As it says on FS-Mom's app for Global Entry. Maybe they are backlogged?


"Your application for the Global Entry program is now pending review. PLEASE REMEMBER TO REVISIT OUR WEB SITE FOR YOUR APPLICATION STATUS UPDATES. Your application status and notification of when you may schedule an interview appointment will be posted to your online GOES account. CBP recommends you periodically login to your GOES account at https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov for account updates. If your application status is not updated within eight weeks, please contact the CBP Ombudsman at [email protected]"

Another thing that I'll add is that I would have to think as we get closer to the busy summer travel season, that they're going to get (or are getting) a lot busier. Then add on the new benefit of the application credit for Amex Platinum/Centurion members... I'm sure just that is causing a spike in applications.

Took mine somewhere between 3 and 4 weeks last fall.

I think you got lucky. Airline staff scour the baggage carousels in intn'l arrivals after the bag drops and they're able to forward on unclaimed bags to the final destination. However, you are supposed to go through the customs line with your own bag. It's appropriate for airline agents to have bags cleared by CBP when they arrive on flights after their owners. CBP is probably more likely to inspect a bag in a case like this. I'm sure that a lot of people who don't travel internationally that often are aware that they must reclaim and re-check their bags, even though they haven't reached their final destinations. Usually the flight attendants make an announcement about it, but not everyone listens.

I certainly wouldn't get in the habit of leaving your bags behind because they're likely to be delayed and in the worse case, you might put your GE benefits in jeopardy.

Where were you flying from and to, and where did you clear customs?

How did you know that you didn't have to claim and recheck your baggage?

It took about two weeks for my parter and me, but this was late last year. They are likely busier now.

I've got a flight next week CLE-YYZ, returning a few days later. Will GE membership be of any benefit returning to the U.S. from YYZ?

Not at this time, although there have been reports of NExus lane access for some who asked nicely ;)

Is my Global Entry any benefit at all when crossing on foot between Mexico and California?

GE is an air only program. For Mexico land crossings, it is SENTRI - but I know nothing else about that program.

No. However, if you have any WHTI-complaint document (Passport Card, Enhanced DL, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST), you can use the express pedestrian lines at stations like San Ysidro that have these lines.

A few weeks ago at T4 there was a sign at the kiosks instructing GE users when finished with the kiosk to see an agent in the booth closest to the kiosks. I took the opportunity to ask the agent about the customs exit. He told me to wave my white kiosk receipt at the customs officer, who would let me cut the line. It turned out there was no customs line, so I didn't get to try this out.

Going for my interview in ATL tomorrow afternoon.

As my prelim-approved status has been there for 3 months,
routed myself AUS-ATL-PDX so I could get this done. :D

With the majority of positive comments in this thread,
I think I might get my $100 worth....^

If you get SENTRI first you automatically qualify for GE. No second interview. No second fee. Just submit the app after you get your SENTRI.

Amex platinum paying for Global Entry
 

Got news of this a few weeks back.. With lounge access card has some real bennies.

What is the average time savings coming in on UA at IAD?