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-   -   Is Global Entry worthwhile? (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trusted-travelers/917913-global-entry-worthwhile.html)

5khours Oct 28, 2012 10:09 am

Definitely worth it. Just schedule your interview for a time when you're going through DFW anyway. When I did it the interview and processing took less than 5 minutes.

chucko Oct 28, 2012 10:20 am

It works for me. I've taken a half-dozen international trips this year, and it typically takes about 60 seconds to clear the GE kiosks. The longest wait is still for a checked bag to hit the baggage carousel. But if I just have carry-on, I'm out of the customs area before some people make it out of the back of the plane.

TheCount2 Oct 28, 2012 10:23 am

I second this. I did my interview when flying domestically out of EWR. My wife did her interview just before checking in to her outbound to Europe and used GE on the return.
I travel internationally about 4x annually and while GE doesn't save time every trip it has spared me some long waits.

OrlandoFlyer Oct 28, 2012 11:08 am

Without a doubt GE is well worth it. Platinum Amex paid for mine and UA paid for Mrs OrlandoFlyers (she has Platinum Status). Have used it three times in the last month and without a doubt it is worth it. No longer do we have to answer unnecessary questions from the CBP officers going through immigration, and it really saves time.

Also, you can use the GE number with the TSA Pre-check app from the Airlines. Believe you me that TSA Pre-check is worth it as well.

UshuaiaHammerfest Oct 28, 2012 11:25 am


Originally Posted by cslovacek (Post 19580255)
Oblisk,

Can you expand on the TSA Pre-check. I am not familiar with that. Also, how do you get it?

There are a lot of threads in the Practical Travel Safety Issues forum covering pre-check and how to get it. Do a search and you'll find many. Basically, it's easier screening through TSA checkpoints (no shoe or laptop removal). There are a number of ways to get it, but becoming GE is one of the easiest.

GE is very worth it, even if you only travel abroad 2 - 4 times a year. From the aircraft door to the exit doors of the customs area is typically about 7 minutes for me (with carryons). If time is your most precious commodity, it's well worth the $100.

You can schedule the interview pretty much around your own schedule and at any GE facility, which means any time you're flying to another airport with GE, you can interview there.

(This is a practical question covering practical topics... should be in the practical issues forum.)

tkflyer Oct 28, 2012 11:39 am

Definitely worth it, not just the <1min GE kiosks but also the fast track exit lane from the customs hall for GE once you have your bags.

I have also found on the occasions I have had to deal with CBP for one reason or another, once they know your GE they seem to treat you as some sort of quasi VIP.

And not to underestimate the benefits of TSA-Pre.

david.weber Oct 28, 2012 12:04 pm

Global Entry
 
It's an outstanding program and well worth the money in time spent coming back into the US. It works flawlessly.

PHLyer82 Oct 28, 2012 12:22 pm

In case the 10 replies before aren't enough testimonial, Ill add another it's definitely worth it. Makes international to domestic connections not much different than domestic to domestic which means less cushion needed for layovers.

TheRoadie Oct 28, 2012 3:04 pm


Originally Posted by PHLyer82 (Post 19580948)
In case the 10 replies before aren't enough....

...there's 2800 replies in this identical thread in the sister forum:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/pract...orthwhile.html

Boraxo Oct 28, 2012 5:18 pm

Is Global Entry worthwhile?
 
Not worthwhile at SFO on Friday, ICE was fully staffed and 3 of 4 kiosks were broken. Faster to go thru the regular line. I asked a couple of agents if they had put in a repair order, they just looked at me funny.

To be fair there are days when you can easily save 45m with GE @ SFO, and more time @ IAD.

OrlandoFlyer Oct 29, 2012 3:52 am


Originally Posted by Boraxo (Post 19582443)
Not worthwhile at SFO today, ICE was fully staffed and 3 of 4 kiosks were broken. Faster to go thru the regular line. I asked a couple of agents if they had put in a repair order, they just looked at me funny.

Three out of the four kiosks were broken when I went through there 11 days ago. It would appear that they are not putting in repair orders!

FlyHigh23 Oct 29, 2012 5:06 pm

Why are most locations booked until next year for an interview, while JFK has pretty much open availability? I didn't realize I'd have to wait next year for GE.

FlyMeToTheLooneyBin Oct 29, 2012 6:02 pm


Originally Posted by FlyHigh23 (Post 19588714)
Why are most locations booked until next year for an interview, while JFK has pretty much open availability? I didn't realize I'd have to wait next year for GE.

Sometimes, it can get full in the popular airports. DFW can be booked months in advance.

SFO777 Oct 29, 2012 6:10 pm


Originally Posted by FlyHigh23 (Post 19588714)
Why are most locations booked until next year for an interview, while JFK has pretty much open availability? I didn't realize I'd have to wait next year for GE.

Suggest you book what you can for next year and then just walk-in next time you are at any GE airport. When Mrs. SFO had her interview at SFO in August, we stopped in an hour early without a problem. We the only ones in the office for the 20-25 minute duration of the interview. Not sure if this will work but it's worth a try. As long as you have an interview, all the data you need is in the system.

vitalsigns2006 Nov 5, 2012 7:26 pm

New driver license
 
Hi members,

I have 2 questions:

1. If one moves to a new state, how can we update a different driver's license?

2. Can we use Global entry card to enter into US from Canada and Mexico? (do we need to register our vehicle or it is not required)

Thanks for the input


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