibly forfeit membership.. Seems like you can't get a straight answer from CBP.
Mar 16, 2011 | 5:13 am
#1661
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: From ORK, live LCY
Programs: BA Silver, M&M*G, HH Gold, ABP, Seigneur des Horaires des Mucci
Posts: 14,919
That's highly confusing. Why would the form (which refers to all types of food) be different from the kiosk question?
Mar 16, 2011 | 5:36 am
#1662
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Greater DC
Programs: UA plus
Posts: 12,947
Mar 16, 2011 | 6:04 am
#1663
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 446
I'm guessing because when you check the box on the form the CBP officer can just ask what food you have. When you check the box on GE you get an X and have to go wait in line, so it's more work for CBP.
Mar 16, 2011 | 10:27 am
#1664
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,347
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