Up until very recently GE was a no-card program. The kiosks identify you by your passport and biometrics. I want to say that within the last month, CBP started issuing cards to folks whose GE applications were approved. It's my understanding that GE members can use this for NEXUS immigration when returning from Canada, whereas before GE users didn't enjoy any special benefits on those trans-border flights.

The reason you're hearing about people applying for the cards now is because people who were authorized into the GE program before they started issuing cards aren't going to automatically receive cards. So they have to pay a $15 application fee to have them issued. One might do this if they travel back and forth to Canada enough to make the $15 expenditure worthwhile. Also, I think there is some speculation that the cards might be necessary when the TSA trusted traveler program starts its roll-out later this year, since supposedly GE, SENTRI, and NEXUS members will be able to opt into the program.

If you and your wife just applied, you will both get cards automatically if you are both approved.

Absolutely worth the effort. My experience documented here
http://www.perrygolf.com/blog/2011/0...th-the-effort/

Good article. You might want to correct the name of the program to be "Global Entry," not "Global Traveler."

received "conditional approval" e-mail this morning, and about 2 minutes later received "approval" e-mail for the CARD. I applied for the CARD the middle of last week so it took less than 4 business days for my approval, even with slight changes from my initial GE application back in July of 2008.

Now I'll see how long the card takes to arrive.

Applied on 07/14 with the $15 charge to get the GE card (already GE for 2 years).

Today, I got my conditional approval, immediately followed by the approval letter.

Waiting for the card to arrive in the mail now.

It seems like a batch of approvals happened today. I also just got my "conditional approval" followed by the approval message. I had applied on Tuesday or Wednesday last week. I will report back when I receive the card in the mail.

No card will be needed for the TSA program based on what's on their website.

http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/expedited_screening.shtm

So you don't need the card for TSA, and it won't help. You put your Global Entry number in the known traveler field when making a reservation, and your boarding pass will (once your airport/airline supports it) have a bar code that'll determine whether you go through the normal line or expedited line. The Global Entry card is good for inbound (but not outbound) NEXUS lines from Canada, and inbound SENTRI lines from Mexico, but only if you're not in a car (unless you get your car inspected).

This means that they are requiring more change from the already stressed airline IT departments . This is going nowhere for awhile

Same here. Got both emails mid morning today(Monday). Applied for the card earlier last week.

--J

I submitted the card applications for my wife and I within minutes of each other on 7/18 and my wife got her approval notice today and I'm still 'pending review'. Hrmph. Nothing changed on either of our applications since we applied via GOES on 3/30 and received approval in May. Hopefully just an oversight and I'll get approved soon.

Don't most of them already collect that info? I know it prompts me when I make a reservation on US Airways' website to verify the TSA Secure Flight info, and it includes a redress # and known traveler # already. They'll have to set it up to print or not print the barcode, but I can't see them holding this back, especially since it's a great perk the airlines can offer their elites (you don't need Global Entry to get into the TSA system, just that if you are in GE you are also automatically in the TSA program now as well, plus NEXUS & SENTRI inbound).

Not redress, but a known traveler number ... Figuring they require a separate field, esp as the airlines have code to protect redress unless you say yes to the do you have a redress number question. A change is rqd, just a matter of what it will be

My first attempt to use Global Entry yesterday at LAX was a huge disappointment. The kiosk worked fine until i received the big black X on my receipt. I was then escorted to a waiting area where I sat for 20 minutes.

When a CBP agent finally arrived I got the full on bag inspection. Everything was removed and searched. The CBP agent asked "how many times have you been arrested" ummm like none. I would not have GE if I had an arrest record. The agent then proceeded to comment on my medications. He mockingly said "you take a lot of medications" duh. I have a medical condition that requires daily medications to control. I thought the agent's comments and tone were highly unprofessional and inappropriate. Finally, the agent finished his inspection and then had me sit in a holding area while he went to discuss "my case" with his supervisor.

Finally the agent returned and said "we will let let you go this time, now get out of here".

.... I Thought GE was going make my life easier not subject me to more CBP BS.

Have any idea why you got the big black X?

Sorry to hear about the bag dump/bad treatment.. Out of curiosity, where were you flying from?

As far as the search, having GE does not exempt you from searches.