Is Global Entry worthwhile?
#2686
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svs, AA PlatPro, WN RR, AZ/ITA Freccia, Hilton Diam, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez, IHG
Posts: 3,540
It does make sense - I suppose the question is still out there, however, which is may the parent heavily assist the child at the GE kiosk (including inserting the passport, helping the child place the hand in the correct place, checking the questions, etc.), so long as (of course) the child's passport is inserted and hand used.
From the program's inception the policy was no piggybacks. Until they allowed under 14 to get their own GE, there were stories of agents letting a GE parent with a young child through at kiosk. Others not (stated policy was not to). OFten they would still give us front of the line if asked. It never hurts to ask.
But from the program's start it was one person, one dec, one kiosk. It is really not that difficult a concept I presume.
#2687
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: YQR
Programs: NEXUS; alas, no status anymore.
Posts: 1,181
I understand these readers will be installed in non-NEXUS lanes too, although it won't be compulsory to use them - but you can wave your card at these as well to save a little time.
#2688
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: AMEX Platinum, Global Entry, Priority Pass, SPG Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,594
http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/rfid/rfid_how_to.html
#2690
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond, UA 1K MM, SPG Plat For Life, Marriott Plat, Nexus/GlobalEntry
Posts: 9,198
I can speak for the Blaine Peace Arch crossing in Washington state....the RFID readers are at all lanes. I don't know that it makes much difference though in time savings if not everyone in the car is in a trusted traveler program.
#2691
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA,UA SLV, SPG GLD,Hyatt GP Plat.,National Exec., Hertz Platinum
Posts: 237
My Global Entry Experience
Let’s start off by answering what Global Entry is:
It expedites the process of standing in line for immigration when you enter the United States.
It expedites the process of security screening at domestic airports with the inclusion of TSA Pre Check.
It gives you a “Redress Number” that supposedly gives you better treatment at the airport.
How does Global Entry work?
Basically, when you land from an international flight, you proceed directly to the kiosks labeled “Global Entry” and swipe your passport. After swiping it, you answer a few questions on the screen, run your fingerprints, and take a picture. After that, you’re all set to go to baggage claim and proceed onwards. This program should save you about 15-20 at most airports and 30-1 hour at others!
How to apply?
You can apply for Global Entry on the Global Entry Site.
When you’re there, you have to create a “GOES” account and use that info to help apply for Global Entry
While applying, you will be asked a series of questions that pretty much ask about your travels.
After you go through the form, you’ll be prompted to pay and you can either choose A Credit or Bank Account
How much is it?
Global Entry costs $100 to apply for. The “trick” is to use a Platinum Card from American Express. If you sign up for the Platinum Card that has a $0 Annual Fee for the first year from Ameriprise, this will help you a lot! American Express offers to reimburse your application fee for Global Entry as long as you pay with the Card. Also, I confirmed with American Express that every “Authorized User” on your account will be reimbursed as well.
The Wait
I was kind of impatient and just paid the $100 fee on August 19th. Stupidly, I applied for the Platinum Amex on August 21st. Anyways, the application is supposed to be reviewed and they should get back to you with 2 weeks, but they got back to me by August 21st. It took them two days to conditionally approve me. They conditionally approve you, but that doesn’t mean you’re totally approved. (hence the conditionally)
The Interview
After approving you, an interview must be scheduled. Weirdly, there was only ONE day available for the next 2 months in Los Angeles and it happened to be August 22nd. For Los Angeles, the only interviewing location is at LAX in the Tom Bradley International terminal. I brought my passports and drivers license to the interview and was greeted by some friendly agents. Before taking the interview, they took my prints and picture. They then started to ask a barrage of questions. Be prepared to answer any questions about your business, where you work, where you live etc.. Don’t be alarmed if they ask you why you go to the same country all the time or why you went to a certain country. The best way to respond to these is with the truth. In my case, I was asked why I go to India and Bangladesh so much. I was a bit nervous because I didn’t want to be denied, but when he started laughing with me, I was fine. He then proceeded to approve me! After the interview, I noticed that the “Demo” machine wasn’t working and so he handed me a few cards explaining how to use the machine. I personally wont try this out till December unless I decide to go out of the country in the next few months. The machine is pretty straight forward and all it does is take pictures, scans your passport and prints, and asks you the questions you fill out on those dreadful blue customs forms. The CBP officer put a sticker on my passport explaining that if the machine was ever down, that I immediately CUT everyone in the line and go to a CBP officer. He was adamant about saying I had “Priority”.
Overall Thoughts
I applied for Global Entry because I wanted to get through security and immigration faster. I’m glad I did because even if I dont fly a lot, it’s nice to just have it. It’s even more lucrative when you dont have to pay for it like my dad whom I just applied for. When I use it, i’ll write another blog post on that!
It expedites the process of standing in line for immigration when you enter the United States.
It expedites the process of security screening at domestic airports with the inclusion of TSA Pre Check.
It gives you a “Redress Number” that supposedly gives you better treatment at the airport.
How does Global Entry work?
Basically, when you land from an international flight, you proceed directly to the kiosks labeled “Global Entry” and swipe your passport. After swiping it, you answer a few questions on the screen, run your fingerprints, and take a picture. After that, you’re all set to go to baggage claim and proceed onwards. This program should save you about 15-20 at most airports and 30-1 hour at others!
How to apply?
You can apply for Global Entry on the Global Entry Site.
When you’re there, you have to create a “GOES” account and use that info to help apply for Global Entry
While applying, you will be asked a series of questions that pretty much ask about your travels.
After you go through the form, you’ll be prompted to pay and you can either choose A Credit or Bank Account
How much is it?
Global Entry costs $100 to apply for. The “trick” is to use a Platinum Card from American Express. If you sign up for the Platinum Card that has a $0 Annual Fee for the first year from Ameriprise, this will help you a lot! American Express offers to reimburse your application fee for Global Entry as long as you pay with the Card. Also, I confirmed with American Express that every “Authorized User” on your account will be reimbursed as well.
The Wait
I was kind of impatient and just paid the $100 fee on August 19th. Stupidly, I applied for the Platinum Amex on August 21st. Anyways, the application is supposed to be reviewed and they should get back to you with 2 weeks, but they got back to me by August 21st. It took them two days to conditionally approve me. They conditionally approve you, but that doesn’t mean you’re totally approved. (hence the conditionally)
The Interview
After approving you, an interview must be scheduled. Weirdly, there was only ONE day available for the next 2 months in Los Angeles and it happened to be August 22nd. For Los Angeles, the only interviewing location is at LAX in the Tom Bradley International terminal. I brought my passports and drivers license to the interview and was greeted by some friendly agents. Before taking the interview, they took my prints and picture. They then started to ask a barrage of questions. Be prepared to answer any questions about your business, where you work, where you live etc.. Don’t be alarmed if they ask you why you go to the same country all the time or why you went to a certain country. The best way to respond to these is with the truth. In my case, I was asked why I go to India and Bangladesh so much. I was a bit nervous because I didn’t want to be denied, but when he started laughing with me, I was fine. He then proceeded to approve me! After the interview, I noticed that the “Demo” machine wasn’t working and so he handed me a few cards explaining how to use the machine. I personally wont try this out till December unless I decide to go out of the country in the next few months. The machine is pretty straight forward and all it does is take pictures, scans your passport and prints, and asks you the questions you fill out on those dreadful blue customs forms. The CBP officer put a sticker on my passport explaining that if the machine was ever down, that I immediately CUT everyone in the line and go to a CBP officer. He was adamant about saying I had “Priority”.
Overall Thoughts
I applied for Global Entry because I wanted to get through security and immigration faster. I’m glad I did because even if I dont fly a lot, it’s nice to just have it. It’s even more lucrative when you dont have to pay for it like my dad whom I just applied for. When I use it, i’ll write another blog post on that!
#2694
Senior Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: UA Plat/2MM [23-yr. 1K, now emeritus] clawing way back to WN-A List; MR LT Titanium; HY Whateverist.
Posts: 12,396
And for more discussion, this thread will now move to the appropriate travel security forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.
#2695
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: Delta Kryptonium
Posts: 1,144
Nexus & GE & "companion application"
Just remember if you live in a US city that borders Canada you should apply for Nexus for only $50 & it includes GE as a bonus, instead of paying $100 for GE alone (makes no sense, but the government runs the programs).
On the AMEX Platinum reimbursement - they will reimburse any GE or Nexus application charge on your card (up to $200) AND the "other person(s)" do not have to be authorized users (this has been reported by me and others from personal experience).
On the AMEX Platinum reimbursement - they will reimburse any GE or Nexus application charge on your card (up to $200) AND the "other person(s)" do not have to be authorized users (this has been reported by me and others from personal experience).
#2696
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Western PA
Programs: ExPlAAt; United 1K
Posts: 480
*some exceptions have been reported. YMMV.
#2697
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: DFW
Posts: 8,036
Just remember if you live in a US city that borders Canada you should apply for Nexus for only $50 & it includes GE as a bonus, instead of paying $100 for GE alone (makes no sense, but the government runs the programs).
On the AMEX Platinum reimbursement - they will reimburse any GE or Nexus application charge on your card (up to $200) AND the "other person(s)" do not have to be authorized users (this has been reported by me and others from personal experience).
On the AMEX Platinum reimbursement - they will reimburse any GE or Nexus application charge on your card (up to $200) AND the "other person(s)" do not have to be authorized users (this has been reported by me and others from personal experience).
#2698
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA,UA SLV, SPG GLD,Hyatt GP Plat.,National Exec., Hertz Platinum
Posts: 237