Is Global Entry worthwhile?
#2551
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Central Florida, USA
Programs: AA EXP, DL, UA
Posts: 141
You can schedule online for both. I just did MCO last week and my family did this week. SFB was also an option, just had limited availability.
#2552
Join Date: Jul 2008
Programs: Greyhound Vermillion Mithril
Posts: 693
I am wondering if someone can help me understand the difference between TSA Pre and CLEAR? I know that...
* they are operated by different organizations (TSA and Alclear)
* they work in different airports
* TSA Pre is probabilistic but CLEAR always works
are they otherwise the same? Thanks!
* they are operated by different organizations (TSA and Alclear)
* they work in different airports
* TSA Pre is probabilistic but CLEAR always works
are they otherwise the same? Thanks!
#2553
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: AMEX Platinum, Global Entry, Priority Pass, SPG Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,594
I am wondering if someone can help me understand the difference between TSA Pre and CLEAR? I know that...
* they are operated by different organizations (TSA and Alclear)
* they work in different airports
* TSA Pre is probabilistic but CLEAR always works
are they otherwise the same? Thanks!
* they are operated by different organizations (TSA and Alclear)
* they work in different airports
* TSA Pre is probabilistic but CLEAR always works
are they otherwise the same? Thanks!
PreCheck is free, but requires elite status or a TT membership.
The major difference; however, is that CLEAR is merely a type of expedited access to security, much like an elite line. Once at the checkpoint, CLEAR passengers undergo an inspection identical to regular passengers, including AIT and the removal of liquids, shoes, and laptops. PreCheck, in contrast, provides an accelerated screening experience. Shoes stay on, laptops and liquids stay in, and only WTMDs are used. In some cases, PreCheck even offers a dedicated access line, so those who are eligible have reduced wait-times. The one major benefit of CLEAR, as you identified, is its predictability. For this reason, if you are pressed for time, CLEAR is your best bet. Otherwise, you should try for PreCheck, which offers the possibility of a more pleasant screening experience.
#2554
Join Date: Jul 2008
Programs: Greyhound Vermillion Mithril
Posts: 693
Thanks for the detailed info!!
Right... I have PreCheck already; and just got a 6-month free trial of CLEAR through SPG...
so you have to choose one even if you have both... since I already have PreCheck, I probably won't renew CLEAR when the free trial expires.
so you have to choose one even if you have both... since I already have PreCheck, I probably won't renew CLEAR when the free trial expires.
#2555
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: So Cal
Programs: UA Gold/0.744MM, WN AL, Hyatt Diamond, MR Scum, Hertz PC, National Exec, Avis PC
Posts: 5,552
I don't think there is an "OR" in this sentence. You have to be part of a CBP TT program AND an elite on an airline that is participating AND be going thru one of the few airports that are currently participating for your airline.
Edit:
You may not need to be an elite in the FFP, but I seem to remember the airlines were only advertising this to their elites initially.
Edit:
You may not need to be an elite in the FFP, but I seem to remember the airlines were only advertising this to their elites initially.
#2556
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: AMEX Platinum, Global Entry, Priority Pass, SPG Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,594
I don't think there is an "OR" in this sentence. You have to be part of a CBP TT program AND an elite on an airline that is participating AND be going thru one of the few airports that are currently participating for your airline.
Edit:
You may not need to be an elite in the FFP, but I seem to remember the airlines were only advertising this to their elites initially.
Edit:
You may not need to be an elite in the FFP, but I seem to remember the airlines were only advertising this to their elites initially.
#2557
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: DCA
Programs: DL Diamond, HH Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 553
I don't think there is an "OR" in this sentence. You have to be part of a CBP TT program AND an elite on an airline that is participating AND be going thru one of the few airports that are currently participating for your airline.
Edit:
You may not need to be an elite in the FFP, but I seem to remember the airlines were only advertising this to their elites initially.
Edit:
You may not need to be an elite in the FFP, but I seem to remember the airlines were only advertising this to their elites initially.
#2558
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: So Cal
Programs: UA Gold/0.744MM, WN AL, Hyatt Diamond, MR Scum, Hertz PC, National Exec, Avis PC
Posts: 5,552
http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/participation.shtm
#2559
Join Date: Jun 2006
Programs: Various
Posts: 6,521
Next time you are coming into the US, and get to skip to the front of a 200+ person line, I think that you will feel that the benefit is still *totally* there! (That's how we feel, anyway....)
#2560
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: DCA
Programs: DL Diamond, HH Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 553
Wow! I was totally mistaken. I thought TT was a prerequisite. Although it leaves me wondering how the heck TSA checks out someone who opts in as an elite FF only???
http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/participation.shtm
http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/participation.shtm
#2561
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,624
GE question: I haven't read every post, but I didn't realize you had to show your passport sticker along with the printed form at Customs. The Customs guy at ORD was testy with me because I'd put my passport away, he wanted to see the sticker.
Since when do you need a passport at Customs? How did I get the printed form if I don't have GE?
Since when do you need a passport at Customs? How did I get the printed form if I don't have GE?
#2562
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Portland, OR, USA
Programs: UA 1K 3 Million/ex-many year GS, AA PLT/2 Mil, AS MVPG, HH Dia, Starwood Life Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,401
GE question: I haven't read every post, but I didn't realize you had to show your passport sticker along with the printed form at Customs. The Customs guy at ORD was testy with me because I'd put my passport away, he wanted to see the sticker.
Since when do you need a passport at Customs? How did I get the printed form if I don't have GE?
Since when do you need a passport at Customs? How did I get the printed form if I don't have GE?
#2563
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: AMEX Platinum, Global Entry, Priority Pass, SPG Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,594
While the ORD policy is excessive, it is always a good idea to present the passport to the customs officer along with the GE slip. This allows the officer to quickly confirm your identity and authenticate the slip.
#2564
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: ORD-JFK-EZE-MAD
Programs: AA LT PLT 4mm / Free Agent / GE / Secret Handshake
Posts: 854
GE question: I haven't read every post, but I didn't realize you had to show your passport sticker along with the printed form at Customs. The Customs guy at ORD was testy with me because I'd put my passport away, he wanted to see the sticker.
Since when do you need a passport at Customs? How did I get the printed form if I don't have GE?
Since when do you need a passport at Customs? How did I get the printed form if I don't have GE?
Why is it that people always complain for having to show a passport with the GE receipt? What is the big deal?
You always have the option to engage in an argument with the CBP Officer. Guess who is going to win?
--J
#2565
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: YQR
Programs: NEXUS; alas, no status anymore.
Posts: 1,181
Not sure when she'll next be at a NEXUS office, but we'll figure something out. We will probably be in DEN in December but their GE office isn't open weekends.